Can Nara be done on a day trip?

It depends on how much you want to see in Nara. A day trip will be just fine for major sites in central Nara such as Todaiji, Nara Park, Tofukuji and Kasha Shrine, but if you want to see sites not in central Nara such as Horyuji, Toshodaiji and Yakushiji, then you should spend a night.



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One day is sufficient to see most of the sights within Nara. You can do this itinerary starting and finishing in Kyoto or Osaka if you wish, but you might find it more relaxing to stay one night in Nara. (See my personal recommendations of where to stay on the Nara Ryokan and Nara Hotels pages).

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Buses & Bus Tours Nara Kotsu operates the prefecture's extensive bus network, making it possible to travel to many of the more remote areas not served by rail. They also run many tourist-friendly bus routes linking the key attractions in Nara City, and in other popular areas like Asuka.

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Getting to Nara Miyakoji rapid trains operate every 30 minutes between Kyoto Station and JR Nara Station. The one way trip takes 45 minutes, costs 720 yen and is covered by the Japan Rail Pass. For the same fare, the trip could also be made by twice-hourly local trains in 75 minutes.

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Yamatoji rapid trains run every hour between Osaka and Nara from JR Osaka Station. The one-way trip takes 45 minutes and is covered by the JR Pass (it costs 800 yen without one).

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The two best times to visit Nara are October/November (fall) and March/April/May (spring). Nara has a temperate climate, so you can visit at any time of year. Summers (June/July/August) in Nara tend to be hot and humid. Winters (December/January/February) in Nara can be cold.

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Local trains are also available, but take an hour and fifteen minutes one-way. From Tokyo, take the Tokaido Shinkansen Line to Kyoto Station. From there, take the JR Nara Line to JR Nara Station, as described above. The trip is covered by the JR Pass.

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Nara's sights include Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Heijo Palace, Nara National Museum, the Neiraku Museum and the Isuien Garden Complex.

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Nara, once known as Heijo-kyo, was the first capital of Japan (710-794). It's home to 3 of Japan's World Heritage Sites and many impressive shrines, temples and ruins.

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Do not carelessly touch or approach the deer! Do not let your child approach the deer alone! The deer in Nara Park are wild animals. Their behavior is unpredictable.

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Yusa has the following hypothesis about this: "A long time ago, the deer in the capital Nara were afraid of humans, so they might have started bowing as a result of being stressed. However, the city gradually became a sightseeing spot and the deer learned to bow to people to get Shika Senbei rice crackers.

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