Two Days in Nara

Since it’s so close to Kyoto, Nara is the perfect weekend getaway during your stay in the area. We especially recommend it to those who are curious about the religious heritage of Japan - even the beloved deer are related to gods! Here is our selection of 5 sightseeing that anyone should see in Nara.

Nara Park: Nature and Deer

When stepping out of the station, head for Nara Park. The central part of Nara is quite compact, and this will allow you to tour major attractions on foot! You will come across the Kofukuji Temple on your way, a Buddhist temple founded in 669 that is still quite important today. You can visit it or simply walk alongside, enjoying the shade of the trees bordering it.

Continue to find Nara Park: you won’t miss the red torii entrance or even the many deer roaming on the road acting as if it belongs to them. Quite large, this park is home to over 1 000 deer that became a sensation since they are – without a doubt – really cute. You can buy snacks specially made for them and it is forbidden to feed them anything else as it could be dangerous. These deer are sacred and considered messengers of the gods, that’s why they are so revered and can do almost anything they want. Don’t mistake the cuteness for humanity through and be on your guard as these are wild animals. As long as you’re respectful, you can enjoy the deer company in a pretty unique and Disney-like atmosphere.

Todai-Ji Temple: the Great Buddha

From Nara Park, head north to find the Todai-Ji Temple. Todai-Ji is the home of one of the largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu) in the world. The other characteristic of its Buddha Hall is that it’s made out of wood and has been reconstructed to 2/3 of its original size but still is the largest wood structure in the world. Entering the temple premises, you can appreciate the size of the wooden hall where this giant Buddha is seated, then you can walk inside to discover the Daibutsu in all its magnificence. Near it, you will also find some Buddhist artifacts and even a hole inside a pillar that could help you reach enlightenment in your next life by passing through it!

Ryokans & Hostels Are Right at the Center of It All

Another perk of Nara Park is its Ara Pond, a romantic pond where some hotels choose to set foot and offer incredible night views to their clients. You can book a ryokan (traditional hotel) and enjoy the luxury of a traditional dinner and bedding. There are a demi-dozens of hotels close to the pond, with various prices from hostels to high-end ryokans. Pick the one that suits you most and enjoy a nice walk near the pond when the sun sets. Some other accommodations are scattered around Nara Park and will be the perfect home base to visit the temples and sanctuaries in the area. To get the most out of this adventure, we recommend you rent a bicycle when exploring.

Kasuga Taisha

Kasuga Taisha is another gem of the city, nicknamed the lantern sanctuary. This sanctuary is famous for its numerous lanterns, including some made of bronze and suspended in the sanctuary. When walking towards the central part of the sanctuary, deer will follow you and guide you through the stone lanterns, covered by vegetation, making it almost a spiritual walk in a spectacular decorum. This sanctuary is also a part of the UNESCO heritage sites of Nara. There is a total of 62 auxiliary shrines dedicated to lucky gods inside the sanctuary, a perfect opportunity to pray for luck! The sanctuary is also quite reputed for how photogenic it is thanks to lanterns, wisteria during Spring, and deer, of course. Kasuga Taisha is the perfect spot to rest your mind while embracing the Shinto culture of Japan.

Yoshinoyama: The Cherry Blossom Valley

If sakura blossoms all over Japan, there are some hot spots that are reputed for being particularly stunning when cherry trees are blossoming. Yoshinoyama is one of them, and it’s only an hour away by car from Nara! Why Yoshinoyama is so spectacular, you might ask? It’s a mountain covered by cherry trees! Offering 4 different levels with 4 different types of sakura blossoming at different timing, Yoshinoyama allows for a longer period to enjoy sakura petals but also for nice and long hikes. Even more photogenic than Kasuga Taisha, Yoshinoyama is harder to reach as you have to take trains or rent a car but it is definitely worth the hassle seeing how magical this sakura mountain can be.

Tempted by a weekend in Nara? There is much more to discover! Ask us to get a private online consultation and create the trip of your dreams in the ethereal Nara.