How Long To Spend In Nara

Nara was Japan'south first permanent capital from 710 until 784, known at the time as Heijo. Before that, the capital city inverse whenever a new emperor ascended to the throne. Nara is role of the Kansai region, with close proximity to other popular tourist destinations like Kyoto and Osaka (less than an hour away). Many visitors know the expanse because of the famous deer park, where the deer walk around freely, and a large statue of Buddha. These famous sites are close to each other, in fact they are within walking altitude from each other.

Because of its close proximity to Osaka and Kyoto, you might think of Nara every bit just a 24-hour interval trip, just in that location so much to meet, acquire and practice in Nara that you tin can easily spend two or perhaps 3 days here. In this article, we will share our recommended 2 days itinerary in Nara to make it easier for you to starting time planning your Japan trip.

Table of contents

How to become to Nara
- Travelling from Kyoto to Nara
- Travelling from Osaka to Nara
Day 1: Exploring Nara
- 10:30am Kasuga Taisha Shrine
- 12pm Naramachi for lunch
- 1:30pm Todaiji Temple
  - Nandaimon Gate of Todaiji Temple
  - Daibutsuden Hall of Todaiji Temple
  - Nigatsu-exercise & Sangatsu-practise buildings of Todaiji Temple
- 4.30pm Mt. Wakakusa
- Kofuku-ji Temple
Day 2: Visiting due south from Nara
- Pick 1: Exploring rural Asuka expanse
- Option 2: Globe Heritage Site hopping southwest from Nara
- 9am train to Horyuji Station
- 9:30am visit Horyuji Temple
- 11am visit Chuguji Temple
- 12pm visit Yakushiji Temple
- 3:30pm Toshodaiji Temple
Tours in Nara
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How to get to Nara

As mentioned above, Nara is located in the Kansai region, inside close proximity to Osaka (28 km due east) and Kyoto (35 km south). In addition, it is also quite shut to Kansai International Airport (77 km northeast). Information technology is connected to all cities through a large network of buses and trains. From both Osaka and Kyoto you can have two trains to Nara, a JR operated line that you tin can use freely with your JR Rail Laissez passer, and the private Kintetsu Line.

Travelling from Kyoto to Nara

Your best option from Kyoto to Nara is taking the train. You can either take the JR railroad train that will take you lot to Nara station in 45 minutes, costs ¥720. The Kintetsu Line will take y'all to Kintetsu Nara station in 35 minutes, costs ¥1,160.

Travelling from Osaka to Nara

From Osaka yous can also take the railroad train. Either accept the Yamatoji Kaisoku (limited) from JR Osaka station to Nara station. The ticket costs ¥810 and the trip will have 55 minutes. Or you tin can take the Kintetsu Nara Line from Kintetsu Namba station, taking you to Kintetsu Nara station for ¥570 in 40 minutes.

From other parts of Japan, your best option is to take the Shinkansen to either Kyoto or Osaka and brand your manner to Nara as described in a higher place.

Twenty-four hours 1: Exploring Nara

ten:30am Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Kasuga Taisha shrine is a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site and was founded almost i,300 years ago. When yous get off the railroad train at Kintetsu Nara Station, walk for about thirty minutes to get there. You volition see hundreds of lanterns lining upwardly along the pathway to Kasuga Taisha Shrine. The shrine is really famous for the many lanterns that were donated by worshippers; there are some 3,000 different types of lanterns contributed since the 8th century till today. There are lighting up events at the shrine iii times a year.

When yous go in that location, make sure to visit the Fujinami-no-ya Hall. This traditional identify is open up all twelvemonth for public and that you can come across the beautiful hanging lanterns at all time. To enter the inner shrine though, a small admission fee (¥500) is charged.

12pm Naramachi for dejeuner

Head to southwest from Kasuga Taisha Shrine to walk effectually Naramachi neighbourhood, the quondam merchant district of Nara. Hither you will meet Japanese traditional houses called machiya lined up on both sides of the street. Some of them have been renovated equally a buffet or eating house, we recommend to have lunch there and enjoy the local atmosphere in this cute neighbourhood.

i:30pm Todaiji Temple

Nandaimon Gate of Todaiji Temple

Nandaimon means great south gate in Japanese and it is the entrance gate of Todaiji Temple.This gate is 25 meters tall and is the biggest gate in Nihon. There are ii statues of guardians chosen Kongo-Rikishi Statues which are said to engagement back to the in 13th century and were built in 70 days. Todaiji Temple is one of the almost popular and famous spots in Nara then it volition be crowded during the daytime. If you prefer the placidity time, we recommend you lot to become there at nighttime or early on in the morning time.

Daibutsuden Hall of Todaiji Temple

Daibutsu-den Hall (Main Hall) of Todai-ji Temple

This is the world'southward biggest wooden building in which Daibutsu, the biggest bronze Buddha statue in Nippon, is located. Originally the principal hall was synthetic in 752 equally a headquarter of provincial temples. It has been reconstructed in a smaller size than the original one but still, the size of the temple is overwhelming.

Nigatsu-practice & Sangatsu-practise buildings of Todaiji Temple

These are the sub-temples of Todaiji Temple located on the hill from Daibutsuden Hall. In Sangatsu-do, there are pocket-size collections of unique old statues and this building remains as the original style from seventh century. Nigatsu-practice is the edifice adjacent to Sangatsu-do and they take two statues which are chosen 11-faced kannon. Nobody can run into these statues fifty-fifty the monks.

