If you’ve ever dreamed of hanging out with adorable deer that bow at you, exploring ancient temples, and savoring delicious local food—all in one day—then Nara, Japan absolutely deserves a spot on your Japan itinerary!
Just a quick train ride from Osaka or Kyoto, a Nara day trip is a magical mix of wildlife, history, and peaceful natural beauty. We explored this charming city as a day trip from Osaka, and trust us, it felt like stepping into a fairytale. So in this travel blog, we’ll cover both how to get to Nara and 7 unmissable things to do in Nara, Japan.
🎥 Want to see it all in action? Check out our full YouTube video on Nara below!
How to Get to Nara
To get to Nara, you should input Kintetsu-Nara Station into Google Maps from your accommodations to get step-by-step directions on how to get to Nara. In general, the train ride is about 40 minutes from Kyoto (above) and about 50 minutes from Osaka (below).
All of the attractions on this list are walkable from the train station, but this Nara day trip involves a lot of walking, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. We left Nara with achy feet because we walked so much, so come with your endurance and a bottle of water ready.
The Best Things to Do in Nara
1. Feed the Friendly (and Feisty!) Deer of Nara Park
After a five-minute walk from Kintetsu-Nara Station, you will start see them—deer roaming freely like they own the place. And to be fair, they kind of do!
You can buy special shika senbei (deer crackers) from local vendors. Crackers are very affordable, starting at 200 yen ($1.40 USD) per packet. Pro tip: hide your crackers away immediately or you might get mobbed by a herd of hungry deer. We learned this the hard way when some cheeky deer tried to pulled at our shirts and butted us with their heads. Feeding 7-8 deer at time sounds magical, but it’s actually kind of scary and overwhelming.
So instead, walk away from the crowded deer park center and offer crackers to deer on a one-on-one basis. Solo deer are much gentler, and some will even bow in thanks!
Feeding the deer is definitely one of the best things to do in Nara. Once you accomplish this, everything else just feels like a happy bonus.
⚠️ Important: Don’t touch baby deer. Mothers can become aggressive or even abandon the baby if they feel threatened.
📍 Google Maps Location: Nara Park
2. Climb Wakakusayama Hill for a Stunning View
Next, we tackled Mount Wakakusa (Wakakusayama Hill) for panoramic views over Nara. It’s a short but steep hike (about 20–25 minutes) and yes, we were sweating buckets in August—but halfway up, a peaceful deer herd wandered by like a reward from nature.
The view from the top is spectacular, especially in the early morning light. Just watch out for the occasional snake on the trail! Don’t worry, the snake was tiny and scurried away in the blink of an eye, probably just as scared of us as we were of him.
📍Google Maps Location: Wakakusa Hill
3. Be Awed by Todai-ji Temple and the Giant Buddha
After our hill adventure, we headed to Todai-ji Temple, home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue. Standing at 15 meters tall, it’s truly jaw-dropping.
🛕 Built in the year 728, this temple is one of Japan’s most iconic cultural landmarks. The Great Buddha Hall itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admission is just 800 yen ($5.60 USD).
It’s one of those rare places where history, art, and spiritual awe all collide in one incredible moment. This temple is a definite must when you are in Nara!
📍Google Maps Location: Todai-ji Temple
4. Explore Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Its 3,000 Lanterns
Just a short stroll away is the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, famous for its 3,000 lanterns, some of which are over 300 years old!
Of course, more deer were waiting to greet us outside the shrine—because this is Nara, after all. Admission here is 500 yen, and it’s a peaceful place filled with history and a touch of magic.
📍Google Maps Location: Kasuga Taisha Shrine
5. Eat a Beautiful Bento at Ramuna Vegan Café
If you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or just love good food, Ramuna Vegan Café is a must-visit. Tucked away on a quiet street, this cozy café serves up lovingly made meals—prepared entirely by one amazing woman!
🍱 We tried a bento box with crispy soy “fried chicken,” rice, miso soup, tempura, and salad. David had a homemade falafel burger with fresh bread, and we were both blown away.
✨ Verdict: Worth the walk. Worth the wait. Worth every bite!
📍Google Maps Location: Vegan Cafe Ramuna
6. Visit Kōfuku-ji Temple for a Golden Surprise
Our last temple of the day was Kōfuku-ji, just a few minutes from the station. While photos weren’t allowed inside, we can tell you it houses a gorgeous golden Buddha that’s definitely worth seeing in person.
🎫 Admission is 500 yen ($3.47 USD), and it’s a relaxing final stop before heading back to the station.
📍Google Maps Location: Kofuku-ji Temple
7. Shop and Snack on Higashimuki Shopping Street
Before catching the train, we wandered down Higashimuki Shopping Street—a lively pedestrian area filled with souvenirs, snacks, and last-minute treats.
If your feet aren’t completely destroyed from all the walking (ours definitely were), it’s a fun way to end your Nara adventure.
📍Google Maps Location: Higashimuki Shopping Street
Other Amazing Things to Do in Nara
Although we ran out of energy after exploring these 7 spots, Nara really does a lot more to see in the area. So, consider adding these additional things to do in Nara to your to-do list if you have the time and energy to do so.
- Nakatanidou Traditional Sweets Shop
- Yoshikien Garden
- Nara National Museum
- The Rooftop Observation Deck of Nara Prefecture Office
Is Nara Japan Worth Visiting?
Nara is definitely worth seeing! From feeding bowing deer to climbing hills, discovering ancient temples to eating unforgettable local food—Nara was truly one of the most magical places we’ve ever visited.
Even with just one day, you can soak in the beauty, culture, and charm of this unique city.
If you’re planning your Japan trip, don’t miss Nara—just remember to bring comfy shoes, a big bottle of water, and nerves of steel for those hungry deer!
Now, that you know about Nara, check out even more Japan travel tips below!
- 22 Things to Know Before You Go to Japan
- The Best Things to Do in Kyoto
- The Ultimate 10-Day Japan Itinerary
- The Best Things to Do in Osaka
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