Your Guide to Nara Prefecture: Things to Do, Access Information, Accommodations, and Souvenirs

Get to know Nara Prefecture

Inland prefecture Nara is located in the center of the Kii Peninsula in Japan’s Kansai Region. The city of Nara, formerly known as Heijo-kyo, served as Japan’s capital between 710 and 794 AD before the seat of the Emperor was moved to Kyoto.

Today, Nara Prefecture is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, particularly its well-preserved temples, shrines, and traditional architecture.

Discover Nara's historic charm

Nara boasts a rich Buddhist cultural heritage, home to significant temples and shrines such as Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, both of which are recognized as part of Unesco's "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara."

The inscription encompasses Todai-ji Temple, Kohfuku-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kasugayama Primeval Forest, Gango-ji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple, Toshodai-ji Temple, and the Nara Palace Site—eight national treasures, special historic sites, and natural monuments, reflecting Nara's pivotal role in Japanese history and its enduring cultural legacy.

Pet and feed the adorable deer in Nara Park

The origin of Nara's free-roaming deer traces back to Shinto mythology, where a deity called Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto arrived in Nara by riding a sacred white deer to protect the capital.

Over time, the deer became a revered symbol, and are protected by law. They're cherished as natural treasures, symbolizing the city's ancient connections with Shintoism, and attracting visitors who can feed them with special shika senbei crackers in Nara Park.

Stroll the traditional townhouse neighborhood of Naramachi

In addition to its stunning Unesco World Heritage Sites, Nara is also home to the Naramachi district of traditional machiya townhouses and warehouses, constructed a few hundred years ago. Many of these buildings have been converted into shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Naramachi refers to the historic neighborhoods developed around the former precincts of Gango-ji Temple, including areas like Takabatake, Kintetsu Nara Station, and Sarusawa Pond.

Nara City: Access information

Many of Nara's famous attractions are situated around Nara Park, including Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofuku-ji Temple, and Naramachi. If it's your first time exploring Nara, starting here is your best bet.

You can reach Nara Park from two nearby stations—JR Nara Station and Kintetsu Nara Station—easily accessible from other areas in the Kansai Region such as Kyoto and Osaka. From both stations, you can reach Nara Park within a 20-minute walk, or a 10-minute bus ride.

If using Japan Railways trains, opt for the Kansai Area Pass and enjoy unlimited rides on all JR West Lines and shinkansen in the Kansai Region, including Nara, Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe. It includes a one-day pass for Kyoto Municipal Subway and Keihan Electric Railway.

For travelers keen on exploring more regions, opt for the Kansai Wide Area Pass, available for five consecutive days. This pass not only covers unlimited rides on all JR West Lines and shinkansen in the Kansai Region—including access to JR Nara Station—but also access to destinations such as Okayama and Tottori.

If Nara is your first destination after landing at Kansai International Airport, opt for the Kansai-Airport Express Haruka. It brings you directly to central Osaka and Kyoto, from where you can easily journey further to other areas in the Kansai Region such as Nara and Kobe.

7 must-visit destinations in Nara Prefecture

When thinking of sightseeing in Nara, the iconic Great Buddha of Todai-ji Temple and the adorable deer in Nara Park likely come to mind. However, there's so much more to explore beyond these well-known attractions. Let's dive into seven must-see sights in Nara that you won't want to miss.

Nara Park

Nara Park spans a vast 511 hectares and is home to cultural gems like Todai-ji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and bordering the site of Kofuku-ji Temple. It's mostly famous for its over 1,000 free-roaming wild deer, which you can feed with special senbei crackers sold in shops and stalls around the park.

In spring, the park bursts with cherry blossoms, while autumn paints the park in brilliant hues of maple red, making it a top tourist hotspot year-round.

Nara Park
Address: Kasugano-cho, Nara-shi, Nara Prefecture
Access: 20-min walk, or 10-min bus ride from JR Nara and Kintetsu Nara stations
Official website: http://www3.pref.nara.jp/park/

Todai-ji Temple

A must-see destination in Nara, Unesco World Heritage Site Todai-ji Temple is celebrated for its colossal 15-meter-tall Great Buddha bronze statue, housed within the Great Buddha Hall, one of the largest wooden structures in the world.

Within the Great Buddha Hall, there's a pillar featuring a hole at its base, roughly the size of the Buddha's nostril. According to legend, those who can successfully crawl through it will receive abundant blessings.

