Best things to do in Nara
Find out more about those top places in Nara
Nara: Japan's OG Capital (Where Giant Buddhas Chill in Giant Wooden Houses!) - Your Hilariously Honest Travel Guide to This Ancient Treasure!
Konnichiwa, history buffs and lovers of all things serenely ancient! Before the bright lights of Kyoto stole the capital crown, there was Nara, the city that proudly holds the title of the cradle of Japanese civilization. Back in its 7th and 8th-century golden age, when Buddhism was all the rage in Japan, Nara blossomed into a breathtaking showcase of temples, most of which have miraculously survived to this very day. Seriously, it's like stepping into a time capsule filled with serene beauty and ancient wisdom.
Nara's undisputed rockstar top attraction is undoubtedly Tōdai-ji. Now, this isn't just any old temple; it's the largest wooden building in the entire world! Let that sink in for a moment. It's so big, you could probably fit a small village inside (though we wouldn't recommend trying). And as if that wasn't impressive enough, Tōdai-ji also houses the largest bronze statue in the world, known as Daibutsu. This colossal Buddha was first unveiled way back in 752, and trust us, it remains jaw-droppingly impressive. You'll feel like an ant gazing up at a benevolent bronze giant!
But the ancient awesomeness doesn't stop there. The ornate temple of Hōryū-ji boldly claims the title of the oldest surviving wooden building in the world. Yes, you read that right – older than your grandma's attic and still standing strong! And scattered throughout Nara are many smaller temples that house exquisite examples of early Japanese statuary, each with its own serene beauty and fascinating history.
Here's the truly remarkable part: Nara has scarcely changed since the Middle Ages. Seriously, wandering through its peaceful streets and around its ancient temples feels like stepping into a perfectly preserved hidden gem, allowing visitors to truly experience the glories of early Japan without the modern hustle and bustle. It's like a historical theme park, but, you know, real and incredibly serene.
And did we mention the deer? Nara Park is home to hundreds of friendly (and sometimes slightly demanding!) wild sika deer that roam freely and are considered sacred. Buying crackers to feed them is definitely one of the unique things to do in Nara – just watch out for the occasional headbutt if you're too slow with the snacks!
Our hilarious (and incredibly helpful!) travel guide is here to navigate you through the best places to visit and the most exciting things to do in this captivating ancient city. Get ready for some truly unforgettable sightseeing, from marveling at colossal Buddhas and ancient wooden wonders to interacting with sacred deer and soaking in the serene atmosphere of centuries past, all while uncovering the top attractions that make Nara a truly special and hilariously historic (and deer-filled!) destination.
Top Attractions: Giant Buddhas, Ancient Wood, and Sacred Deer!
Nara offers a captivating blend of monumental history, serene temples, and unique wildlife encounters:
Tōdai-ji Temple & Daibutsu: The Big One!
Marvel at Tōdai-ji Temple, the world's largest wooden building, and be awestruck by the colossal bronze statue of Daibutsu (the Great Buddha). A must-see attraction for your Nara sightseeing.
Hōryū-ji Temple: The Ancient Elder
Visit Hōryū-ji Temple, claiming to be the world's oldest surviving wooden building, showcasing incredible ancient architecture and serene beauty. A key place to visit for history buffs.
Nara Park & the Sacred Deer: Bambi's Japanese Adventure
Wander through Nara Park, home to hundreds of friendly wild sika deer that roam freely and are considered sacred. Buying crackers to feed them is a unique thing to do.
Kasuga Taisha Shrine: Lanterns Aglow
Explore the beautiful Kasuga Taisha Shrine, famous for its thousands of lanterns donated by worshippers. Its vibrant red architecture and serene forest setting make it a captivating place to visit.
Things to Do Beyond the Iconic Landmarks: Gardens, Museums, and Tranquil Walks!
Our travel guide wouldn't be complete without suggesting some other fantastic things to do to truly experience the Nara vibe:
- Stroll Through Isuien Garden: Enjoy the serene beauty of Isuien Garden, a traditional Japanese garden with stunning views.
- Visit the Nara National Museum: Delve deeper into the region's Buddhist art and history at this excellent museum.
- Explore Kōfuku-ji Temple: Discover this significant temple, once the family temple of the powerful Fujiwara clan, and admire its impressive five-story pagoda.
- Hike up Mount Wakakusa: Enjoy panoramic views of Nara city and its surrounding temples from the summit of this grassy mountain (seasonal access).
- Sample Local Delicacies: Try Nara's local specialties, such as persimmon leaf sushi (kakinoha-zushi) and arrowroot noodles (kuzu-kiri).
So, if you're looking for places to visit in Japan that offer a profound sense of ancient history, serene temple experiences, and the unique charm of sacred roaming deer, Nara is calling your name! Our travel guide promises an unforgettable adventure filled with incredible sightseeing and exciting things to do. Just be prepared to bow to giant Buddhas and maybe share your snacks with a friendly deer! Sayōnara and enjoy this ancient gem!
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Horyu-ji
Prince Shotoku, who is often called the patron saint of Japanese Buddhism, founded Nara’s Horyu-ji temple in 607 AD. Today, it is one of the oldest extant temple complexes remaining in the country and gives visitors a remarkable introduction to the rich history and traditions of Japanese Buddhism. Divided into East and West temples, the complex houses some of Japan’s most impressive sculptural art and is best explored as part of a guided walking tour.
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Todai-ji
The Todai-ji is the largest wooden building in the world and was constructed in 752 AD to house Nara’s most iconic piece of art, the Daibutsu (Great Buddha), which is also the largest bronze statue in the world. The statue rises to nearly 20 meters in height and consists of nearly 500 tonnes of bronze and roughly 100 kilograms of gold. For the best experience, arrive early before the crowds to make the most of this unforgettable attraction.
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Kasuga Taisha
With origins dating back 1300 years Kasuga Taisha is another of Nara’s most historic sites. Erected as a shrine to protect the city, which at the time was Japan’s first permanent capital, it was ritually rebuilt every 20 years maintaining Shinto tradition. While the structure that stands today has been in place since the 19th century, it is well-maintained and the interiors are bedecked in thousands of atmospheric lanterns.
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Nara Park
If you have ever seen pictures of small Japanese sika deer approaching tourists for food and pets it is more likely than not that they were taken in Nara Park. Considered sacred until the mid-17th century, the killing of these deers was punishable by death and today they still live a fairly luxurious life roaming the immaculately manicured park. The park is one of Japan’s oldest and has numerous age-old chaya (tea houses) where you can stop for a refreshment and marvel at the gorgeous setting.
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Kofuku-ji
The Kofuku-ji temple complex was moved from Kyoto to Nara in 710 AD and was once the largest in the city. Initially it would have had close to 150 wooden buildings but through countless fires and Shogunate warfare what remains today is more modest. Of particular note are the temple’s towering pagodas, one of which is Japan’s second tallest, and the Tokondo, which contains some of the country’s most priceless sculptures.
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Toshodai-ji
Established by a Chinese Buddhist priest brought to Japan to reform Buddhism, Toshodai-ji is the perfect place to experience what Nara would have been like in its royal heyday. Containing the only surviving parts of the former imperial palace, the temple is a must visit for those who are in Nara for a few days.
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Nara National Museum
Built in the 19th century Japanese imperial style and remodeled extensively in 2016, Nara’s National Museum is one of the country’s finest collections of Buddhist art. With sculptures dating from as far back as the 15th century BC, the collection is simply breathtaking. To best experience this mammoth assortment of historic art take a guided tour that will show you the collection’s highlights.
