[Nara] Introducing the historic city of Nara, which can be visited just one hour from Kyoto

Gold-Guide is a guide matching platform operated by JR West Communications Co., Ltd., which matches tourists visiting Japan with highly skilled interpreter guides and offers guided tours. In this article, Gold-Guide, which has a track record of guiding tours in various areas of Japan, will introduce how to enjoy Nara, a city packed with attractions.

Find the guide that's right for you

• Table of Contents
• 1. What kind of place is Nara?
• 2. How to get to Nara
• 3. Gold-Guide's recommended two-day, one-night trip to Nara
• Nara 2-day, 1-night trip - Day 1
• 15:00 Check in to hotel
• 16:00 Museum tour
• 17:00 Garden Delight -Janpan Time-
• 18:30 Dinner at Naramachi - Awa Naramachi branch
• 20:00 Stroll for ice cream - Good Knight Ice NARA
• 21:00 Return to hotel
• Nara 2-day, 1-night trip - Day 2
• 6:30 Leave the hotel
• 7:00 Breakfast at Starbucks on the second floor of the bus terminal
• 7:40 Rent the bus terminal rooftop exclusively?
• 8:00 Walk around Todaiji Temple - Experience the tranquility of this World Heritage Site
• 9:00 Hike Mt. Wakakusa (light from the trailhead)
• 10:00 Head to Kasuga Taisha Shrine
• 11:00 Walk along the Negi path
• 11:30 Ukimido
• 12:00 Enjoy the bamboo forest at Yogayamaenchi
• 13:00 Lunch - Naramachi Harishin
• 14:30 Stroll around Naramachi, Mochidono Shopping Street, and Higashimuki Shopping Street
• 16:30 To the crossroads

1. What kind of place is Nara?

History, culture and industry of Nara

When you step out of the station and into the city of Nara, you may feel that the air is somehow soft. If you listen carefully, you can hear the sounds of the wind and the footsteps of the deer, and the history of a thousand years seems to be softly telling you about it.

Nara is a place that can be said to be the origin of the country of Japan. In 710, Japan's first full-scale capital , Heijo-kyo, was built, and politics, culture, and academics flourished along with Buddhism. During the Nara period (710-794), the country was organized under the Ritsuryo code, and it was also a time when Japanese literature, as represented by the Manyoshu, and architecture and crafts that adopted Tang culture, developed to a high level .

The overwhelming presence of Todaiji Temple, Nara's most famous temple

This huge Buddha statue and its Great Buddha Hall, built to pray for the peace of the nation, clearly show how much importance was placed on religion in Japan at that time. In addition, the origins of Japanese Buddhism still quietly live on in Nara, including Toshodaiji Temple, where the Chinese monk Ganjin spent his later years, and Yakushiji Temple, which has connections to Emperor Shomu.

Nara is also a sacred place for Shinto . As represented by Kasuga Taisha Shrine, the primitive belief in worshiping nature itself, such as mountains, forests, and water, as gods has been passed down from ancient times to the present day. The wild deer that live in Nara Park are also there because they are considered to be messengers of the gods of Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Being able to encounter a mysterious and heartwarming landscape where gods, people, and animals coexist is an experience that can only be found here in Nara .

Home of history and culture

Nara is both a "stage of history" and the home of Japanese "craftsmanship." Brushes, ink, hemp textiles, lacquerware, tea whisks, Japanese sweets, and sake... All of these are industries rooted in the culture and climate that have continued since ancient times, and have been carefully passed down by artisans. There are also many brands from Nara that have been reinterpreted with a modern sensibility, and the charm of this town is that you can feel the traditions still living on in the "present."

Nara as a tourist destination

It may not be as glamorous as a tourist destination. But there is a certain depth and pride in its quiet presence. That is Nara. On this trip, you will walk through historic shrines and temples and streetscapes, experience traditional crafts and local cuisine, and take a deep breath with the forest and deer. A "journey of the heart" awaits you. So, let's set off on a journey to Nara. The passage of a thousand years of time will quietly welcome you.

2. How to get to Nara

The ancient capital of Nara is actually a place that is very easy to visit. It is easily accessible from Osaka and Kyoto, as well as for those who enter the Kansai region by Shinkansen or plane. Here we will introduce the most common ways to get to Nara from major cities.

