Nara, an ancient capital, is where Japan’s proud history and vibrant culture truly come alive. Imagine meeting the awe-inspiring Great Buddha of Todai-ji, strolling among the beautiful wild deer of Nara Park, and witnessing the magnificent architecture of Yakushi-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These encounters promise to create truly unforgettable memories. For first-time visitors, we’ve crafted a classic 2-day itinerary designed for you to explore with ease and peace of mind.
Day 1: Encountering Historic Treasures and Adorable Deer
On your first day, you’ll explore Nara’s iconic historical buildings and interact with the friendly deer in its expansive park.
- Morning: Todai-ji Temple & the Great Buddha of Nara
- You can reach Todai-ji Temple by bus or on foot from Nara Station.
- Todai-ji Temple is one of the world’s largest wooden structures, housing the Great Buddha, a colossal statue standing approximately 15 meters (about 49 feet) tall. Its immense size and grandeur are truly awe-inspiring.
- Tip: Inside the Great Buddha Hall, there’s a hole in one of the pillars that is said to be the same size as the Great Buddha’s nostril. It’s believed that if you can squeeze through it, you’ll be blessed with good fortune. Give it a try!
- Lunch: Dining at a Restaurant Near the Temple Gate
- Around Todai-ji Temple, you’ll find many restaurants and cafes catering to tourists. Why not try Nara’s local specialties like Kakinoha-zushi (bite-sized sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves) or a warm bowl of Nyumen (hot somen noodles)?
- Afternoon: Nara Park & Kasuga Taisha Shrine
- Stepping out of Todai-ji Temple, you’ll immediately enter the vast Nara Park. Here, numerous deer roam freely. You can purchase “deer crackers” (Shika-senbei) to feed them, but remember they are wild animals, so please interact with them cautiously.
- Further into Nara Park lies Kasuga Taisha Shrine, distinctive with its beautiful vermilion (red-orange) buildings. Approximately 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns (tōrō, used for lighting) have been donated here, creating a truly enchanting sight, especially during special light-up events.
- Evening: Savoring Local Flavors Around Kintetsu Nara Station
- The area around Kintetsu Nara Station is bustling with izakayas (Japanese pubs) and Japanese restaurants. It’s a great spot to enjoy dishes made with local ingredients and perhaps some sake (Japanese rice wine).
Day 2: Old Town Charm, Japanese Gardens, and a World Heritage Temple
Day two invites you to wander through Nara’s historic streets and discover places that embody traditional Japanese beauty.
- Morning: Exploring Naramachi
- Naramachi, located within walking distance of Kintetsu Nara Station, is an area filled with traditional merchant houses. Many old townhouses (machiya, traditional Japanese wooden houses) have been converted into charming cafes, unique shops, and art galleries, making it a wonderful place for a stroll and to soak in the nostalgic atmosphere.
- Tip: In Naramachi, you’ll find a small temple called Koshin-do Temple. It’s adorned with many “Substitute Monkey” (Migawari-zaru) figures, small dolls with limbs that are believed to take on bad luck, making them a unique symbol of Naramachi.
- Lunch: Cafe or Machiya Restaurant in Naramachi
- Naramachi offers a variety of quaint cafes and restaurants. Enjoy a leisurely lunch while soaking in the retro ambiance.
- Afternoon: Yakushi-ji Temple
- From Naramachi, you can take a bus or train (about a 15-minute ride from Kintetsu Nara Station to Kintetsu Nishinokyo Station).
- Yakushi-ji Temple is a magnificent temple with over 1,300 years of history. Its particularly beautiful East Pagoda captivates all who see it. The temple is characterized by the symmetrical arrangement of its East Pagoda and West Pagoda (the latter having been rebuilt), and the Kondo (Golden Hall) enshrines the main deity, the Yakushi Triad. The exquisite temple complex, a culmination of Japanese Buddhist art, is well worth a visit.
- Tip: Take your time to appreciate the stunning architecture of Yakushi-ji Temple and its serene, solemn atmosphere.
- Evening: Souvenir Shopping and One Last Nara Delicacy
- To conclude your trip, you might want to search for souvenirs around Kintetsu Nara Station or enjoy one last delicious meal in Nara.
We hope this itinerary serves as a wonderful guide for your visit to Nara. May you create unforgettable memories in this beautiful city where Japanese history and nature harmoniously intertwine!