Nara Travel Itineraries: Tips for Half-Day, One-Day, and Two-Day Trips

See Nara on a Half-Day, Day-Trip or Two-Day Itinerary

Nara, the city and its surroundings, has many appealing attractions including traditional temples and shrines, and gourmet cuisine.

We introduce three suggested itineraries for half-day, one-day, and two-day travel in Nara.

Nara Travel Itineraries

Half-Day Itinerary: Experience the Best of Nara
1. Breakfast: A Japanese-Style Menu
2. Morning: Todaiji Temple
3. Lunch: Tasty Dry Curry at mijin cobunco
4. Afternoon: Kofukuji Temple
5. Teatime: LA TERRASSE ALL DAY DINING

Day-Trip Itinerary: Spend Some Relaxing Time in Nara
6. Morning: Meet the Deer in Nara Park
7. Kasugataisha Shrine
8. Todaiji Temple
9. Lunch: Tsukemono Buffet at Tsukihiboshi
10. Afternoon: Nara Kitamachi

Two-Day Itinerary: Experience Nara's Charm to the Fullest
11. Day One: A Tour of World Heritage Sites
12. Day Two: Explore Nara on a Cycling Tour

Half-Day Itinerary: Experience the Best of Nara

On a half-day travel plan, time can be somewhat limited, so let's focus on a specific area and do our sightseeing as efficiently as possible. Our recommended spot is Nara Station and the surrounding area.

Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, Nara Park, and other popular tourist attractions are all located in this area. So even with just half a day you can experience Nara's highlights.

Breakfast: A Japanese-Style Menu at Ohanasan no Omusubiyasan

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Ohanasan no Omusubiyasan is our recommended breakfast spot. Rice balls (omusubi) are the main feature here, served with miso soup and some side dishes. This is the perfect meal before a fun-filled day of sightseeing.

The shop is open from 7:30 until 10:00, and last orders are taken at 9:30.

Please note that when the menu items sell out the shop can sometimes close earlier than usual.

Ohanasan no Omusubiyasan
Location: Nara, Nara, Higashikidocho 32-1
Business Hours: 7:30 - 10:00 (Last order 9:30)
Closed: Mondays & Tuesdays (Open for business if on a national holiday).
Official Homepage: Ohanasan no Omusubiyasan (Japanese)

Morning: Feel the History of Todai-ji Temple!

Todai-ji Temple is a must-see attraction during your Nara trip.

The temple's Giant Buddha Hall, completed in the 8th century, is known for being the world's largest wooden structure and has become the symbol of Nara Prefecture.

On the way to Todai-ji Temple you'll also see Nara Park. Here you can watch the deer and have fun feeding them senbei rice crackers.

Todai-ji Temple
Location: Nara, Nara, Zoshicho 406-1
Business Hours:
Great Buddha Hall 7:30-17:30 (April to October), 8:00-17:00 (November to March).
Hokke-do (Sangatsu-do), Kaidan-do at the Kaidan-in 8:30-16:00.
Todai-ji Temple Museum 9:30-17:30 (April to October), 9:30-17:00 (November to March).
Official Homepage: Todai-ji Temple.

Lunch: Sample the Dry Curry at mijin cobunco

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mijin cobunco is a book cafe inside a traditional kominka house. The shop is located in the Kitamachi area on the north side of Nara Station.

The house specialty is curry, but they also serve sweets such as cake and pancakes, and there's also a curry and cake set. We recommend the shop for lunch or teatime after sightseeing at Todai-ji Temple.

mijin cobunco
Location: Nara, Nara, Higashi Sasahokocho 41
Business Hours: 11:30-17:00
Closed: Sundays, Mondays
Official Homepage: mijin cobunco (Japanese)

Afternoon: Try Solving a Riddle at Kofukuji Temple!

Photo by Photo AC

Kofukuji Temple is located just a short walk from Todai-ji Temple.

It's known as the head temple for the Hosso school of Buddhism. The temple precincts feature various buildings including the National Treasure Museum (Kokuhokan) and Central Golden Hall (Chukondo).

This temple is ideal for those who want to see beautiful traditional architecture and those wanting to learn more about Nara's history and about Buddhism.

Also, at the present time, there's a special event in the vicinity of Todai-ji and Kofukuji Temple where you can try solving a riddle (until July 2025).

Have fun as you try to answer questions such as, "Why are there so many deer living in Nara?" and "Why is the Giant Buddha so big?" This event is perfect for people who like to play games.

To participate you'll need a smartphone and the LINE app, and a paid puzzle-solving kit.