🚅Access by train from Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo

◆ Kyoto to Nara (approx. 35-50 minutes)

🚉Using the Kintetsu Railway (recommended!)

● Kintetsu Kyoto Station → Kintetsu Nara Station (Limited Express: approx. 35 minutes, Express: approx. 45 minutes)

There are many trains, so you can arrive at Kintetsu Nara Station, the center of Nara, without having to transfer.

Todaiji Temple, Nara Park, and Naramachi are all within walking distance from the station, making it very convenient for sightseeing!

🚉If you use JR

● JR Kyoto Station → JR Nara Station (Miyakoji Rapid: approx. 45-50 minutes)

It's a bit of a walk from JR Nara Station to the tourist spots, but there are buses and taxis available in front of the station.

◆ Osaka to Nara (approx. 35-50 minutes)

🚉Kintetsu Railway (from Namba/Abenobashi)

● Kintetsu Osaka-Namba Station → Kintetsu Nara Station (Rapid Express: approx. 40 minutes)

● Osaka Abenobashi Station → Kintetsu Nara Station (Express: approx. 35 minutes)

The rapid express train is convenient from the Namba area, and access to tourist spots is also smooth.

🚉If you use JR

● JR Osaka Station → JR Nara Station (Yamatoji Rapid: approx. 50 minutes)

There are many hotels in front of JR Nara Station, which are also convenient if you are staying overnight.

◆ From Tokyo to Nara (approx. 3 hours)

🚄Shinkansen + Kintetsu route (smoothest)

● Tokyo Station → Kyoto Station (Tokaido Shinkansen, approx. 2 hours 15 minutes)

● Kyoto Station → Kintetsu Nara Station (Kintetsu Limited Express or Express, about 35 to 45 minutes) *The general route from Tokyo is to take the Shinkansen to Kyoto and then transfer to the Kintetsu line. Access is also possible from Kansai International Airport and Itami Airport.

✈ From the airport to Nara

◆ From Kansai International Airport (KIX) to Nara

It is the closest international airport to Nara and serves as the gateway for many foreign travelers visiting the Kansai region.

🚆Access by train (recommended route): Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes / 1 transfer (all JR lines)

● Kansai Airport Station → Tennoji Station (JR Kansai Airport Rapid: approx. 45 minutes) Tennoji Station → Nara Station (JR Yamatoji Rapid: approx. 35 minutes)

🚍Access by limousine bus: (Nara Kotsu limousine bus: about 1 hour 40 minutes) ● Kansai Airport → Nara Hotel/Kintetsu Nara Station, etc.

No transfers required - convenient for those with lots of luggage *As the number of services is limited, we recommend checking the timetable in advance.

◆ From Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport/ITM) to Nara

Although it is an airport that mainly handles domestic flights, it is easily accessible from Tokyo, Hokkaido, Fukuoka, and other areas.

🚍Access by bus + train (smooth route): about 1 hour 30 minutes ● Itami Airport → Osaka (Umeda) Station (limousine bus: about 30 minutes) Osaka Station → Nara Station (JR Yamatoji Rapid: about 50 minutes)

or,

● Itami Airport → Kintetsu-Uehommachi Station (limousine bus: approximately 40 minutes) Kintetsu-Uehommachi Station → Kintetsu Nara Station (Kintetsu Rapid Express: approximately 35 minutes) The Kintetsu route is also convenient as a base for sightseeing.

Advice for international travelers

Using a transportation IC card (such as ICOCA or Suica) makes traveling by train or bus smooth and convenient. It's also a good idea to pick up maps and timetables in English at the train ticket gates or tourist information desks at the airport.

Many of Nara's tourist attractions are within walking distance, so it's ideal to stay overnight and take it easy.

3. Gold-Guide's recommended two-day, one-night trip to Nara

Until recently, there were few people staying in Nara, due to the lack of accommodation options and no places to play at night. However, the number of hotels has increased, and the number of restaurants that are open late has also increased. Nara is a great place for a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka, but we will introduce an overnight course where you can stay overnight and fully enjoy the quietness of the mornings and the atmosphere of the town at night.

Recommended Hotels

There are now many casual hotels around JR Nara Station and Kintetsu Nara Station. Choose where to stay based on what you want to see, eat, and do. Here are some recommended hotels.

