Is Nara worth a day trip?

Nara, Japan is one of the most popular day trips from Kyoto. Should you bother? In my opinion, yes! Nara is mostly famous for two things – wild deer and a large Buddha.



Nara is absolutely worth a day trip, especially from nearby Kyoto or Osaka (both under an hour away). As Japan's first permanent capital, it offers a more compact and manageable historical experience than Kyoto. The "star" of the city is Nara Park, home to over 1,200 wild sika deer that are considered sacred and will bow to you for special "shika senbei" crackers. Beyond the deer, the UNESCO World Heritage site Todai-ji Temple is an architectural marvel, housing the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), one of the largest bronze statues in the world, inside the world’s largest wooden building. A day trip allows you to comfortably see the major sites like Todai-ji, Kasuga Taisha Shrine with its thousands of lanterns, and Kofuku-ji's five-story pagoda. While staying overnight allows for a quieter experience after the day-trippers leave, the city’s primary highlights are perfectly situated for a high-impact, single-day excursion.

People Also Ask

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).

MORE DETAILS

The efficient train systems can take you to Nara easily from either city. So it depends if you have an extra day in Osaka or Kyoto. But either way, I would definitely include a day trip to Nara from either city.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

A Nara day trip from Osaka is a wonderful addition to your itinerary. With one day in Nara you'll be able to visit the deer park, see some amazing temples and try some local treats. Our Nara day trip was one of our favourite days in Japan!

MORE DETAILS

The JR Nara line takes 45 minutes by express train or 70 minutes if you catch a local train from Kyoto Station. It's covered by the JR Pass but the price is 690 yen if you don't have one. This is the best way to get from Kyoto to Nara if you have the Japan Rail Pass.

MORE DETAILS

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. Twice-hourly limited express trains take about 35 minutes and cost 1280 yen for the one way trip from Kyoto Station to Kintetsu Nara Station.

MORE DETAILS

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

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS