Plan the perfect Nara day trip from Kyoto with this itinerary including deer in Nara Park, Todaiji’s Great Buddha, Kasuga Shrine, and the charming streets of Naramachi.

Nara: An 8th-Century Metropolis, Now a Deer Park!

Nara was Japan’s first permanent capital, and the wealth of historical spots and beautiful structures left behind after the city’s time in the spotlight make the area a must-visit for history and nature lovers. Just a 40-minute train ride via the Kintetsu Kyoto Line, it’s the perfect day trip from Kyoto (and accessible from Osaka, too)!

Start From Kintetsu Nara Station

First thing, begin your journey at Kintetsu Nara Station. Nara has two major train stations, but this one is closer to major attractions than JR Nara Station, making it a better place for sightseers to start.

① Nara Park

Enjoy a relaxing stroll in Nara Park, where wild deer roam freely. You can feed them special “deer crackers,” but be respectful – these are protected national treasures, and when they’re upset, they aren’t afraid to headbutt.

② Kofukuji Temple

Stop in for a quick visit to Kofukuji, just a 5-minute walk from the station. This 1300-year-old temple complex is home to an iconic Five-Story Pagoda and was the original home to a renowned Ashura statue, which can now be seen inside the National Treasure Museum.

③ Todaiji Temple

Walk deeper into Nara Park to take in the majestic height of Todaiji Temple’s towering Great Buddha, housed in one of the world’s largest wooden buildings. Officially designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you won’t want to leave Nara until you’ve seen Todaiji!

④ Lunch Near Nara Park

Restaurants near Kofukuji Temple are convenient and varied, making it a good place to grab lunch before our next destination. It’s a good chance to try local specialties, like kakinoha zushi (persimmon leaf-wrapped sushi).

⑤ Kasuga Taisha Shrine

This vermillion-colored shrine is famous for its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns, and the sacred deer around Nara Park are said to be divine messengers for the god enshrined within.

⑥ Gangoji Temple

Head into the historic Naramachi area to visit this ancient temple, which was established in the year 718 AD, and traces its origins to Japan’s very first Buddhist temple (built sometime from late 6th to early 8th century). Make sure to look up during your visit – Gangoji features some of Japan’s oldest roof tiles.

⑦ The Streets of Naramachi

Spend whatever’s left of your afternoon wandering through the Edo-era (1603-1868) alleyways of Naramachi to admire the traditional Edo-era wooden machiya townhouses and hidden pathways, as well as plenty of cafes and shops selling tempting souvenirs.

⑧ Dinner in Naramachi

From ramen and sushi to traditional multi-course kaiseki meals, Naramachi has a wide variety of Japanese dinner options, making it a great place to enjoy a relaxing meal before heading back to your hotel. Popular restaurants can get busy, though – make reservations in advance if you can!

Return to Kyoto

Trains from Kintetsu Nara Station to Kyoto run until around 10 or 11 pm, which should be fine unless you really let the time get away from you at dinner. The real time crunch is souvenir shopping, since many stores close by 7 or 8 pm – give yourself plenty of time to enjoy your last moments in Nara before you hop on the train!

^{This content has been edited and republished from Japan Web Magazine with permission. The original article was published on Jan 31, 2024. ©2025 Inbound Platform Corp. All Rights Reserved}