16 Best Things to Do in Nara (Ultimate 2025 Guide)

June 24, 2025
One Comment

You have probably heard of the bowing deer in Japan, but did you know they are located in Nara, just a short trip from Osaka or Kyoto? And there is so much more to see than the deer in Nara – here are my top 16 things!

This is your sign to add Nara to your Japan bucket list. It is most well-known for the bowing deer, however there are so many more things to see there! From stunning temples, to beautiful Japanese gardens and more, don’t miss out on this beautiful area.

I’d recommend visiting Nara as a daytrip from either Kyoto or Osaka. Both are about 45 minutes away by public transport. I personally visited from Osaka as accommodation is a little more affordable there.

Here are all the things to see when in Nara:

Table of Contents

How to get to Nara?

How to get to Nara from Osaka?

If you’re starting at Namba station, get on the Kintetsu-Nara Line to Kintetsu-Nara station for 680 yen ($4.70). It only takes about 45 minutes. For other stations, simply use Google Maps for the quickest route and cost.

Related article: The Ultimate 4-Day Osaka Itinerary

How to get to Nara from Kyoto?

If coming from Kyoto station, take the Kintetsu-Kyoto line to Kintetsu-Nara Station, also for 760 yen. The journey will take around 50 minutes. Use Google Maps for directions and cost from other stations.

Related article: The Ultimate 3-Day Kyoto Itinerary

Where to stay in Kyoto or Osaka?

Check out my full accommodation guides for the two cities here:

Where to Stay in Osaka
Where to Stay in Kyoto

Top things to do in Kyoto

1. Feed the bowing deer at Nara Deer Park

Nara is most famous for the bowing deer and they are most certainly a highlight of Nara. You will start to see the first ones soon after leaving Kintetsu-Nara station and heading towards Nara Park.

A word of warning here – the deer, especially the ones right at the entrance of Nara Park where the little shops are, can get aggressive. They are used to getting fed so if they bow and you don’t immediately give them a cracker, they bite or run after you. My biggest tip would be to stay calm and don’t purchase crackers until you have cleared that initial park area (or at least don’t open them). That is where most people stay and feed the deer, so it is the most chaotic and you are making yourself a target if you purchase the crackers (they can smell them even in a bag).

Head a little bit further towards the pond areas (around Nemu Shrine) or even further to where the temples are and get crackers there. The deer are much more relaxed here and it will be a more enjoyable experience. Simply bow to the deer, wait for it to bow back and give them a cracker – it is a really fun experience when you don’t have twenty deer chasing you.

2. Visit the striking Todai-ji Temple

This temple is often referred to as the landmark of Nara. It is found right by Nara deer park. The Buddhist temple itself is very influential in Japan and houses one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha.

The tickets cost 800 yen ($5.50) and are well worth it, the temple is stunning in person and boast loats of detail inside.

3. Get sweeping views over Nara from Todai-ji Nigatsu-do Temple

Todai-ji Nigatsu-do Temple is possibly my favourite temple in Nara. The walk here is beautiful and you will encounter a bunch of deer again, many of them will be a bit more relaxed and easier to interact with than the one’s in the main park. The temple itself is not only stunning with its countless hanging lanterns, it also has vast views over Nara and its surroundings.

There are quite a few Matcha ice cream places around that are well worth a visit.

4. Explore the stunning Kasugataisha Shrine

This shrine is located in the forest and is made up of a collection of red shrines and many lanters which are donated by worshippers. Most of this shrine is free to enter and it is so worth exploring this serene location.

5. Wander the extensive and serene shrine grounds

The beauty starts with the walk up to the shrine. You are led through a forest and paths lined by traditional Japanese lanterns all the way to the red gates of Kasugataisha Shrine.

The paths continue past the shrine to many more smaller shrines and wind through the forest, a beautiful and serene walk.

