1. Todai-ji Temple (東大寺)
Founded in the 8th century, this temple which houses the massive Vairocana statue, popularly known as Daibutsu (Great Buddha), was burned down twice in fires that broke out as a result of war.
The present structure, which was rebuilt in 1709, was scaled down to 2/3 of the original size. Nevertheless, it is the largest wooden structure temple in the world. This temple is one of the main Nara attractions.
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Opening Hours
Daily 8:00am – 5:00pm
2. Sika Deer in Nara Park
According to legend, a mighty god from Kashima Shrine came to Nara riding on a white deer in the 8th century. Since then deer have been respected and protected as divine messengers. Hence there are plenty deer roaming around.
Fun part is, you can buy Shika Senbei (deer crackers) and feed them. The deer in this park are so polite that they bow to you when requesting for Shika Senbei!
3. Kofuku-ji Temple (興福寺)
Established in the 7th century, Kofukuji used to be the family temple of the most powerful Fujiwara family clan during Nara & Heian Periods. The temple consisted of over 150 buildings at the height of Fujiwara influence.
The five storey pagoda is Japan’s second tallest at 50 meters, just 7 meters shorter than the five storey pagoda at Kyoto’s Toji Temple. Kofukuji’s pagoda is both a landmark and a symbol of Nara. It was reconstructed in 1426 after it has burned down 5 times.
Opening Hours
Daily 9:00am – 5:00pm
4. Kasuga Taisha Grand Shrine (春日大社)
Established in 768 AD and rebuilt several times over the centuries, it is the shrine of the Fujiwara family. Both paths to this shrine are lined with approx 2000 stone lanterns and the eaves of the shrine itself are decorated with around 1000 hanging bronze lanterns.
Opening Hours
Daily 6:30 am – 5:30 pm
5. Higashimuki Shopping Street (東向き商店街)
The Higashimuki Shopping Street a 250-metre-long covered shopping street is located just beside Kintetsu Nara Station. It is full of souvenir shops and a variety of restaurants.
good blog dude. I would actually recommend some of the shrines as well, as well as the primeval forest nearby.
Thank you so much for the very detailed and helpful information!
Hi W-Xin, hope it helps. Happy Traveling!
Pls advice should we stay 1 night in Nara or just day trip from Kyoto?
Hi Elaine, day trip should be sufficient, go early around 7 to 8am then you should make it back by 10pm. Packing & unpacking & moving hotel is tiring and time wasting
I find your guide to be most helpful when you include the station/train lines but I didn’t see them listed for the Nara section of your guide. Was wondering if I missed something?
Hi Lily, all attractions are in the same park area.
Hi Tommy, any interesting place in Kobe?
Hi Shyan, perhaps you can try Ijinkan (異人館), Kobe Tower, Kobe beef & Mt. Rokko
Hi Tommy , any advice for visiting Kumano trail with children 8&11 years old for one Day trip from Kyoto
Regards
Marek
Hi, it seems very far from Kyoto
To see deers in Nara was the best experience for me. Very nice post Tommy 🙂 Csilla
Hi Csilla, glad you enjoyed it! Visit us often! ^^
Would you suggest Nara and Kobe in one day?
Hi, not really cos they are not located side by side and you easily spend one whole day in Nara. Kobe is bigger than Nara
hi tOMMY!
we are travelling on april 12-19.
we would like to ask if what pass we’re going to use the day we arrive from kansai airport to shinsaibashi station.
then the following day apilr 13 we would like to go to kyoto
april 14 nara park
april 15 kobe
april 16 osaka city tour
april 17 osaka city tour
april 18 osaka city tour
april 19 from shinsaibashi to kansai airport.
thank you so much.
Hi you can just pay 1 way ticket. Kyoto will need 2 or 3 days min
Hi Tommy, is this list you suggested doable as a full day trip from either Osaka or Kyoto?
Hi yes doable as full day trip from Osaka
Thanks,
We went to Nara during the spring and the kids enjoyed the cherry blossom and the lovely deers.
n