◆ For those who want to experience the atmosphere of Nara while being close to downtown

NIPPONIA HOTEL Naramachi : An old house in Naramachi where Nara Toyosawa Sake Brewery once brewed sake has been restored into a comfortable lodging facility while retaining its traditional charm. As the world's first sake-themed hotel, you can enjoy the marriage of Nara delicacies and sake at the hotel's French restaurant, "L'ouen."

◆ For those who like classic hotels

Nara Hotel : Known as the "Guest House of Kansai," this classic hotel was founded in 1909 and is a hotel that exudes the romance of the Meiji era, beloved by the Imperial family and world-famous celebrities. The main building was designed by architect Tatsuno Kingo, who also designed Tokyo Station and the Bank of Japan's main branch, and is highly compatible with the elegant streets of Yamato. The tiled roof and Momoyama-style interior are luxurious and gorgeous, overflowing with a sense of dignity, and its beautiful appearance that blends Japanese and Western styles remains as charming as ever. Photographs of Einstein, Helen Keller, and members of the Imperial family are displayed throughout the building.

◆ For those who want to enjoy quiet Nara

Fufu Nara : A luxury hotel with hot spring baths and all suites, designed by Kengo Kuma and built to blend in with the forests of Nara Park. Sagiike Pond and Ukimido are nearby, and you can enjoy a quiet stroll. The bamboo forest is also beautiful.

Shisui, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nara : A new luxury hotel opening in 2023. Part of the Marriott Luxury Collection, it offers a stay that combines world-class hospitality with the culture of Nara. It is adjacent to Yoshikien Garden, a garden built on the site of the former subtemple of Kofuku-ji Temple, Manishuin, and you can pass in front of the neighboring Isuien Garden and head to Todai-ji Temple via a backstreet.

This time we will introduce plans for staying at Shisui, a Luxury Collection Hotel Nara .

Nara 2-day, 1-night trip - Day 1

15:00 Check in to hotel

First, I went to the hotel to drop off my luggage. After checking in, I sat down and relaxed in the lounge "Niraku," surrounded by wonderful furnishings. It was also fun to chat with the hotel staff.

16:00 Museum tour

If you join a tour of the building, you can hear explanations about the history of the area, the buildings, the gardens, the furnishings, etc. Inside the Former Prefectural Governor's Official Residence is the reception room "Goshoku-no-Ma," where Emperor Showa signed the ratification documents for the San Francisco Peace Treaty and the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty in November 1951. In this historic place that led to the restoration of independence, the round table, chairs, furnishings, etc. are mostly left as they were at the time.

*Limited to hotel guests. Opening hours: 17:00-19:00 (last orders 18:30) Fee: Free

17:00 Garden Delight -Janpan Time-

Enjoy free-flowing champagne and light snacks while gazing at the beautiful garden at dusk. Enjoy a lovely time before dinner.

*Limited to hotel guests. Event hours: 17:00-19:00 (last orders 18:30)

18:30 Dinner at Naramachi - Awa Naramachi branch

This time, we went to a restaurant in Naramachi called "Awa." We recommend the "Nara Beginnings - Raine Course" (8,000 yen including tax), a full course that incorporates the food culture that began in Nara Prefecture, such as sake, ice, and Nara pickles, as well as ingredients from the Nara period that have been revealed through research on the Nagaya Oke wooden tablets. *Reservations can be made for groups of 4 or more.

It's hard to get a reservation, but they do serve lunch! Make your reservation early.

20:00 Stroll for ice cream - Good Knight Ice NARA

After enjoying your fill of sake, take a short walk and have some ice cream to sober up. As you leave "Awa," turn right and walk towards Kofuku-ji Temple, and you'll see Sarusawa Pond on your right. You'll come to Sanjo Street, so turn left. Immediately to your right you'll see the Higashimuki Shopping Arcade, but carry on straight ahead and turn left at the second street. Across the street, on your right, you'll see the woody " Good Knight Ice NARA " shop. This is a gelato and ice cream shop that's open until midnight. This is a recommended shop for those who have a sudden craving for ice cream after drinking. My favorite is, without a doubt, the "Rich Milk" flavor.

21:00 Return to hotel

I took a taxi back to the hotel. I took some photos on the street between the main hotel building and the accommodation building, capturing the quiet night in Nara. I took a nice long bath and rested.

