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Asia, Itineraries, Japan · July 8, 2017

Nara Day Trip: The Perfect 1 Day Nara Itinerary

Looking for an easy day trip from Kyoto or Osaka? Then the beautiful little town of Nara is just the place to go. Plan the perfect Nara day trip with this easy to follow 1 day Nara itinerary!

Roughly one hour south of Kyoto is the magical wonderland of Nara – a quaint little town where free-roaming deer stroll around beautiful parks and gardens. Nara is arguably one of Kyoto’s best day trips and an excellent add-on to any Japan itinerary. Here, you can duck into ancient temples, wander around Nara Deer Park and even feed free-roaming deer. 

Nara was established in 710 and is home to some pretty remarkable temples, unique architecture, gorgeous stretched-out gardens, and hundreds of free-roaming deer!

Although Nara is the capital of Japan’s Nara Prefecture, it’s pretty small, making it a great choice for a 1-day itinerary. Unlike its bustling neighbors, Kyoto and Osaka, Nara is whimsical, quaint, compact, and a great place to spend some time surrounded by nature.

Since Nara is so small, you’ll be surprised to learn how easy it is to get around the city, too. All the top spots are effortless to reach on foot, so you don’t need to worry about taxis and buses.

Nara Deer Park is one of the most popular attractions in Nara and a great add-on to any Nara 1 day itinerary.
The Nara Deer Park is a highlight on any Nara day trip itinerary.

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In a rush? Pin this 1 day Nara Itinerary for later.

Planning a trip to Japan's ancient capital city, Nara? Find the best things to do in Nara here in this Nara 1 day itinerary. plus get all the tips you need to plan the perfect Nara day trip! #nara #Japan #naradaytrip #kyotodaytrips

Table of Contents

  • Nara 1 Day Trip Itinerary: The Best Things to do on a Nara Day Trip
    • Nara Deer Park
    • Todai-ji temple
    • Kasuga-Taisha Shrine
    • Kofuku-ji temple
  • How to Get to Nara

Nara 1 Day Trip Itinerary: The Best Things to do on a Nara Day Trip

Nara Deer Park

Many of the top attractions in Nara actually lie close to Nara Deer Park. This is why I’d suggest you start your Nara one day itinerary right here.

Apart from its excellent location, the park is the perfect spot to have a picnic while admiring the surroundings and, of course, the deer. Witness these cute animals huddling around the Deer Cookie stalls waiting for hand-outs! If you want to feed the deer, you can buy some cookies at one of the many stalls around the park. Packs contain five cookies and go for ¥150.

Planning a Nara day trip and wondering what to do? There's plenty to do in Nara, but a visit to Nara Deer Park is a huge must.

Insider’s tip: Although Nara is a beautiful destination to explore year-round, I highly recommend visiting Nara during autumn. The town starts to bustle with tourists, and the leaves begin to change. All over the city, you’ll be rewarded with leaves changing to bright reds, bursting yellows, vivid oranges, and all shades of brown imaginable. Here are a few other top spots for fall in Japan. 

A Nara 1 day itinerary would be incomplete without visiting Nara Deer Park and its free roaming deer.
Planning a trip to Japan's ancient capital city, Nara? Find the best things to do in Nara here in this Nara 1 day itinerary. Plus get all the tips you need to plan the perfect Nara day trip! #nara #Japan #naradaytrip #kyotodaytrips
Ice cream anyone?

Todai-ji temple

Nara’s most iconic temple and a must-visit place on your Nara day trip is Todai-Ji. The temple is home to the famous Daibutsu (Great Buddha) – a 15m towering statue housed in the Daibutsu-den (Hall of the Great Buddha).

The figure is the second-largest Buddha statue in Japan and one of the largest in the world. The hall itself is the most significant wooden building in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. In addition to the impressive Daibutsu, the hall also houses four other giant statues, a few old tiles, and some leftover relics.

After admiring the statues, head towards the wooden column with a small hole carved through the bottom. If you can squeeze through the hole, ‘enlightenment’ is reportedly promised! Don’t forget to stop and touch the Yakushi Nyorai Buddha on your way out too! Which, according to legend, has healing powers.

