Nara is an easy day trip from Kyoto. It was the capital of Japan long ago, and it still has old temples and shrines. Deer walk freely in the park near the centre. You can see the main sights on foot in one day.
Getting there
Trains run from Kyoto to Nara on JR and on a private line. Both stop near the park. The trip is short. Choose the line that stops closest to your first sight.
Check first: Train routes and fares for your starting station. Use the JR West or the private line's timetable. Do not rely on a fare in a blog post.
The deer
Many deer live in the park. They are used to people, and they expect food. Special crackers for deer are sold near the park gates. If you buy them, hold them out only when a deer is close and calm.
Deer can bump, push or bite when they want food. Do not run near them, and do not wave the crackers in the air. Keep your bag closed. Children should stay close to an adult.
Todai-ji and the Great Buddha
Todai-ji is the largest temple in the park. Its main hall holds a very large bronze Buddha. The hall is one of the largest wooden buildings in the country, and the view from the front is impressive. Walk through the south gate first, the Nandai-mon, to see the guardian statues.
A walk through the woods
From the park, a path leads to Kasuga Taisha, a shrine in the forest. The path is calm and shaded. Stone lanterns line the way, and many are lit in the evening. Some visitors walk on to the quieter temple hall of Nigatsu-do on the hill. It is a good place to rest.
Plan the day
- Start early: the park is quieter in the morning, and the deer are calmer.
- Walk the park: start at Todai-ji, then walk to the shrine in the forest.
- Lunch: use Tabelog to find a place near the park. Many shops are on the streets leading to the park gates.
- Return: trains back to Kyoto are frequent, but check the times for your line.
Season
Autumn has clear skies and leaves in the park. Spring is green and mild. Summer is hot, and the park is busy on holidays. Winter is quieter, but the mornings can be cold.
Families
Children often enjoy the deer. Plan short walks, and give them a break near the temple. Pick up a map at the station, because the paths are not always signed in English.
Check first: Opening hours and admission for Todai-ji and the other halls. Use each temple's official site on the day. Check the weather with the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) if rain is forecast, because much of the day is outdoors.
Mistakes to avoid
The first mistake is feeding the deer from a bag. Deer learn fast. A deer that expects food will follow you, and it can push people who have nothing to give. Buy crackers only when you are ready to use them, and do not carry them loose.
The second mistake is walking the whole park in a hurry. The temple and the forest path are the best parts. Leave time to stop, look and walk slowly.
The third mistake is wearing shoes that are wrong for the paths. The park has steps, gravel and long walks. Comfortable shoes make the day easier.
The last mistake is forgetting the way back. Many visitors take the same route in and out. Look at a map for a second route, such as a different station, so you can see more of the city.
Quick checklist
- Check the opening hours of each hall before you walk there.
- Bring water and a small bag. Keep the bag closed around the deer.
- Choose your first sight before you leave the station, so you start with a plan.
- Check the weather. Much of the day is outdoors, and the paths can be wet.
What to do next
Nara works as a half day or a full day from Kyoto. For the planner, start at the planner. For the city base, see the Kyoto page and the Kyoto Station area, which has frequent trains to Nara.
