JP · Nara Prefecture · 34.68°N 135.81°E

nara

Bowing deer, a giant bronze Buddha and temples older than Kyoto's, an hour from Osaka.

Best time
Late March to early April for cherry blossoms, and November for autumn colours. Summer is hot and humid, and winter is cold but quiet.
How long
1 day
Getting there
Fly from KL to Osaka Kansai (about 6.5 hours). Nara is about 40 minutes by train from central Osaka and around 45 minutes from Kyoto. The Kintetsu Nara station is closest to the park.
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JP · Nara Prefecturenara34.68°N 135.81°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Bowing deer, a giant bronze Buddha and temples older than Kyoto's, an hour from Osaka.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingNaraJP, Nara Prefecture
KLnara
≈ 4,969 km from KL, as the crow flies
Tōdai-ji Kon-dō, at Nara Japan.

Photo: Wiiii · CC BY-SA 3.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Japan's capital in the 8th century, before Kyoto, and full of ancient temples and shrines. Most of them are spread around Nara Park, where over a thousand deer wander freely and bow for crackers.

Makan

  1. Kakinoha-zushiMackerel or salmon sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves, a Nara speciality.Map ↗
  2. Fresh mochiSoft rice cakes. One shop near Kintetsu Nara station draws crowds with its high-speed pounding.Map ↗
  3. NarazukeVegetables pickled in sake lees, a classic souvenir. Note that they contain alcohol.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Todai-jiA huge wooden hall housing a giant bronze Buddha.Map ↗
  2. Nara ParkWide lawns where the deer roam. Buy shika senbei crackers if you want to feed them.Map ↗
  3. Kasuga TaishaA forest shrine lined with thousands of stone and bronze lanterns.Map ↗
  4. Kofuku-jiA temple whose five-storey pagoda is one of the city's landmarks.Map ↗
  5. NaramachiOld merchant streets of wooden townhouses, cafés and small shops.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Deer get pushy when they see crackers and can nip or headbutt. Keep crackers out of sight and show empty hands when you're done.
  • Get to Todai-ji early, before the tour groups arrive.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.