Todai-ji Temple
Address: 406-1 Zoshi-cho, Nara-shi, Nara Prefecture
Access: 5-min walk from Daibutsuden Kasuga Taisha-mae bus stop (city loop bus)
Official website: https://www.todaiji.or.jp/en/

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Founded over 1,300 years ago during Nara's time as Japan's capital, Kasuga Taisha Shrine maintains its original architecture, featuring vermilion pillars, white walls, and a pathway adorned with 3,000 stone lanterns.

It’s also home to one of the Shinto religion's oldest torii shrine gates, which has inspired similar gates across Japan. Both Kasuga Taisha Shrine and the nearby Kasugayama Primeval Forest are both Unesco World Heritage sites.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Address: 160 Kasugano-cho, Nara-shi, Nara Prefecture
Access: 3-min walk from Kasuga Taisha Honden bus stop (Nara Kotsu Bus)
Official website: https://www.kasugataisha.or.jp/en/about_en/

Kofuku-ji Temple

Kofuku-ji Temple, once the family temple of the influential Fujiwara clan, held great importance during both the Nara (710-794) and Heian periods (794-1185.)

Established in Nara in 710, the temple grounds boast a towering five-storied pagoda standing at 50 meters tall, making it Japan's second-tallest wooden pagoda. Originally built in 730, it was reconstructed in 1426 and has since served as a prominent landmark and symbol of Nara.

*Note that the pagoda is currently undergoing extensive renovation and is covered up until March 2031.

Kofuku-ji Temple
Address: 48 Noborioji-cho, Nara-shi, Nara Prefecture
Access: In front of Kencho-mae bus stop (city loop bus)
Official website: https://www.kohfukuji.com/english/

Naramachi

The Naramachi neighborhood retains streetscapes from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Efforts to preserve and revitalize the historic area have led to the opening of cafes and shops housed inside restored machiya houses, making it a great place to soak up the traditional atmosphere.

Naramachi
Access: Near Gango-ji Temple, Nara-shi, Nara Prefecture
Access: 13-min walk from Kintetsu Nara Station (Kintetsu Nara Line;) 8-min walk from Kyobate Station (JR Sakurai Line)
Official website: https://www.city.nara.lg.jp/site/naramachi/

Heijo Palace Site Historical Park

The Heijo Palace Site was once the central palace of the ancient capital, Heijo-kyo, during the Nara period (710-784.) Designated as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1998, it features reconstructed structures like the Daiichiji Daigokuden and Suzakumon Gate.

Get treated to sweeping views of the palace grounds at the Suzaku-mon Hiroba Square's observation deck, or head to the Nara Palace Site Museum to learn more about the site's history.

Heijo Palace Site Historical Park
Address: 3-5-1 Nijo-odori Minami, Nara-shi, Nara Prefecture
Access: 20-min walk from the south exit of Yamato-Saidaiji Station (Kintetsu Nara Line)
Official website: https://www.heijo-park.jp/en/

Horyu-ji Temple

Horyu-ji Temple is one of the oldest wooden structures in the world. Founded in 607 AD by Prince Shotoku, it's renowned for its ancient architecture, particularly the main hall and five-story pagoda.

Additionally, Horyu-ji houses a vast collection of Buddhist art and artifacts, including statues, paintings, and scriptures, many of which are designated as national treasures, making it the perfect place for delving into Japan's cultural heritage.

Horyu-ji Temple
Address: 1-1 Horyu-ji Sannai, Ikaruga-cho, Ikoma-gun, Nara Prefecture
Access: 20-min walk from Horyu-ji Station (JR Yamato Line)
Official website: http://www.horyuji.or.jp/en/

2 fun activities to enjoy in Nara Prefecture

Besides strolling ancient streetscapes and feeding adorable deer, here are two fun hands-on experiences you can enjoy in Nara.

Make sushi in traditional attire

If you have some free time while sightseeing in Nara, why not try making Edo-style sushi? The experience is located near Shin-Omiya Station on the Kintetsu Nara Line, just one stop away from popular attractions like Todai-ji Temple in Nara Park.

This sushi workshop offers both beginner and advanced classes. Before diving in, learn about basic Japanese sushi-related terms and dress up in traditional Japanese attire to take photos after completing your handmade sushi. To commemorate the experience, you’ll even receive a certificate with your name written in calligraphy.

