Nara-ken Things to Do

  Naoya Shiga's Study
by Rabbityama
 
  • Naoya Shiga's Study
      Naoya Shiga's Study
    by Rabbityama
  • Issuien Garden
      Issuien Garden
    by Rabbityama
  • Kasuga Taisha
      Kasuga Taisha
    by bebejepang
  •   Nara Park
    by hebaemam
  • Deer Eating Sakura
      Deer Eating Sakura
    by Rabbityama
 

Most Viewed Things to Do in Nara-ken

1.

Todaiji Temple   Nara

Todaiji Temple, Nara

 75 Reviews  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.... 

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2.

Nara Park   Nara

Nara Park, Nara

 33 Reviews  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... 

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3.

Kasuga Shrine   Nara

Kasuga Shrine, Nara

 19 Reviews  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... 

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4.

Kofukuji Temple   Nara

Kofukuji Temple, Nara

 17 Reviews  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... 

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5.

Horyuji Temple   Nara

Horyuji Temple, Nara

 5 Reviews  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... 

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6.

Nigatsu-do   Nara

Nigatsu-do, Nara

 5 Reviews  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... 

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7.

Yakushiji Temple   Nara

Yakushiji Temple, Nara

 2 Reviews  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... 

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

tsubosakadera / Osato and Sawaichi

by shawshankjp

It is the 6th holly temple of Saigoku(west) thirty Kannon piligrimage.It was established in 703.This temple is famous for the story of "Love story of Osato and Sawaichi".Sawaichi was blind and had a beautiful wife whose name was Osato.He found that every early morning she went somewhere and so he doubt that she had an affair.So he demanded her a question but her answer was totally different from his suspicion.She wished he could see again for him and so she went to the temple every day....He ashamed himself and blamed himself so much and finally he comitted suicide.When she found his death she commited suicide too.But Buddha had pity for them and so he revived them and gave Sawaichi recover his eyesight.In the temple there is Sawaichi's stick and they say if you touch it your marriage life would be better.

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Former Daijoin Temple Garden

by MINOSUKE

Daijoin Temple flourished during the period between the Heian Era and the Muromachi Era as a branch of Kofukuji Temple. The garden was said to have been built in the Heian Era, but ruined later. And at the end of the 15th century, it was reconstructed by the first-rank gardener, Zeami. Now a cultural hall is built next to the garden. And you can see the beautiful garden from the window of the hall. *admission free*9:00 - 17:00

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Playing With Deer

by MINOSUKE

In Nara, deer are regarded sacred. Nara people believe that, long time ago, a god flew to Nara on the back of white deer. Since then they treated deer with respect and care.Now it is said there are more than 2000 deer in and around Nara Park. You will meet them at Kasuga Taisha Shrine, at Todaiji Temple when you go and see the Huge Budda, etc. Most of the deer that are in the spots for tourists are friendly. The antlers of male deer are cut in October so that they won't hurt you. You can buy food for deer at soubenir shops or stalls and enjoy feeding them and playing with them.

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Taking A Perfect Picture of Old Tower and A Pond

by MINOSUKE

Kohukuji Temple has a beautiful 5-story-tower and it is one of the symbols of Nara. To the south of the temple, across Sanjodori Street, there is a big pond, Sarusawa Pond. On the southern bank of the pond, you can take a perfect picture of the tower and the pond. The picture will surely be one of your good memories of Nara.

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Puting on Antique Kimono

by nahoppemo

I was born Nara City, I recommend the Active in Nara city. Nara is the most Ancient Capital of Japan.You can feel traditional japanese more then other Cities with clothes Foods architectures.if you are a short trip to go Nara city, generally peoples go The Todaiji Temples.For the lunch,you can go to Shizuka(you can eat nara tradditional cheken rice.but you have to wait 30 minutes Before you eat ,they start to cook cheken rice when you arrive(no need reservation).Shizuka situated(http://www.naraexplorer.jp/dining/tj.html )But if you don t want to spend money and time and you want to see more diffrent, I recommend to go Sarusawa-pond to stay for relaxing little while. And if you want to eat lunch or diner, I recommend to go "UTOUTO" you can eat japanese traditional familal food there, but you need to reserve before. Because it is not restaurant, they open when they people reservate(Normaly...

