10 Things to do in Nara City! / What to do in Nara, Japan?
Table of Contents
- Nara Park and its iconic deer
- Todaiji Temple
- Kasuga Taisha
- Mount Wakakusa
- Nara's traditional gardens at Isuien
- Kofukuji Temple
- Nara National Museum
- Traditional tea ceremony - Jiko-in Temple
- Ukimido Pavilion
- Delicious local delicacies
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What to do in Nara City (奈良市) - Where is Nara City?
Japan Map with a circle around Nara.
Map of Nara City in Japan.
Nara is a city located in the Kansai region of Japan, slightly to the south of Kyoto and east of Osaka. It is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, ancient temples, and friendly deer that roam freely in Nara Park.
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Nara City has many places to visit.
Explore Nara Park and its iconic deer.
Nara Park is a vast green space in the heart of the city, famous for its friendly population of deer. These deer are considered messengers of the gods in Japanese mythology and are protected as national treasures. Visitors can feed and interact with the deer while enjoying the park's scenic beauty.
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- Nara Park is a vast green space in the heart of the city, covering an area of 502 hectares.
- The park is famous for its friendly population of over 1,200 freely roaming deer.
- These deer are considered messengers of the gods in Japanese mythology and are protected as national treasures.
- Visitors can feed and interact with the deer while enjoying the park's scenic beauty.
Visit Todaiji Temple, home to the Great Buddha.
Todaiji Temple is one of Japan's most important and historically significant temples. It houses the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), a towering bronze statue that is one of the largest in the world. The temple complex also includes beautiful gardens and smaller shrines.
- Todaiji Temple is one of Japan's most important and historically significant temples.
- It houses the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), a towering bronze statue that is one of the largest in the world.
- The Great Buddha statue is approximately 15 meters tall and weighs over 500 tons.
- The temple complex also includes beautiful gardens and smaller shrines.
Stroll through Kasuga Taisha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kasuga Taisha is a stunning Shinto shrine known for its thousands of hanging lanterns that illuminate the path to the main hall. The shrine is surrounded by dense forest, creating a mystical atmosphere that is perfect for peaceful contemplation.
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- Kasuga Taisha is a stunning Shinto shrine known for its thousands of hanging lanterns that illuminate the path to the main hall.
- The shrine is surrounded by dense forest, creating a mystical atmosphere that is perfect for peaceful contemplation.
- Visitors can explore the intricately decorated halls and admire the ancient architecture.
Hike up to Mount Wakakusa for panoramic views of the city.
Mount Wakakusa offers breathtaking views of Nara City and the surrounding landscape. Visitors can hike to the summit for panoramic vistas, especially stunning during sunrise or sunset.
- Mount Wakakusa offers breathtaking views of Nara City and the surrounding landscape.
- Visitors can hike to the summit for panoramic vistas, especially stunning during sunrise or sunset.
- The hike is relatively easy and suitable for visitors of all ages, providing a rewarding outdoor experience.
Discover the serene beauty of Nara's traditional gardens at Isuien.
Isuien Garden is a tranquil oasis in the heart of Nara City, featuring meticulously landscaped gardens, ponds, and tea houses. Visitors can wander through the gardens and experience the harmony of nature and architecture.
- Isuien Garden is a tranquil oasis in the heart of Nara City, featuring meticulously landscaped gardens, ponds, and tea houses.
- Visitors can wander through the gardens and experience the harmony of nature and architecture.
- The garden's design reflects traditional Japanese aesthetics and offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city.
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Marvel at the ancient architecture of Kofukuji Temple.
Kofukuji Temple is one of Nara's oldest and most important temples, boasting a rich history and stunning architecture. Highlights include the iconic five-story pagoda and the majestic central hall.
- Kofukuji Temple is one of Nara's oldest and most important temples, boasting a rich history and stunning architecture.
- Highlights include the iconic five-story pagoda and the majestic central hall.
- Visitors can explore the temple grounds and learn about its significance in Japanese Buddhist history.
Learn about Nara's history at the Nara National Museum.
The Nara National Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the cultural heritage of Nara Prefecture. It houses a vast collection of artifacts, including Buddhist statues, paintings, and archaeological treasures.
- The Nara National Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the cultural heritage of Nara Prefecture.
- It houses a vast collection of artifacts, including Buddhist statues, paintings, and archaeological treasures.
- Visitors can gain insights into Nara's rich history and cultural traditions through the museum's exhibitions and displays.
Experience traditional tea ceremony at Jiko-in Temple.
Jiko-in Temple offers visitors the opportunity to participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Guests can learn about the art of tea preparation and enjoy matcha tea in a serene and contemplative setting.
- Jiko-in Temple offers visitors the opportunity to participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
- Guests can learn about the art of tea preparation and enjoy matcha tea in a serene and contemplative setting.
- The temple's tea ceremony provides a cultural experience that emphasizes mindfulness and appreciation of nature.
Enjoy a tranquil walk along the picturesque Ukimido Pavilion.
The Ukimido Pavilion is a charming wooden structure located on the shore of Sagi Pond in Nara Park. It offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season.
