Welcome to Nara, the ancient capital of Japan! Located just an hour away from Kyoto, Nara is the perfect day trip destination for those looking to explore Japan’s rich history and culture. From the iconic Todaiji Temple to the beautiful deer roaming the city streets, Nara is a must-see for any traveler.
You can get to Nara from Kyoto or Osaka in about an hour on any of the high speed trains that Japan railway system has to offer. Well, you can get there from Tokyo on Shinkansen (high speed bullet train), but that would be around three hour long trip so might not work as a day trip then 🙂
Start your day off with a visit to the Todaiji Temple, one of the most iconic landmarks in Japan. This grand temple is home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue, and its impressive size will leave you in awe. After exploring the temple grounds, take a stroll through the nearby Nara Park. Here, you’ll find hundreds of friendly deer roaming the streets, and you can even buy special deer crackers to feed them.
For us the deer park was the main reason for the trip. Deers roam in a large park freely, waiting for someone to bite on (okay, it’s not that scary in reality). There’s a number of street vendors selling specially formulated biscuits you can buy to feed the deers. Don’t forget that these biscuits are the only thing you can feed them with – anything else is illegal. Deers have trained themselves to watch for biscuits in tourists’ hands, so if you are afraid of feeding them – don’t buy the biscuits or the deers will chase you around until you give it to them 🙂
Next, head to the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a beautiful Shinto shrine located in the heart of Nara. This shrine is known for its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns, which are lit up during special festivals. After exploring the shrine, take a break and enjoy some of the delicious local food. Nara is known for its soba noodles, which are made from buckwheat flour and served with a variety of toppings. You can also try some of the local specialties, such as yudofu (tofu cooked in a hot pot) and kakinoha-zushi (sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves).
Finally, end your day with a visit to the Kofukuji Temple. This temple is known for its five-story pagoda, which is one of the tallest in Japan. After exploring the temple grounds, take a stroll through the nearby Nara National Museum. Here, you’ll find a variety of artifacts and artwork from Japan’s past.
As the sun sets, make your way to one of Nara’s many izakayas (Japanese pubs). Here, you can enjoy a variety of Japanese dishes, such as yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and tempura (deep-fried vegetables). Wash it all down with a cold beer or a glass of sake.
Finally, end your day with a sweet treat. Nara is famous for its mochi (rice cakes) and yatsuhashi (sweet bean paste-filled cookies). Enjoy these delicious desserts as you reflect on your day in Nara.
Nara is a must-see for any traveler looking to explore Japan’s rich history and culture. From the iconic Todaiji Temple to the friendly deer roaming the streets, Nara is sure to be a memorable day trip from Kyoto. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready to explore Nara!