Apart from the temple, you’ll be delighted to learn that the grounds are just as spectacular. Be sure to explore the beautiful surroundings and all the little pathways.

Opening Hours: Apr – Oct: 7:30 – 17:30 | Nov – Mar: 8:00 – 16:30

Entrance fee: ¥500

Planning a trip to Japan's ancient capital city, Nara? Find the best things to do in Nara here in this Nara 1 day itinerary. plus get all the tips you need to plan the perfect Nara day trip! #nara #Japan #naradaytrip #kyotodaytrips
Todai-ji Temple is the largest wooden building in the world and an important religious site to visit during your Nara 1 day itinerary.
Todai-ji Temple is the largest wooden building in the world.
Religious treasures housed in Todai-ji Temple, Nara
Klook.com

Kasuga-Taisha Shrine

A short walk from the Deer Park is Nara’s most famous Shinto shrine, Kasuga-Taisha. It dates back to 768 AD and has a main hall as well as a worshipper’s hall. Although I loved the bright architecture of the shrine, the grounds left me in utter awe. With towering forests, pathways lined with more than 3000 stone lanterns, and wandering deer, Kasuga-Taisha is mesmerizing and breathtaking!

Opening hours: Apr – Sep: 6:00 – 18:00 | Oct – Mar: 6:30 – 17:00

Entrance fee: ¥500

Planning a trip to Japan's ancient capital city, Nara? Find the best things to do in Nara here in this Nara 1 day itinerary. Plus get all the tips you need to plan the perfect Nara day trip! #nara #Japan #naradaytrip #kyotodaytrips

Kofuku-ji temple

Kofuku-ji Temple is home to a five-story pagoda, making it hard to miss as you make your way to or from Nara Deer Park. Apart from its towering pagoda, a treasure museum contains some interesting Buddhist images and the impressive three-faced Ashura. The main hall, the Central Golden Hall, was initially constructed between 710-714. It has recently been renovated, and I can’t wait to go back to see the changes first hand. 

Opening hours: 9:00 – 17:00

Entrance fee: Free entry to the grounds. Eastern Golden Hall ¥300. National Treasure Museum ¥600.

Planning a trip to Japan's ancient capital city, Nara? Find the best things to do in Nara here in this Nara 1 day itinerary. Plus get all the tips you need to plan the perfect Nara day trip! #nara #Japan #naradaytrip #kyotodaytrips
Planning a day trip to the beautiful little city of Nara, Japan? Find the best things to do in Nara in this fully flexible 1 day Nara itinerary, including best temples to visit, where to feed the deer and more! nara japan | nara japan photography | nara japan aesthetic | things to do in nara japan | nara japan autumn | nara japan travel | day trip to nara japan | nara itinerary | one day in nara

How to Get to Nara

You can quickly get to Nara by car or train from Kyoto. Although both Kintetsu Railways and JR West have frequent trains to Nara, I’d suggest taking Kintetsu Railways to reach the city. The Kintetsu Nara Station is just a stone’s throw from Nara Park, making the top attractions easily accessible on foot. Kintetsu Direct Express trains run hourly and will set you back ¥620 for a single ride.

Alternatively, if you have already purchased a Japan Rail Pass, take the JR West line to Nara. The JR station is a 15-20 minute walk to most of the main attractions. JR West trains run every thirty minutes from Kyoto station and cost ¥720 for a one–way trip.

For the most accurate prices and time schedules, be sure to visit the respective sites.

Planning a trip to Japan's ancient capital city, Nara? Find the best things to do in Nara here in this Nara 1 day itinerary. Plus get all the tips you need to plan the perfect Nara day trip! #nara #Japan #naradaytrip #kyotodaytrips

Have you visited Nara? What tips do you have for fellow travelers planning a Nara day trip? If you have any suggestions to add to this 1 day Nara itinerary, let me know in the comments below.

Did you like this Nara one day itinerary? Share this Nara day trip with your friends here.