6. Fuel up with fresh Udon at Mizuya Chaya for lunch

There is no better way to fuel up while exploring Nara’s shrines than Mizuya Chaya, located just by Kasugataisha Shrine. It’s a small restaurant that only serves Udon noodles but they are delicious! I’d highly recommend stopping here to refuel and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

7. Watch traditional Mochi pounding at Nakatanidou

In the centre of Nara you will find an at first unassuming shop, except for the huge crowd that is usually gathered. Staff will be handing out fresh mochi for only a few hundred yen, an endless chain of the chewy treat.

I actually stumbled upon the shop by accident and was confused by the crowds but bought one of the mochi balls that was handed out in the crowds when all of a sudden, everyone got their cameras out.

Why? Well, at Nakatanidou you can watch live mochi-pounding and it is one of those must-do experiences. I’m not sure how often they do the pounding, but it didn’t seem like the wait was too long. And the result are those delicious, fresh mochi balls filled with red bean paste. 10/10!

8. Grab some souvenirs and treats in Nara’s shopping streets

Nara’s main shopping street is called Sanjo Dori, though many of the side streets such as Mochiidonocho and Higashimuki Shopping Street have more shops and eateries.

Here you can find anything from Matcha to Souvenirs to Deer Cookies.

9. Enjoy the quiet of Yoshikien Garden

This serene, traditional Japanese garden is often called the hidden gem of Nara. It is a quiet Oasis in the middle of the touristy hustle and the perfect place to rest. The garden itself is beautiful, meticulously planned and executed.

10. Hike Mount Wakakusa for sunset

The small hike up Mount Wakakusa is rewarded with sweeping views over Nara at the top. You will likely encounter a few deer resting here as you head up and it is a fantastic place for sunset.

11. Visit Kofuku-ji Temple and its Pagoda

This temple and its extensive grounds are located on the way back to Nara city centre from the park. It is one of Japan’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temples and features the country’s second tallest wooden pagoda.

12. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Heijō Palace Historical Park

Located on the other side of Nara, you will find the ruins of Heijo Palace. It used to be home to the Imperial Palace and government district. There is also a museum that explains the history of Heijo-Kyo and the close contact between Japan’s envoys and China’s Tang Dynasty. The grounds are large and well worth a stroll for anyone interested in history.

13. Wander the park around Ukimido Pavilion and see some cherry blossoms

When you head from Nara Deer Park to Ukimido Pavilion via Asajigahara Enchi, you will cross through one of Nara’s most beautiful areas, especially when the cherry blosssoms start to bloom. There are countless of the magical trees in this area and you may even come across one of the locals painting the scenery.

14. Check out the mini bamboo forest of Yugayama Enchi

Swap the packed Arashiyama bamboo forest for its quieter, small sister. It is located inside another beautiful Japanese garden with a tea ceremony room. Great for those bamboo photos without the crowds.

15. Enjoy delicious Matcha treats and drinks

While Nara isn’t as famous as Uji when it comes to Matcha, it does have a long history of the tea cultivation and high-quality teas. You can find samples everywhere and in any form, from Matcha Lattes to cakes to shaved ice. A great afternoon snack to re-energise!

16. Go for a hike in Kasugayama Primeval Forest

Nara is actually a great hiking region and an underrated one at that. One of the most beautiful hikes is the 11.5km route Kasugayama Mountain Trail through the ancient forest (you can find it on alltrails too). The felling of trees by Mount Kasuga is illegal as it is a sacred mountain and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How many days do you need in Nara?

You can see all the main sights of Nara in one day, two are also great if you have extra time. I’d recommend to do it as a daytrip from either Osaka or Kyoto.

Is Nara a walkable city?

Yes, Nara is super walkable. A lot of this itinerary is inside Nara Park so you will see barely any cars all day and it’s a super lovely area to walk around in.

Is Nara closer to Osaka or Kyoto?

Osaka is a little closer to Nara than Kyoto and I decided to do my day trip from Osaka as accommodation there is a little cheaper than in Kyoto. However, you can easily visit Nara from both cities in under an hour.

Related article: The Ultimate 4-Day Osaka Itinerary