- The Ukimido Pavilion is a charming wooden structure located on the shore of Sagi Pond in Nara Park.
- It offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season.
- Visitors can take a leisurely stroll around the pond and admire the pavilion's elegant architecture.
Sample delicious local delicacies at Nara's food stalls.
Nara is renowned for its delicious street food, offering a wide variety of traditional Japanese snacks and delicacies. Visitors can indulge in treats such as mochi, yakitori, and takoyaki while exploring the city's bustling streets. Food stalls scattered throughout Nara offer an authentic culinary experience, allowing visitors to taste the flavors of the region.
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Here are 5 local dishes from Nara that you should try:
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Kakinoha-zushi (Persimmon Leaf Sushi): A traditional delicacy unique to Nara, Kakinoha-zushi features sushi rice seasoned with vinegar and topped with various ingredients such as fish, vegetables, or egg, all wrapped in a persimmon leaf for a distinctive flavor.
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Miwa Somen: A type of thin wheat noodles unique to the Miwa region of Nara. Miwa Somen is typically served cold and enjoyed with a dipping sauce or broth, making it a refreshing and satisfying dish, especially during the hot summer months.
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Narazuke: These are pickled vegetables, often cucumbers or eggplants, made using a traditional fermentation process that dates back centuries. Narazuke is known for its complex flavors and crunchy texture, making it a popular side dish or snack.
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Kuzu-mochi: A traditional Japanese dessert made from kuzu (arrowroot starch) and sugar, often served with a sweet syrup called kinako (roasted soybean flour) or kuromitsu (black sugar syrup). Kuzu-mochi has a jelly-like consistency and a subtly sweet flavor, making it a delightful treat.
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Yamato-mai Rice: Yamato-mai is a variety of rice grown exclusively in Nara Prefecture. Known for its exceptional quality and taste, Yamato-mai rice is highly prized for its firm texture and slightly sweet flavor, making it the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
When in Nara, you can find these local dishes at various food stalls and eateries throughout the city. Be sure to explore areas such as Nara Park, Higashimuki Shopping Street, and Sanjo-dori Street, where you'll find a wide selection of street vendors offering these delicious specialties. Additionally, don't hesitate to ask locals for recommendations on where to find the best and most authentic Nara cuisine!
Special Tip: Watch a mochi making skills demonstration at Nakatanidou - Japan's fastest mochi pounders.
For a unique experience, head to Nakatanidou to watch Japan's fastest mochi pounders demonstrate their impressive skills. Located close to Nara Park, this traditional mochi shop offers a fascinating glimpse into this age-old Japanese culinary art.
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- For a unique experience, head to Nakatanidou to watch Japan's fastest mochi pounders demonstrate their impressive skills.
- Located close to Nara Park, this traditional mochi shop offers a fascinating glimpse into this age-old Japanese culinary art.
- Visitors can witness the rhythmic pounding of sticky rice to create fresh mochi, a traditional Japanese rice cake.
- Be sure to try some freshly made mochi for a delicious and authentic taste of Nara's culinary heritage.
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Not Seen Enough?
Check out my Youtube!
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Here is a Video of my visit to Nara. |
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Where to stay in Nara?
There is more than one option, I will list here 5 of my favorite places in different price categories.
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- Price: From 30,000 JPY ($198 USD) per night (2 People).
- Location: Luxury hotel located in the heart of Nara City.
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Features:
- Elegant and spacious rooms with modern amenities.
- On-site dining options offering a variety of cuisines.
- Fitness center and spa facilities for relaxation.
- Convenient access to Nara's main attractions.
- More Information: [JW Marriott Hotel Nara]
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- Price: From 14,000 JPY ($93 USD) per night (2 People).
- Location: 4-star hotel located in Nara Park area.
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Features:
- Elegant accommodations.
- Indoor mineral hot spring (onsen) and sauna.
- Complimentary buffet breakfast.
- Free in-room WiFi.
- More Information: [Nara Hotel]
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- Price: From 11,000 JPY ($71 USD) per night (2 People).
- Location: 3-star hotel located in central Nara.
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Features:
- Modern amenities.
- Convenient access to major attractions.
- Free in-room WiFi.
- Self-parking and luggage storage.
- More Information: [Hotel Nikko Nara]
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- Price: From 7,300 JPY ($48 USD) per night (2 People).
- Location: Budget-friendly hotel located in central Nara.
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Features:
- Modern amenities.
- Compact and comfortable rooms.
- Convenient location for exploring Nara.
- Free in-room WiFi.
- 24-hour front desk service.
- More Information: [Smile Hotel Nara]
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- Price: From 6,700 JPY ($44 USD) per night (2 People).
- Location: Guesthouse located in central Nara.
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Features:
- Cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
- Shared kitchen and lounge area.
- Free WiFi throughout the property.
- Walking distance to major attractions.
- More Information: [Guesthouse Nara Komachi]
It's important to note that hotel prices can vary depending on the season, availability, and other factors. Always check the latest rates and availability for your desired travel dates.
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