Ultimate Nara Day Trip Itinerary From Osaka Or Kyoto
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? Here is the ultimate Nara day trip itinerary, including how to get there, things to do and tips for a seamless day!
Nara is an absolute must-visit when in Japan. 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 is the ultimate day trip itinerary for Nara:
How to get to Nara?
You will likely head to Nara from either Osaka or Kyoto. Both cities are close-by and well connected by public transport.
How to get to Nara from Osaka?
If coming from Namba station, hop 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?
From Kyoto station, take the Kintetsu-Kyoto line to Kintetsu-Nara Station, also for 760 yen. This 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 Osaka or Kyoto?
Check out my full accommodation guides for the two cities here:
Daytrip to Nara Itinerary
We have already talked about getting to Nara, now it is time to explore. Nara is famous for the bowing deer, however there are so many other things to see and do there. I personally didn’t know just how many beautiful temples there are to visit, so here is a full guide on the everything you need to see in Nara:
Start the day at Nara Deer Park
If you follow the main road from Kintetsu-Nara Station, you will reach the main deer park after about 10/15 minutes. This is a great starting point as there are plenty of deer here.
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).
So, head past that area, even just a little bit towards the pond areas (around Nemu Shrine) or even further to where the temples are and get crackers there. The deer are much more calm and it will be a more relaxed and enjoyable experience. That being said, bowing to a deer and having it bow back is an epic experience so don’t be too worried!
Explore the impressive Todai-ji Temple
After feeding some deer and taking a “bowing” video, head to Todai-ji Temple which is a landmark of Nara. The Buddhist temple itself is very influential in Japan and houses one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha.
The temple is stunning in person with tons of detail and fascinating statues inside.
Enjoy sweeping views from Todai-ji Nigatsu-do Temple
Make your way up to Todai-ji Nigatsu-do Temple, 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 gives you stunning views over Nara and its surroundings.
There are quite a few Matcha ice cream places around that are well worth a visit.
Stop at Mizuya Chaya for lunch
If you keep following the main road, you will pass lots of souvenir and knife shops that are worth checking out. But the main attraction is Mizuya Chaya, located just before the next temple. 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.
Wander around Kasugataisha Shrine and the beautiful surrounds
After you have fuelled up with some food, it is time for another shrine. Even the walk up to this one is serene. You are led through a forest and paths lined by traditional Japanese lanterns all the way to the red gates of Kasugataisha Shrine. Here, you will find a collection of red shrines and many, many more lanterns which are donated by worshippers.
The shrine has possibly the most beautiful location and is surrounded by nature, so would really recommend finishing off your tour of Nara Park and its shrines here.
Walk through Nara and experience traditional Mochi pounding
Walk back to Nara city centre via Kataoka Bairin to see the beautiful views over Sagi Pond. This is especially stunning during cherry blossom season as the whole area is full of pastel-coloured trees.
Make sure to check out Higashimuki Shopping St for some local shops and delicious treats and then make your way to Nakatanidou. 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!
If you have some extra time:
Yoshikien Garden
A beautiful Japanese garden, much quieter than a lot of other places in Nara. A serene escape after the bustle of the deer park!
Mount Wakakusa
A small hike where you get 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.
Kofuku-ji Temple
This temple is 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.
Is one day in Nara enough?
Yes, you can see all the main sights of Nara in one day. 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.
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