Things to do in Nara City: ancient temples and friendly deer

Things to do in Nara City: ancient temples and friendly deer

When you hear "Nara", almost everyone thinks of Nara City, where the famous giant buddha lays and deer roam freely. While I love recommending other things to do in Nara besides this area (see this blog), today I will talk about Nara City and what draws visitors there from far and wide.

Nara has a perfect blend of Japanese cultural heritage and natural beauty, and at just under an hour from both Kyoto and Osaka, it's an easy day trip to see ancient temples, expansive parks, and of course, the famous deer.

Need a local to help you make the most of your visit? Our Nara Half-Day Tour is perfect for those wanting to explore the city's key attractions with a local guide.

Here are some ideas for things to do in Nara, Japan.

1. Nara Park and the famous deer

No visit to Nara is complete without a trip to Nara Park, where you'll meet the city's famous residents--its friendly deer. Known as messengers of the gods in Shinto tradition, these deer have become the unofficial symbol of Nara. You can even purchase "deer crackers" to feed them, but watch out as they can get a bit overenthusiastic and you'll be in danger of a nip if you're not careful. They are wild animals, so give them their space.

The park itself is a beautiful place to stroll and serves as a gateway to several of Nara's most important landmarks. For a more in-depth experience of Nara Park and its sacred deer, join the Nara Half-Day Tour for an expert-guided visit.

2. Todai-ji Temple - home to the Great Buddha

Just a short walk from Nara Park is the awe-inspiring Todai-ji Temple, home to the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world. The sheer scale of this Great Buddha, housed in the Daibutsuden (the Great Buddha Hall), is impressive enough to warrant a visit for this alone. First built in 752 AD, Todai-ji is an architectural marvel and probably Nara's most famous temple.

3. Kasuga Taisha Shrine

When you walk through Nara Park you'll find the tranquil Kasuga Taisha Shrine, renowned for its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns. As you wander through the shrine's paths, you'll feel the serenity of this sacred space, especially during the annual lantern festivals when the entire area is illuminated by a warm glow. Kasuga Taisha is dedicated to the gods of the powerful Fujiwara clan, and its bright vermillion architecture stands in striking contrast to the lush greenery around it.

In April and May you can visit the adjoining Kasuga Taisha Shinen Manyo Botanical Garden to see lovely flowering wisteria.

If you like hiking, behind the shrine is the Kasugayama Primeval Forest, where there is a 2-hour hike which loops around to the north entrance near a little teahouse. The forest was banned to people until after World War 2 and thus much of its natural beauty and rare flora and fauna are preserved. In fact, over 800 species of plants can be found in there! In autumn I recommend checking out Myokengu Shrine which is just a short walk along the trail, as the maple leaves are spectacular there.

4. Naramachi - explore Nara's old town

Step back in time as you wander through Naramachi, Nara's historic merchant district. This charming area is full of well-preserved traditional townhouses from the Edo period, many of which have been converted into quirky shops, cozy cafes, and small museums. There are lots of artisanal crafts to be found, and many interesting shops such as:

• The Naramachi Koshino-ie House, a preserved machiya that offers a glimpse into the life of a merchant family during the Edo period.
• The Herbal Medicine Shop Kikuoka (Kikuoka Kanpo Yakkyoku) which dates back to 1184 and is run by the 24th generation of the same family. You can learn about ancient herbal remedies and how they were made, and even buy some medicine or herbal tea.
• Nakanishi Yosaburo, a traditional sweets shop that has been in business for over 150 years. They sell Japanese sweets called "wagashi", perfect for accompanying your cup of green tea.
• You can also see sweets being made at Nakatanido, where their high speed mochi pounding displays are an entertaining sight.
• Due to its many forests and pure clear water, Nara is renowned for its high quality sake. Visit the Harushika Sake Imanishi Seibei Brewery to learn about how sake is brewed try five different types of local sake.

5. Kofuku-ji Temple - A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Another jewel in Nara's crown is Kofuku-ji Temple, one of the city's most important cultural landmarks. Once the family temple of the influential Fujiwara clan, Kofuku-ji is famous for its stunning five-story pagoda, which towers over the surrounding area. The temple complex houses an impressive collection of Buddhist art, including ancient statues that reflect the depth of Japan's religious history.

*the 5-story pagoda is under construction until 2031*

6. Isuien Garden

Escape the crowds and find peace at Isuien Garden, a beautiful oasis of calm in the heart of Nara. This traditional Japanese garden is designed with a "borrowed scenery" technique, incorporating the distant hills and Todai-ji's Nandaimon gate into its landscape. The grounds feature ponds, tea houses, and seasonal flowers and it is much quieter and more peaceful than the nearby Nara Park.

7. Yoshikien Garden

Right next to Isuien is the lesser-known Yoshikien Garden, a hidden gem that many tourists overlook. This compact but lovely garden features three distinct sections: a pond garden, a moss garden, and a tea ceremony garden. Best of all, entry is free for foreign visitors unlike Isuien Garden, so if you're looking for a peaceful retreat away from the crowds but don't want to spend money, try Yoshikien.

8. Nara National Museum

Art and history buffs will love the Nara National Museum, which houses an extensive collection of Buddhist art and artifacts. At the museum you can see ancient statues and religious scrolls along with various artefacts from the area. The annual Shoso-in exhibition is a highlight, showcasing treasures from the 8th century that belonged to the imperial family.

If you want a really deep understanding of Nara and Japanese culture, this museum would be a good stop for you.

9. Hike up Mt. Wakakusa for a good view of Nara City

For those seeking a bit of adventure, a hike up Mt. Wakakusa is well worth the effort. The mountain offers panoramic views of Nara City and its many temples, and the hike itself is relatively easy, taking about 30 minutes to reach the summit. If you're visiting in January, you might be able to catch the Wakakusa Yamayaki festival, where the entire mountainside is set ablaze in a stunning display of fire.

10. The Shikayose (deer call)

In February and March, the "shikayose" is held every weekend and public holiday at 10am at the park behind the Nara National Museum. There, a French Horn player will call to the deer with Beethoven's 6th Symphony Pastoral and they will all come crowding around him.

Ready to explore Nara like a local? Book your Nara Half-Day Tour and experience the best this city has to offer, with insights and stories from our expert guides. The tour can be customised for you, just let us know.