Planning a trip to Japan's ancient capital city, Nara? Find the best things to do in Nara here in this Nara 1 day itinerary. Plus get all the tips you need to plan the perfect Nara day trip! #nara #Japan #naradaytrip #kyotodaytrips

In: Asia, Itineraries, Japan · Tagged: day trips, kyoto, nara

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Comments

  1. Paula - Gone with the Wine says

    July 10, 2017 at

    We visited Nara last November and it was one of the best days on our trip to Japan. Beautiful town with so much to see there and you also get to feed the deer. I love how you have been able to catch the autumn colours on your pictures.
    This was our first trip to Japan and we absolutely fell in love with the country. I hope we can visit soon again. It is so different and full of life, and people are so friendly. I will need to read your other Japan related posts as well.

    Reply
    • hoponworld says

      July 24, 2017 at

      Thanks Paula! This was my first trip to Japan too! And I must admit, I can’t wait to go back either. What an amazing country…apart from its culture, history and ‘oh so gorgeousness’…the food was mouthwatering!

      Reply
  2. Tony says

    July 11, 2017 at

    Japan is on our list. Would love to see it in Autumn to see the colors in the trees. The deer park would be nice to see. Thanks for some ideas. Some really great photos as well.

    Reply
    • hoponworld says

      July 24, 2017 at

      Thanks for stopping by, Tony! Glad we could help with some ideas!

      Reply
  3. Suma Shah says

    July 11, 2017 at

    Nara is such a quaint and pretty town! The autumn foliage looks so lovely, you have captured it so beautifully. The historic significance of the city is clearly visible from the pictures. Would love to see the 3000 lanterns at Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

    Reply
    • hoponworld says

      July 24, 2017 at

      Thanks Suma! Kasuga was one of my favorite sights in Nara and definitely one not to miss – it is beyond breathtaking!

      Reply
  4. Jen says

    July 11, 2017 at

    You took lovely photos of Nara! I love Nara. It’s a wonderful place of culture, art, and nature! Will surely go back!

    Reply
  5. Kellyn says

    July 15, 2017 at

    Oh my goodness the color of those trees are mesmerizing. I’m not one for the wild life, but its interesting that they don’t run away like the ones we have here. The temple statues also seem larger than life. Certainly a place I’d like to visit some time.

    Reply
    • hoponworld says

      July 24, 2017 at

      Thanks Kellyn! Haha, yes they are rather tame…I’m guessing it’s all those cookies that are to blame!

      Reply
  6. neha says

    July 15, 2017 at

    I really like the greenery and the beautiful color of the foliage. And the buddha statue as well. Seems like a very stunning sight to explore for sure. I will keep it in mind when I visit this part of the world.

    Reply
  7. Bruce Schinkel says

    July 17, 2017 at

    I love the thought of visiting Nara. It looks so fun and laid back, but with so much to offer. I could see it being a perfect break from the busier nearby cities.

    Reply
    • hoponworld says

      July 24, 2017 at

      You couldn’t be more right, Bruce – it is super laid back and has an amazing charm. Totally worth checking out!

      Reply
  8. Sheri says

    July 17, 2017 at

    So nice to see a different part that I did not previously know about. We are looking to visit Japan someday. We need to really find two to three weeks to see everything we want to without having to rush. Your pics are great.

    Reply
    • hoponworld says

      July 24, 2017 at

      Thank you Sheri – Japan is amazing! Hope you guys get a chance to explore it one day. 🙂

      Reply
  9. Agness of Fit Travelling says

    July 21, 2017 at

    Wow! These landscapes are fascinating and breathtaking! I’d love to see each one of them!

    Reply
  10. Kathy Marris says

    August 8, 2017 at

    Those autumn leaves on the trees are so vibrant and colourful. I have only been to Japan for a short visit but have vowed to return to see more of this beautiful country. I will certainly put Nara on my itinerary. It’s hard to decide what time of year to go – Autumn for the coloured leaves or Spring for the cherry blossoms? Or maybe winter for the ski season?

    Reply
    • hoponworld says

      August 8, 2017 at

      It’s way too hard to pick! The easiest would be to just go three times a year! Haha!

      Reply

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Mariza is a South African who ditched her job in Advertising to teach English in Taiwan. Ten years later, she now calls Taiwan home but still visits South Africa whenever she can. She shares in-depth destination guides and all her insider tips on traveling in Taiwan & Asia here.

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