Nara
What you need to know before you go
Nara flourished to become one of Asia’s grandest cities during its 74-year reign as Japan’s first capital. As the most eastern destination on the Silk Road, Nara absorbed ideas from other mainland Asian countries and developed into the grand diocese of Buddhism. This compact city was one of Japan’s earliest capitals and is UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed – it's home to a significant collection of ancient Buddhist temples, the grand Shinto shrine of Kasuga-Taisha, the Heijo imperial palace, and the beautiful Kasugayama primaeval forest. A must-see in Nara is Todai-Ji temple, home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha which stands 15 metres tall. In the heart of the city, you can still be close to nature – see wild deer roaming free at the picturesque Nara Park.
There are 3 World Heritage Sites and many impressive shrines, temples and ruins within the 1,300 acres of Nara Park. Over 1,000 tame deer wander the park freely and are regarded by locals as messengers of the gods. You can purchase special wafer biscuits in the park to feed them.
What to see & do in Nara
Featured stories & fun stuffThings to do in Nara include serene outdoor parks, ancient Buddhist shrines, museums, historic ruins and modern theme parks with tons of opportunities for shopping, dining and entertainment. The sheer number of Buddhist shrines and temples here is mind-blowing, with some, like Kasuga-taisha, dating back over 1,300 years and Kōfuku-ji dating to 710 CE. Temples like Hōryū-ji have several historic buildings onsite, and at Daibutsu-den... Read more
13 Best Things to Do in Nara
Nara, once known as Heijo-kyo, was the first capital of Japan (710-794). It's home to 3 of Japan’s World Heritage Sites and many impressive shrines, temples and ruins. Nara is blessed as it somehow escaped the widespread destruction...10 Famous Temples and Shrines in Nara
Nara has some of Japan's most famous temples. If you're into shrines and temples, Nara is the place for you, with 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Neighborhood, Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara, and Sacred...10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Nara
Lovebirds seeking the best things to do for couples in Nara will find a multitude of romantic attractions around town...10 Best Places in Nara for Family Trips
Most people think of Nara as having big temples and shrines, such as Todaiji Temple, and deer roaming freely throughout...10 Best Museums in Nara
The museums of Nara house spectacular collections of precious Buddhist art. If you plan to visit Nara, be sure to...
Where & what to eat in Nara
Food and dining in Nara allow the unique opportunity to explore Japanese history through food, with many of the dishes here dating back hundreds of years. At one point, Nara was the centre of the culinary culture in Japan, and even today you can try iconic dishes like kuzumochi, or rice cakes covered with sweet bean paste. You can try Miwa somen, a special noodle dish with a delicate flavour... Read more
10 Best Local Dishes from Nara
With a rich history as the ancient capital of Japan, Nara has a unique food culture. While enjoying the local delicacies Nara has to offer, you can also take a trip through the history of Japan itself. Asuka Village's Asukanabe...6 Best Restaurants in Nara
Lately Nara has been hosting more and more tourists and this means more and more dining opportunities. While the majority...10 Best Local Restaurants in Nara
The ancient capital of Nara was known as the end of the ancient Silk Road and has a history older...
Where to shop & what to buy in Nara
Shopping in Nara offers everything from vibrant department stores and shopping centres to independent boutique shops and traditional arts and crafts markets where you can soak up the local culture. Most of the popular attractions in the area are situated around the shopping district surrounding Nara Park. Along Sanjo Dori street, you'll find a long stretch of souvenir shops. Nearby, you'll also find Higashimuki Shopping Street and Mochiidono Shopping Street... Read more
7 Best Shopping Experiences in Nara
Nara’s shopping choices surprises many day-trippers with its wide variety of goods – so much so that many regret that they didn’t plan to stay longer. For serious shoppers who are after only top-quality Japanese items, look around the...5 Best Markets in Nara
Nara may be known for its temples and fascinating historic sites, but you'll also find some great shopping opportunities in this core city. If you want to feel like a local, then brush up on the age-old traditions, shop...
Where to go & what to do at night in Nara
3 Cool Things to Do in Nara at Night
Nara is a small, ancient town that has more temples than bars, so you should expect the nightlife in Nara to be relaxed. Of course, there are several bars where you can watch live bands, sample Nara’s famed sake brands, or just eat and drink with friends in a neighborhood izakaya. The most convenient area to start off is the...
Useful information
Nara Travel Essentials
Our Nara Travel Essentials allow you to plan the ultimate vacation to this Japanese city and larger prefecture. You'll find tips and insights for keeping your vacation stress-free, crafting the perfect itinerary and enjoying the wonders this historic city has to offer. Nara is a major city with immense historic value as the former capital of Japan. You'll find...