Nara Things to Do

Deer Eating Sakura
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Nara Park in Spring
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Issuien Garden
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Most Viewed Things to Do in Nara

1. Todaiji Temple

Todai-ji ("Great Eastern Temple") is reputedly the largest wooden structure in the world, and it houses what must be one of the largest bronze statues of Buddha around, the Daibutsu or Great Buddha.... more
- 49 Reviews
- 103 Photos
2. Nara Park

Nara Park and Miyajima are probably Japan's most famous places to see, pet, and feed deer! The park itself is rather ordinary and unspectacular (not counting all of the historical sites within and... more
- 21 Reviews
- 34 Photos
3. Kasuga Shrine

Kasuga Taisha is an important Shinto shrine in Nara, dedicated to the deity responsible for the protection of the city of Nara. It is located at the western foot of Mikasa-yama and Kasuga-yama, which... more
- 11 Reviews
- 28 Photos
4. Kofukuji Temple

Kofukuji Temple was first built by the Fujiwara to ward off illness in 669. The temple moved before being built in Nara in 710. The five-storied pagoda has become an iconic symbol of the temple, as... more
- 11 Reviews
- 20 Photos
5. Horyuji Temple

Kondo, The Main-Hall of Horyuji Temple is one of the places where photography was totally forbidden inside, but at least we were allowed to take a look inside. Outside of the building you will see... more
- 6 Reviews
- 24 Photos
6. Nigatsu-do

A pleasant escape from the crowds at Todai-ji is Nigatsu-do (one of todai-ji's sub temples). Entry is free and there are good views over the city towards the larger temple. On March the 13th there is... more
- 5 Reviews
- 5 Photos
7. Yakushiji Temple

Yakushiji Temple was built to worship Yakushi Nyorai, god of medicine back in the 7th century however, as a result of fires, the temple you see today was rebuilt in the 1970s with the exception of the... more
- 2 Reviews
- 9 Photos
8. Nara Koen

Nara park is a huge city park in which the major historic sites of Nara are preserved. The park is also home to a large population of deer that are considered... more
9. Kasugayama Primeval Forest

Kasugayama Primeval Forest is located on the hill behind Kasuga Shrine. Because of its ties with the shrine, the mountain and forest are considered to be... more
10. Mount Wakakusayama

Mount Wakakusa is the hill that overlooks Nara's historic center. During times of the year when it is open it makes a nice hiking course. The hiking trail takes... more
11. Toshodaiji Temple

Toshodaiji Temple was built by the Chinese priest Ganjin who is accredited with solidifying Japan as a Buddhist nation during the Nara Period. The Kondo (main... more
12. Omizutori

Omizutori is held every year from March 1 to March 14 at Nigatsu-do for over 1200 years. Every night they light toches and hang them out over the balcony of the... more
13. Wakakusa Yamayaki

Wakakusa Yamayaki literally means "burning of Mount Wakakusa" and that's exactly what happens! The festival takes place every year on January 28. It begins with... more
14. Naoya Shiga Residence

The former residence of Naoya Shiga is preserved here in Nara. Naoya Shiga is not so well-known abroad, but in Japan he was a famous, influential writer in the... more
15. Shin-Yakushiji Temple

Shin-Yakushiji Temple was built in 747. Yakushi Nyorai is the principal deity worshipped here. People pray to him for good health and this temple was built in... more
16. Jinrikisha...Human Powered Wheels

Human Powered Wheels, is little expensive since the one who is pulling is japanese. I recommend to take the short course for 10 mins and costs 3000 en... it... more
17. Issuien Garden

The original garden was made in the 1670s as part of a subtemple of Kofukuji Temple but the garden you see today is the result of modifications during the early... more
18. Yoshikien Garden

Yoshikien Garden is located right next to Issuien Garden (you can see parts of each garden from the other). It is a former privately owned garden now open to... more
19. Saidaiji Temple

Not to be confused with the temple in Okayama by the same name (where the Naked Man Festival is held), Nara's Saidaiji was one of the Seven Great Temples of... more
20. Heijo Palace Ruins

When Nara was the capital of Japan it was known as Heijo-kyo. While none of the buildings from the original palace remain, the palace site still contains a few... more
21. Nara National Museum

The Nara National Museum is among the best museums in the nation, especially for those interested in Buddhist art. The museum is filled with amazing Buddhist... more
22. Gangoji Temple

Gangoji Temple is a small temple built in a Korean architectural style. It houses a famous mandala (image of the Buddhist Pure Land). There are many statues... more
23. Walking in Nara

Nara is a pleasant city to walk and visit temples and pagodas. Its a city with a lot of trees and is relatively small. You can have green tea in old-fashioned... more
24. Enjoy to look world heriteges lit up in the night

Ordinary year, July 1 to Oct 31,Various historical buildings in Nara are lit up at night. It is called " Light Up Promenade "The sites include Yakushiji Temple,... more
25. Oriental Healing Experience

Treated utilizing meridian diagnosis to ascertain the imbalances of the body. Healer a licensed acupuncturist used acupressure, tuina, cupping, gua sha and... more
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Nara Things to Do

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One of Japan's ancient capitals

Nara is a town with 350.000 inhabitants nowadays and used to be the capital of japan during the so-called Nara-time between 710 and 784. Nara is considdered a UNESCO-World-Heritage

Rich Culture in the Countryside

Nara is known as the first official capital of Japan, established in 710 AD. After the capital was moved to Nagaoka and then to Kyoto, Nara retained its significance, but over the years, the city has...

Nara - A historical City.

I would personally recommend Nara, known as the home of Japanese history and culture, as one of the must see places around Kyoto. A day trip is enough to explore the places of interest and enjoy the...

We were in Nara in 2002 for our friend's wedding. A group of us were put up in a house for the time we were there (people from Japan, Australia and the UK). Having a few days we took the others to...

Nara is a must-visit for any visitor to the Kanto area. It is a short and convenient day trip from Osaka or Kyoto and is DEFINITELY well worth your time. Nara not only has great historical and...

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