Drive around Ikaruga in a quad

If your itinerary includes sightseeing around Horyu-ji Temple, consider joining a small quad (off-road vehicle) tour to explore the Ikaruga area. Everyone with an international driver's license can participate, and there will be instructional videos and practice sessions before the tour.

The experience will take you past Unesco World Heritage Sites Horyu-ji, Hokki-ji, and Horin-ji temples, and knowledgeable guides will provide detailed information about each destination.

Enjoy the hot springs and ski slopes of Dorogawa Onsen

There are several hot spring areas in Nara Prefecture, such as Dorogawa Onsen, Totsukawa Onsen, Shigisan Onsen, and Hourai Onsen. Stay at local hot spring accommodations, or opt for day-use hot spring facilities for a relaxing soak.

Located in the southern Yoshino area of Nara Prefecture, Dorogawa Onsen exudes a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of the Showa era (1926-1989.) Nearby, visitors can also enjoy skiing at Snow Park Dorogawa in winter, which has gentle slopes and high-quality powder snow, suitable for beginners and families with kids.

Dorogawa Onsen
Address: Dorogawa, Tenkawa-mura, Yoshino-gun, Nara Prefecture
Access: Take the Nara Kotsu bus (70 mins) bound for Dorogawa Onsen from Shimoichiguchi Station on the Kintetsu Yoshino Line, then alight at the final stop.
Official website: http://www.dorogawaonsen.jp (in Japanese only)

Snow Park Dorogawa
Address: 678-220 Dorogawa, Tenkawa-mura, Yoshino-gun, Nara Prefecture
Access: Take the Nara Kotsu bus (70 mins) from Shimoichiguchi Station on the Kintetsu Yoshino Line to Dorogawa Onsen. From there it's a 10-min drive.
Official website: https://zaisanku.weebly.com/spd.html (in Japanese only)

3 best souvenirs from Nara Prefecture

Read on for some must-try souvenir snacks from Nara.

Kakinoha-zushi (persimmon leaf sushi)

Kakinoha-zushi, a sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves, is a renowned local delicacy in Nara and Wakayama prefectures. It's believed that the antibacterial properties of persimmon leaves aid in preserving the sushi's freshness and prolonging its shelf life. This distinctive sushi can be found at snack shops along the Kintetsu Nara Line and the JR Wakayama Line.

Mahoroba Daibutsu Pudding

The Mahoroba Daibutsu Pudding features a cute cartoon version of the Great Buddha of Nara on its bottle cap, making it a must-buy dessert when visiting the area. The pudding is made using premium, locally sourced ingredients, and comes in a variety of flavors like custard, cream cheese, chocolate, and more.

You can find this adorable sweet at Kintetsu Nara Station, JR Nara Station, and the Yumekaze Plaza near Todai-ji Temple. If time allows, you can also visit the flagship store, Purin no Mori Cafe, where you can take photos outside the fairytale-like building and enjoy delicious pudding.

Mahoroba Daibutsu Purin no Mori Cafe
Address: 1073 Narasakamachi, Nara-shi, Nara Prefecture
Access: Take the Nara Kotsu Bus No. 115 (8 mins) from JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Line Kintetsu Nara Station, and alight at the Takanohara Golf Center stop.
Official website: https://daibutsu-purin.com/ (in Japanese only)

Oshiro-no-kuchi Mochi (rice cakes)

Honke Kikuya is a renowned traditional Japanese confectionery shop founded in 1585 by Kikuya Jihei. It gained prominence when Jihei was commissioned to prepare bite-sized mochi (rice cakes) for a tea party hosted by the famous samurai and warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

The confection became known as "Oshiro-no-kuchi Mochi." Today, besides its main store in Koriyama City, you can find Kikuya shops at various locations, including Kintetsu Nara Station.

Honke Kikuya Main Branch
Address: 1-11 Yanagi, Yamatokoriyama-shi, Nara Prefecture
Access: 5-min walk from Kintetsu Koriyama Station (Kintetsu Kashihara Line)
Official website: https://kikuya.co.jp/ (in Japanese only)

Discover the best of Nara Prefecture

Step back in time and explore the ancient former capital of Japan by strolling through the historical streets, temples, and shrines of Nara. From feeding the adorable deer in Nara Park to trying all the delicious traditional sweets, there's something for everyone in this charming locale.

Explore more of Japan by using one of the many different transportation passes.

*The information in this article, such as prices and business hours, was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Please refer to the official website(s) for the latest information.