Shisui offers two private spas with natural hot spring open-air baths, Hakururi and Konruri, and a spa treatment menu unique to Shisui. The spa building is located on the site of a Western-style building built in the Showa period, and its design follows the style of the building, which was built with intricate design. Each of the two spa rooms is equipped with a natural hot spring open-air bath, allowing you to spend a blissful time. 14:00-22:00 (last entrance 21:00) When I stay in Nara, I always want to try various Nara sakes, so I always end up drinking too much, and so I have not yet used this service. I'm sure it feels good, though.

Nara 2-day, 1-night trip - Day 2

One of the reasons we recommend staying in Nara is that you can make the most of the morning hours when there are fewer guests. The view of Nara in the morning is also beautiful.

6:30 Leave the hotel

We left the hotel and walked slowly towards the prefectural office. To our surprise, we didn't see anyone.

7:00 Breakfast at Starbucks on the second floor of the bus terminal

The reason I choose to have breakfast here is not only because I like Starbucks coffee, but also because I want to see the Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple from the roof of the bus terminal. Since I can only access the roof from 7:30, I take my time and have an American breakfast at Starbucks.

7:40 Rent the bus terminal rooftop exclusively?

This terminal building is usually crowded with tourists, but at this time, there are no tourists to be seen. It is completely reserved. You can take pictures of the Shachihoko statues in the Great Buddha Hall and take photos with the deer statues without having to wait in line. The toilets and other facilities are already available for use.

8:00 Walk around Todaiji Temple - Experience the tranquility of this World Heritage Site

In the fresh air, I walked through the grounds of Todaiji Temple. The Great Buddha Hall opens at 7:30, so I went in now. The atmosphere was completely different from when I came here during the daytime rush hour.

What is Todaiji Temple?

Founded in 752, Todaiji Temple enshrines the Great Buddha (Rushanabutsu), a symbol of Nara, as its principal image and is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . It was built at the request of Emperor Shomu , praying for the peace of the nation and the happiness of its people.

● Great Buddha Hall: One of the largest wooden buildings in the world. A national treasure. You will be overwhelmed by the power of the Great Buddha.

● South Gate: A national treasure gate housing Kongorikishi statues created by Unkei and Kaikei.

● The deer in the temple grounds: They are said to be messengers of the gods, and it is quite picturesque to see them roaming freely.

● Nigatsudo Hall (Important Cultural Property): Built in the late 8th century. National Treasure.

The fire festival "Omizutori (Shunie)" held in March is a fantastical ceremony with sparks from torches flying, and is one of the most sacred places in Todaiji Temple. The hall was burned down in a fire that broke out during the ceremony, so the current building was rebuilt in 1669. Nigatsudo Hall, located behind the Great Buddha Hall, is a stage-style building like Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and from the observation deck at the top of the stairs you can see the whole of Nara cityscape , and the view in the morning light is breathtaking. Taking a deep breath here will help you to calm your mind. It is open 24 hours a day, so we also recommend visiting in the silence of the night.

9:00 Hike Mt. Wakakusa (light from the trailhead)

Let's walk further from Nigatsudo to the trailhead of Mt. Wakakusa. There is a gentle hiking trail that even beginners can walk on. It's just a short climb, and you can feel the exhilaration of walking in nature. You will also be soothed by the deer that appear here and there.

10:00 Head to Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Go down the stairs from the street in front of Mt. Wakakusa, pass in front of Mizutani Chaya and head towards Kasuga Taisha Shrine. The deer you will encounter in this quiet and calm atmosphere are a bit shy. It's adorable to see a little deer hiding behind a lantern and looking at you. You can also buy deer crackers at a shop in the temple grounds and deepen your friendship with them. The deer in Nara are polite and will bow when they want crackers. If you bow to them, they will bow back to you.

What is Kasuga Taisha Shrine?

It is a World Heritage Site founded in 768. It is the tutelary shrine of the Fujiwara clan, the most influential of the aristocrats, and the head shrine of the approximately 1,000 Kasuga shrines across the country.

● The vermilion-painted shrine building: It is a gabled building with a curved roof and a single-slope eaves (porch) attached to the front. The eaves and the main roof are integrated into one, and are in the style of shrine architecture called "Kasuga-zukuri" after the name of this shrine. It is a magnificent shrine building with vivid colors and graceful architectural beauty.