Kofukuji Temple
Location: Nara, Nara, Noboriojicho 48
Business Hours: 9:00-17:00 (Admission until 16:45)
Official Homepage: Kofukuji Temple

Teatime: Take a Break at LA TERRASSE ALL DAY DINING

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To bring our sightseeing trip to a close, we recommend LA TERRASSE ALL DAY DINING, located just one minute on foot from Kintetsu Nara Station.

The shop has an extensive menu, from shaved ice, pancakes and other sweets, all the way to meal entrees such as pizza, pasta, and steak.

Before heading back, you can spend your time exactly as you'd like to by having a little snack or enjoying a tasty dessert.

LA TERRASSE ALL DAY DINING
Location: Nara, Nara, Konishicho 13
Business Hours: 11:30-22:00
Closed: Open every day
Official Homepage: All DAY DINING

Day-Trip Itinerary: Spend Some Relaxing Time in Nara

When coming to Nara on a day trip, let's focus on the Nara Park area which includes the sightseeing spots of Kasugataisha Shrine and Todai-ji Shrine.

If you have time and energy left over, we also recommend going as far as the traditional area of Nara Kitamachi.

Morning: Try Feeding Senbei Crackers to the Deer in Nara Park

In the morning we'll spend some relaxing time in Nara Park.

The park features a harmonious blend of attractive green space with pine tree groves. Kasugataisha Shrine and Todai-ji Temple are nearby so we'll also pay them a visit.

If you're going to Nara Park then let's pick up some of their famous deer senbei crackers.

The moment you have the crackers in your hand, the deer will start to approach you.
So if you'd like to see the deer up close or get a photo taken together with them, by all means please buy some senbei crackers.

The crackers are made with rice bran and flour and don't contain any artificial food coloring so it's no problem feeding these to the deer.

The crackers can be purchased at the souvenir shop or street stall in the park, and even from the vending machines.

Nara Park
Location: Nara, Nara, Noboriojicho 30
Official Homepage: Nara Park

Kasugataisha Shrine: Capture Beautiful Architecture With a Photo

Kasugataisha Shrine is located inside Nara Park and is perfect for taking photos.

Kasugataisha Shrine's main building (shaden) is truly impressive. It stands as if its being protected by the surrounding primeval forest, and is breathtakingly beautiful with its brilliant vermillion color.

In addition, there's the popular Married Couple Shrine (Meoto Daikokusha), which is said to bring luck to married couples and good fortune to those looking for a partner.

There's also Manyo Botanical Garden which cultivates flowers and plants that were mentioned in the Manyoshu, an anthology of ancient poetry that was compiled during the Nara Period.

Kasugataisha Shrine
Location: Nara, Nara, Kasuganocho 160
Business Hours:
Main Shrine Worship Hall 6:30-17:30 (March to October), 7:00-17:00 (November to February).
*1: The hall is closed all day from about March 8-13, December 20-January 7 and on Coming of Age Day.
*2: The hall is closed in the morning on the 1st, 11th, 21st of each month and Setsubun; February 17, 23; March 14, 15, Vernal Equinox; April 3; every third Friday in May as well as May 5, 10; August 7, 15, Autumn Equinox; October 9; November 3, 23; and December 17.
*3: The hall is closed from the afternoon on December 16.

Meoto Daikokusha (Married Couple Shrine) 9:00-16:30（Register here for the Kasuga Five Dragon Gods Tour and the Wakamiya Fifteen Shrine Tour up until 15:00).
Prayer Hall 9:00-16:00 (Register for the Mizutani Nine Shrines Tour until 15:00).
National Treasure Hall 10:00-17:00 (Last entry is 16:30).
Manyo Botanical Garden 9:00-16:30 (Last entry is 16:00). The garden is closed on Tuesdays from June until March (open on national holidays).
Closed: Open all year round (There are cases when entry is not allowed due to religious ceremonies, etc.).
Official Homepage: Kasugataisha Shrine

Todai-ji Temple: Where's the Best Place To Start Sightseeing?

We recommend touring Todai-ji Temple in the following order: South Gate→Great Buddha Hall→Nigatsudo Hall→Hokkedo Hall.

After passing through the South Gate (main gate), the first thing you see is the Great Buddha Hall.

The Great Buddha Hall is known for being the world's largest wooden structure. The present-day building was recreated to the exact same height and depth specifications as the original structure was. This is the highlight of Todai-ji Temple.

Nishigatsudo Hall and Hokkedo Hall are located on the eastern part of the temple precincts. They have both been designated as National Treasures. Here, visitors can enjoy the outstanding view of Nara's townscape from one of the view points, as well as the beautiful architecture of the various traditional buildings.

