Nara, Japan
Nara is a charming city located in the Kansai region of Japan, famous for its ancient temples, serene parks, and friendly deer roaming freely. It offers a glimpse into Japan's rich history, culture and traditions.
Trip to Nara, Japan
Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions
You’ll arrive in Nara and check into your hotel. If time permits, take a walk around the city to get your bearings and explore the area. Nara is famous for its stunning temples, traditional garden, and of course, the tame deer that roam the city’s parks. The first thing you’ll notice is that the deer (who are considered a national treasure) are not afraid of humans at all and will come right up to you!
Day 2: Tour of Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park
Start your day by exploring Nara Park, home to over 1,000 of the city’s resident deer – don’t forget to buy some deer crackers to feed them! You will then head to Todai-ji Temple, one of Japan’s most famous and important temples which houses the world’s largest bronze statue of the Buddha, which is truly a marvel of beauty and craftsmanship.
Day 3: Visit to Horyu-ji Temple and Asuka
Today we recommend a visit to Horyu-ji Temple and Asuka, located just outside the city. Horyu-ji is the oldest wooden structure in the world and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While Asuka is a small village with charming scenery and ancient ruins.
Day 4: Stroll around Nara-machi and Naramachi Koshi-no-Ie
Take a leisurely stroll around Nara-machi, the old merchant district of Nara. The streets are lined with traditional Japanese houses, each with their own unique style and history. Afterwards, stop by Naramachi Koshi-no-Ie, a traditional Japanese house-turned-museum which presents the history of the old merchant district in Nara.
Day 5: Yoshikien Garden and Isui-en Garden
Take a day trip to explore two of Nara’s most beautiful traditional gardens – Yoshikien Garden and Isui-en Garden. Yoshikien Garden is famous for its stunning array of autumn leaves, while Isui-en Garden is best known for its beautiful water features and impressive garden views.
Day 6: Yamato Koriyama Castle and Shopping in Nara
Today, make a day trip to Yamato Koriyama Castle, one of the oldest castles in Japan, for a history lesson about the area. Afterwards, spend some time shopping in Nara, there are many shopping districts including Higashimuki, Sanjo Dori or Mochiidono Shotengai. You can also explore some of the bars and pubs in the nightlife district of Nara, known as Shinmachi.
Day 7: Departure
Sadly it’s time to say goodbye to Nara. Make sure you’ve picked up any last-minute souvenirs or gifts in case there was anything you missed. Depending on your flight or train schedule, you may have time to take one last walk around the city before heading out. Safe travels!