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Visiting Kasuga Taisha Shrine

by MINOSUKE

Kasuga Taisha Shrine is a very old shrine built in the 8th century. Walking through woody Nara Park welcomed by a lot of deer and going into the approach to the shrine, you will see many stone lanterns on both sides. It is said there are about 2000 lanterns. After the long approach of lanterns the gate of the shrine appears on your left. The buildings of the shrine are made of vermillion-lacquered wood. The vermiiion pillars are so beautiful against the background of the green of Kasugayama Mountain. This time I visited the shrine on April 20th. I could enjoy the verdure (fresh green) of the maple leaves. But, of course, autumn will be as good as spring. The leaves will have so beautifully turned red!And in the ground of the shrine, there is a famous tree of Japanese wisteria. During the period of so-called 'Japanese Golden Week (from the end of April to the beginning of May)', the...

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Command A Splendid View of Nara from Nigatsudo

by MINOSUKE

Nigatsudo is a building of Todaiji Temple which is famous for its Big Budda. Todaiji Temple is a very big temple with large grounds and many buildings. Nigatsudo is one of the 7 main buildings of the temple and located to the east of Big Budda. You can enjoy walking through the grounds toward Nigatsudo. On your way, you will find a huge temple bell (28 tons!) hanging in the belfry. (You can also walk to Nigatsudo from Kasuga Shrine, passing Nara Park and Wakakusayama Hill.) When you come to Nigatsudo, go up to the stage, from where you can command a splendid view of Todaiji Temple and Nara City. The view is really worth visiting!'Nigatsu' means February and 'do' means building. Next to Nigatsudo, there is Sangatsudo. 'Sangatsu' means March. Both buildings are beautiful with the contrast of brown wood and white plaster.

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Todai-ji, Meet the great Buddha

by shawshankjp

The most famous statue of Buddha may be the great Buddha of Todai-ji.Todai-ji is located in the centre of Nara.When you enter the main gate you see the big "NIOU" .Inside the mainhall there are the Great Buddha, two Bosatsu,two Ten...all of them are verybig!!!I wonder how they make it at that time.There is Nara park and the mountain near the temple.So after you see the temple you can enjoy walking around there.The nearest station is Kintetsu Nara and it takes about 20 minutes walk.

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Horyuu-ji

by shawshankjp

It is the oldest wooden temple in the world.It is also the first world heritage in Japon.It is said that Youmei Emperor made this templeto wish for recovering his illness. He died before its completion.So Suiko Emperor and Syoutoku-taishi took over his wish and finished with building the temple in 607.In this precinct you can see the famous five-storied pagoda.In this temple you can see many statues Buddhas. The kudara-kannon is one of most famous statues.It has elegant and humanity expression.

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tsubosakadera / eye's temple

by shawshankjp

It is famous as eye's temple so many people who has eye problem come to visit there.This temple has relationship with India.There are 2 big Buddha from India outside of temple.It was really big!!!Inside of hondou you can see an exotic Buddha.I think this temple is a bit different from other traditional temples and unique so you can enjoy spend time there.

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Fun things to do in Nara-ken

Top 3 Hotels in Nara-ken

Nara Hotel  Nara

 2 Reviews and 32 Opinions  This is a grand old hotel and it's showing its age. The room was very large and furnished with good... 

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Ryokufuukaku  Ikoma

 0 Opinions

 Hotels in Ikoma

Mishima Plaza Hotel  Mishima

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 Hotels in Mishima

87 Hotels in Nara-ken
 
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Reviews and photos of Nara-ken attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Nara-ken sightseeing.

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Things to Do: Cities in Nara-ken
  1. Nara Things to Do
  2. Tenri Things to Do
  3. Yoshino Things to Do
  4. Sakurai Things to Do
  5. Horyuji Things to Do
  6. Shimo-ichi Things to Do

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Questions and Answers

yin profile photo

Q:  Is there a bus service from Kansai airport to Nara directly ? and how much for the fare ? if no, what else can i choose ? thanks. 

ghosthunter profile photo

A: Hiya, Details of that bus journey can be found here: http://www.toandfromtheairport.com/japan-kinki.html#KIX 

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