Lunch: Savor a Tsukemono Buffet at Tsukihiboshi

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If you're going to go sightseeing, then you'll want to try some cuisine that's unique to Nara Prefecture.

For those travelers we recommend Tsukihiboshi, a shop that comes into view as you're walking from Nara Station to Todai-ji Temple.

The restaurant menu features a Japanese pickled vegetable (tsukemono) buffet. Diners here can enjoy more than 20 kinds of pickles together with Nara Prefecture rice or tea porridge.

You can also get a set meal that includes miso soup or green tea. This is the perfect meal for someone who wants to experience simple Japanese-style cuisine.

Tsukihiboshi
Location: Nara, Nara, Noborioji 59
Business Hours: 11:00-16:00
Official Homepage: Tsukihiboshi

Afternoon: Enjoy a Leisurely Walk Around Nara Kitamachi

While sightseeing in the Nara Park area you should also visit Nara Kitamachi.

Nara Kitamachi is located at the north end of Nara Station. This area is dotted with many historical spots including Tegaimon Gate which leads to the Heijo Palace Ruins, and the Sahogawa River.

In Nara Kitamachi you can see many precious and valuable buildings. So after having a look around Nara Park, please stop in for a visit if time and energy permits.

Two-Day Itinerary: Experience Nara's Charm to the Fullest!

Nara Prefecture is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji area, Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara, and Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.

Each site has many temples and shrines and natural scenery. So if you are planning a two-day excursion to Nara for sightseeing and relaxation, please be sure to stop in and see some of these sites.

Day One: A Tour of World Heritage Sites

Picture courtesy of Rakuten Travel

On Day One we'll make the most of our time and go on a tour of some of the venues that are included in these World Heritage Sites.

Our recommended order of sightseeing is as follows: Nara Station→Nara Park→Todai-ji Temple→Kofukuji Temple→Kasugataisha Shrine.

For lunch we'll stop in at a spot right beside Nara Park called Yoshino Honkudzu Tenkyokudo Nara (Main Shop).

Tenkyokudo has a history exceeding 150 years and serves local dishes including kudzu starch noodles (kudzukiri) and kudzu starch udon. They also have Japanese confectionery, so this restaurant is ideal for enjoying traditional Japanese-style food.

Course meals such as the Kudzuzukuri Course and the Seasonal Course can be ordered anytime without a reservation.

In the evening, we'll stay at the Hotel Nikko Nara which is conveniently located right next to Nara Station.

Guest rooms on the east side of the hotel offer great views of Nara Prefecture symbols including Mt. Wakakusa and Todai-ji Temple's Great Buddha Hall.

The hotel has a variety of room types such as suites and concept rooms, so you can choose a room that best suits your personal preference and pocketbook. Check-in is from 15:00 to 24:00, and check-out is at 11:00.

*Note: Details may vary depending on the accommodation plan.

Day Two: Go Wherever You Want to On This Cycling Tour

Picture courtesy of Rakuten Travel

On Day Two―for a slight change of pace―how about going on a tour of the ancient city of Asuka by rent-a-cycle?

Roaming about on a bike offers enjoyable sightseeing that's different from walking.

With Asuka Station as our starting point we'll be sightseeing as follows: Asuka Station→Kameishi→Ishibutai Tomb→Nara Prefectural Manyo Culture Museum.

The Nara Prefectural Manyo Culture Museum is a comprehensive cultural hub where you can learn about ancient cultures. The museum focuses on the Manyoshu, an ancient collection of Japanese poetry.

In the basement exhibit room there's also a corner that introduces life during the Manyo Period (*1) through the use of life-like figures and audio-visual presentations. So as you have fun exploring you'll learn more about the world of Manyo.

For lunch we recommend Mendoya, a shop not too far from Asuka Station. Diners here can sample Asuka Nabe Hot Pot, a local dish consisting of chicken, vegetables, milk, and dashi broth that has been slowly simmered.

For travelers who are worn out from the day's cycling tour, we also suggest stopping in for a rest break at Cafe Kotodama in Asuka Village.

*1 Manyo Period: Many scholars believe that the Manyo Period occurred at about the same time as the Nara Period (710-794).

Spend An Enjoyable Holiday Sightseeing in Nara

This article introduced three sample sightseeing plans for Nara: a half-day, day-trip, and two-day model itinerary.

In Nara Prefecture there are countless traditional sightseeing spots including Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple. So please use today's article as a reference when planning your own travel itinerary for Nara.

Written by Cakutama editorial team
Mian image by Pixta