Entrance to the Daibutsuden Hall of Todaiji Temple is ¥600 and the hall is accessible from 7:30am to v:30pm (Apr ~ October) / 8am to 5pm (Nov ~ Mar).

iv.30pm Mt. Wakakusa

From Todaiji Temple, continue east and go to Mount Wakakusa located behind Nara Park. It is a short hike, about 15-20 minutes, to achieve to the plateau and about 30-xl minutes to the tiptop of Wakakusayama. Y'all can enjoy a beautiful view from the meridian and it is totally recommended to stay at that place until the sunset! Mount Wakakusa is accessible from 9am till 5pm and a small admission fee of ¥150 is charged.

Kofuku-ji Temple

At Kofuku-ji Temple, the 2d tallest five-story pagoda in Nara lights up after the sunset. Our suggested spot to view the illuminated pagoda and the temple is from Sarusawa pond. After you've enjoyed the view, let's head back to Naramachi for dinner.

Day 2: Visiting south from Nara

Nosotros would similar to offer you two options to enjoy your second day in Nara.

If you experience similar enjoying the nature, an old Japanese hamlet and find some aboriginal ruins, nosotros would recommend you to become cycling around Asuka Village (sample 1). Or if you want to visit more temples and Earth Heritage Sites, scroll downwards to our 2d proposition.

Option 1: Exploring rural Asuka area

In the Asuka area, located s from Nara, yous volition find yourself surrounded by cute nature and hither tin have deeper experience by visiting some mysterious historical sites. Asuka is the name of the region known as the birthplace of Nippon and that is why you lot can detect some aboriginal tombs there. You can savor both the ruins and mural and experience similar travelling back in time! The best manner to go around Asuka is cycling with a bicycle, almost the station you will discover a good rental shop. If y'all are interested in cycling with bicycle, check this article for more information including recommended routes!

Touring Asuka Village past bike (i mean solar day trip from Nara, Kyoto or Osaka )

Option 2: Earth Heritage Site hopping southwest from Nara

Ane of the oldest temples in Japan and a registered UNESCO Globe Heritage Site is Horyuji Temple, located in the Ikaruga surface area not very far from Nara (12km). You tin go from Nara by train or bus in near 40 – hr. The buildings of Horyuji Temple are the world's oldest wooden buildings.

Nearby Horyuji Temple there are two other famous temples: Yakushiji and Toshodaiji. If you are interested in architecture, these three temples are recommended.

9am train to Horyuji Station

From JR Nara Station to Horyuji Station, information technology takes only eleven minutes by railroad train and walk for 20 minutes to become there.

9:30am visit Horyuji Temple

Together with Todaiji Temple, Horyuji Temple is one of the iconic places in Nara. These buildings at the site were built in 607. Surprisingly, the main hall, the five-storied pagoda and the Yumedono (Hall of dream) nonetheless remain in their original construction, which is rare in Japan due to the many earthquakes and typhoons every year. Horyu-ji is the oldest wooden buildings in the globe and got registered as the showtime World Heritage Site in Japan.

The temple is open every 24-hour interval from 8am to 5pm and the admission is ¥i,500.

11am visit Chuguji Temple

Behind Yumedono in Horyu-ji, you lot will find Chuguji Temple. Compared to Horyuji, this temple is really small and announced to be floating on the water. What we recommend here to run across is Miroku statue, a scenic masterpiece of a sitting Buddha who puts his correct leg on his left and smiles gently. If you go to Horyuji and Chuguji, the access fee for this temple volition exist discounted.

The temple is open up every day from 9am to four.30pm and the access is ¥600.

12pm visit Yakushiji Temple

Take a bus from Horyu-ji mae jitney finish which is v minutes walk from Great South Gate of Horyuji. Hop on Nara-kotsu 97 jitney to become to Nishinokyo area. Get off at Yakushi-ji Higashi-guchi and it takes almost forty minutes to get there.

Yakushiji is a large temple which stands out with its vermillion colour. It was built past an emperor in 680 as a prayer for the recovery of his ill wife. Inside of the each edifice, you will see many important Buddha Statues. The most famous one is Yakushi Nyorai Statue which is known as the divine of healing.

The temple is open every day from 8.30am to 5pm and the admission is ¥ane,100.

3:30pm Toshodaiji Temple

Head north from the due north gate of Yakushiji and you lot volition get to the Toshodaiji Temple. This is also ane of the World Heritage Sites in Nara and was congenital in 759 past a Chinese priest. Around that time, Tang Dynasty had a huge influence on Nihon and the proper noun of this temple means the temple inviting Tang Dynasty. The Chinese priest was invited to railroad train priests and meliorate Japanese Buddhism. On the site of this temples, yous tin can come across beautiful moss in the surrounding forest.

The temple is open up every day from eight.30am to 5pm and the access is ¥1,000.

Tours in Nara

To get most out of your visit we recommend visiting Nara with a guided tour. Some of the tours that will help you lot take a great time in Nara:

Nara Globe Heritage Private Walking Tour from Kyoto
Guided Walking Tour Wearing Kimono
Cycling Tours in Asuka, Nara

If you have any questions nigh this itinerary of can use some help planning your Japan trip, we volition happily help yous!

Adaptation recommended in Nara

[Luxury hotel]

Hotel Nikko Nara
Wakasa Annex
Nara hotel
Kasuga hotel
Sarusawaike Yoshidaya

[Budget hotel]

Guesthouse Nara Komachi
Guesthouse Nara Backpackers
Yuzan guesthouse Annex
Nara Guesthouse Kamunabi
Onyado Nono Nara Natural Hot Spring

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Happy traveling!