Snapshot: Nara

September 14, 2020

With fodder for lovers of history, animals and foodies alike, Nara is a Japanese gem

From historic treasures, to imperial monuments and furry four-legged locals, Nara is one of Japan’s most magical destinations. While it’s often overlooked by travellers on a whirlwind tour of the country, the city is teeming with everything visitors look for in a Japanese jaunt. They can stroll from holy shrine to ancient temple, dip into a restaurant for some tasty local fare like nyumen (thin wheat noodles in hot broth) and when most tourists have left, finish the night with a cocktail at the iconic Lamp Bar, where owner Michito Kaneko was once named Best Bartender in the World.

A deer stands close to the camera in front of a Temple in Nara, Japan.
A deer stands close to the camera in front of a Temple in Nara, Japan.

Nara is located less than an hour by shinkansen (bullet train) from both Osaka and Kyoto and just two from Tokyo. Its proximity to three of Japan’s busiest cities makes it a popular day trip destination, but its attractions are fascinating and far more extensive than a one day itinerary can explore.

The historic Todaiji Temple of Nara, Japan.
The historic Todaiji Temple of Nara, Japan.

At the commencement of the Nara period (AD 710-784), the practice of moving the capital with each change in emperor was abandoned and the city became the first permanent capital of Japan. During this time, the most significant shift in Japanese culture was the infusion of Buddhism. Shōmu, the 45th emperor of Japan, was known to care greatly for his subjects and believed that the best way to promote peace was to integrate Buddhist teachings into his rule. His enthusiasm led to the construction of grand temples and shrines, many of which are still standing today and are UNESCO listed. Japanese art flourished in the Nara era and many regard it as the country’s most significant cultural period.

Todaiji Temple Nara Japan
Todaiji Temple Nara Japan

Take a walk through the streets of Nara for glimpses of its imperial past, interspersed with its dynamic present. Those seeking traditional, Japanese facades should head to the Naramachi district, where old merchant houses have been transformed into sweet shops and cafes. After exploring the area, head to Nara’s main attraction, its kōen (park), and meet the famous population of sika deer.

Old houses in the Naramachi District, Japan.
Old houses in the Naramachi District, Japan.

Not only is the Nara deer relatively tame and free to roam the city, but they’re considered sacred Shinto messengers. Ancient Japanese legend states that a god named Takemikazuchi arrived in Nara over 1,000 years ago on the back of a white deer. Since then, it’s believed that he and other gods have been sending deer as messengers to protect the city. Wander the park and you’ll see packets of shika senbei (deer crackers) being sold and deer bowing in return for their snacks (yes, really), but while used to human contact, the deer are still wild. Tease them with treats and you may end up being headbutted or nibbled.

A wild deer in Nara eating crackers.
A wild deer in Nara eating crackers.

You don’t have to travel far in Nara to discover stunning sights. Two of the city’s most well-known monuments – Tōdai-ji temple and Kasuga-Taisha shrine – are situated within the park. The former is a Buddhist complex and houses the world’s largest bronze statue of Buddha Vairocana, while the latter resembles a miniature Fushimi Inari-Taisha, but instead of donating torii gates to the shrine, people can donate lanterns to the Fujinami-no-ya hall. Flower-lovers should visit in May when the site is blanketed in blooming wisteria.

Kasuga-Taisha with a blooming wisteria in Nara, Japan.
Kasuga-Taisha with a blooming wisteria in Nara, Japan.

Back to Japan Tours
Subscribe Now!

To receive our free printable eBook "Inspiring Japan"

e-book
Related tours

8 Day Best Of Japan

Travel from: Mar 2025
Travel until: Nov 2026
Typically
$5,649
Return Flights Included
From
$5,199
 NZD
pp twin share

11 Day Authentic Japan

Travel from: Mar 2025
Travel until: Nov 2025
Typically
$5,771
From
$4,195
 NZD
pp twin share

15 Day Inspiring Japan

Travel from: Mar 2025
Travel until: Dec 2026
Typically
$10,992
From
$4,395
 NZD
pp twin share

12 Day Magnificent Japan Small Group Tour

Travel from: Apr 2025
Travel until: Nov 2025
From
$6,445
 NZD
pp twin share

15 Day Inspiring Japan Small Group Tour

Travel from: Apr 2025
Travel until: Nov 2026
Typically
$11,736
From
$7,295
 NZD
pp twin share

19 Day Treasures Of Japan Small Group Tour

Travel from: Mar 2025
Travel until: Nov 2025
From
$11,245
 NZD
pp twin share
Cherry Blossom Dates

21 Day Complete Japan

Travel from: Mar 2025
Travel until: Nov 2025
Typically
$14,878
From
$8,395
 NZD
pp twin share

22 Day Japan, South Korea and Taiwan

Travel from: Feb 2025
Travel until: Nov 2025
From
$10,495
 NZD
pp twin share

13 Day Cherry Blossoms Of Japan

Travel from: Mar 2025
Travel until: Apr 2026
Typically
$8,634
From
$5,295
 NZD
pp twin share

10 Day Premium Japan By Rail

Travel from: Feb 2025
Travel until: Feb 2026
From
$4,345
 NZD
pp twin share

22 Day Unforgettable Japan & Hokkaido Extension

Travel from: Mar 2025
Travel until: Nov 2025
From
$8,195
 NZD
pp twin share

28 Day Unforgettable Japan, Hokkaido & Kyushu

Travel from: Mar 2025
Travel until: Nov 2025
From
$14,595
 NZD
pp twin share
Loading...
Processing