Things to do in Nara

Why go to Nara

• Tōdai-ji Temple & Great Buddha

  Home to Japan's largest bronze Buddha inside a breathtaking 8th-century wooden hall, one of the most awe-inspiring interiors in all of Asia.

• Nara Deer Park

  Hundreds of wild sika deer roam freely among ancient shrines and visitors, creating a surreal and magical experience unlike anywhere else on Earth.

• Kasuga Taisha Shrine

  A UNESCO-listed Shinto shrine glowing with thousands of bronze and stone lanterns set deep in a primeval forest.

• Kōfuku-ji Temple & Five-Story Pagoda

  An iconic pagoda dominating the Nara skyline that anchors a sprawling temple complex with a world-class Buddhist sculpture museum.

• Naramachi Historic District

  A beautifully preserved merchant quarter of traditional machiya townhouses, craft shops, and hidden sake bars perfect for an afternoon wander.

Good to know in Nara

• Transit: From Osaka (Namba) take the Kintetsu Osaka Line direct to Kintetsu Nara Station in ~40 minutes for about $5; from Kyoto the Kintetsu Kyoto Line takes ~45 minutes for ~$5, far cheaper than a taxi.
• Tipping: Tipping is not practiced in Japan and can cause awkwardness, never tip at restaurants, taxis, or hotels.
• Tap water: Tap water is completely safe and delicious to drink throughout Nara, carry a refillable bottle to avoid buying plastic.
• Free-entry days: Nara Deer Park itself is always free; Tōdai-ji waves entry fees on certain Buddhist holiday dates, and the Nara National Museum offers free admission on its founding anniversary (October 22).

Trip essentials