● Stone lanterns and hanging lanterns: Approximately 3,000 lanterns, including 2,000 stone lanterns and 1,000 hanging lanterns, are lined up, creating a fantastical atmosphere. All of the lanterns were donated, and each one has the name or family crest of the donor. It's also fun to find the names of famous military commanders.

● Fujinami-no-ya: The mirror room that recreates the scene of the Mantoro lanterns is a must-see. To enter here, you need to pay a special entrance fee of 700 yen to the main hall.

11:00 Walk along the Negi path

Avoid the crowded general approach and walk along the quiet path used by Shinto priests (negi) that extends from the side road of Kasuga Taisha Hondo Hall. This path, with few tourists, allows you to walk at a leisurely pace through the primeval forest, and you can enjoy a relaxing time in what could be called the "inner sanctuary of Nara." When Sagi Pond and Ukimido Hall come into view, you will feel as if you have wandered into a storybook.

11:30 Ukimido

Ukimido is an octagonal wooden building floating on Kagami-ike Pond. It is a tasteful hall built in the Meiji era, and its reflection in the pond is very beautiful and elegant. There are chairs inside the hall, so please sit down and relax while watching the sky and trees reflected on the water's surface. There is also a drink vending machine in the shop near the hall, so be sure to stay hydrated.

12:00 Enjoy the bamboo forest at Yogayamaenchi

Located in a corner of Nara Park, it was originally the villa of Osaka business magnate Yamaguchi Kirobei, but was donated to Nara City as Yogasan Garden , and both the villa and the gardens have been open to the public since 2020. Inside the building is the teahouse "Katsuan," where many cultural figures, including the writer Shiga Naoya and the painter Komidera Hachizan, have interacted, and anyone can take a short break here for free. The bamboo forest here is also well-maintained and very beautiful, yet rarely crowded, making it a little-known gem.

13:00 Lunch - Naramachi Harishin

I'm getting hungry. If I have a reservation, I head to Harishin in the town. I'll enjoy Nara cuisine in a tatami room in a townhouse that was built 250 years ago as a money exchanger. I'm in a good mood because I'm able to sit at a sunken hearth. Here, I can taste "So", an ancient Japanese cheese, Yamato vegetables such as Yamato mana, and Yoshino kudzu and persimmon vinegar, a Yoshino specialty. The Kamitsumichi bento (with tempura) costs 3,630 yen (tax included) and covers all of this. I recommend making a reservation here at least two days in advance. Harishin

14:30 Stroll around Naramachi, Mochidono Shopping Street, and Higashimuki Shopping Street

Naramachi is a historical area that still retains the streetscape of the Edo period . It is a fun area to walk around, with cafes and general stores that have been renovated from old houses. From here, we head towards the station, passing through two arcade shopping streets.

● Townhouse with lattice doors: Experience the traditional architectural beauty and lifestyle of the people of Nara.

● Cafes and Galleries: Stylish spaces renovated from traditional townhouses are dotted around the area.

● Traditional Crafts: Experience Nara's handicrafts, such as Nara bleached cloth, brushes, and Japanese sweets.

● My favorite store! Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten : The Nara main store is located in Ganrin-incho, about a 5-minute walk from Mochidono Center Street. This is a long-established craft brand from Nara. The store is filled with hemp handkerchiefs, Japanese miscellaneous goods, and carefully crafted daily necessities, and you can feel the aesthetic sense of Nara. The interior of the store, which makes use of an old townhouse, is also very lovely, and is perfect for carefully choosing souvenirs. Located in the Shikasarukitsune Building complex, the first floor is a space where you can enjoy Nara crafts, food, and clothing, and the second floor is a space where you can enjoy miscellaneous goods, books, a gallery, and more.

16:30 To the crossroads

This model itinerary is a little luxurious and dense, allowing you to experience the essence of Nara even in a short time. It is perfect for those who want to experience "tranquility" and "lifestyle culture" in addition to sightseeing spots. Get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and embark on a journey to rediscover yourself. If you want to know more about Nara's history, Japanese architecture, gardens, and the lives of local people, we recommend Gold-Guide's early morning half-day course. Our excellent guides will adjust the itinerary to suit your interests and energy, and will take you to places that only locals know. See you soon in Mahoroba (a wonderful place) !

Click here for a list of Gold-Guide guides!

Check out the Gold-Guide platform here!