Places to visit in Nara

Top Things to Do in Nara, Japan

Places to Visit in Nara


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Nara.

From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

Top Attractions in Nara

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • Considered Review
    Norwich, UK129 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderfully impressive temple size-wise. And inside you will find yourself even more surprised. A house of the super-sized supernatural indeed.
    Written 29 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Considered Review
    Norwich, UK129 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice flat park to walk around with deer everywhere. You can buy dry biscuits to feed them but we must have missed the boat as they were already too full to eat any more. Pleasant place to walk though.
    Written 29 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • D M
    11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What a hidden treasure this cultural centre is! We were told by a lovely lady in one of the city's information centers to make sure to check out the activities at the Nara Information Center. And what a lovely surprise it was to find helpful, cheerful and truly commited people to make our stay in Nara that much more special.
    We did Origami, got our names in Kanji and participated of the lovely tea ceremony hosted every Wednesday. I am not sure why the place was not packed, as this is truly a wonderful experience. If you come to Nara, make sure you stop by the Nara Information Center and check out their activities.
    Written 21 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Wood77
    Los Angeles, CA1,931 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Kasugataisha Shrine in Nara is a distinguished shrine with 3,000 donated lanterns, demonstrating how widely and deeply worshipped the shrine is. The shrine was built around 700 AD and rebuilt several times over the centuries. The interior is famous for its many bronze lanterns, as well as the many stone lanterns that lead up the shrine. There is a massive cedar tree, estimated to be 800-1000 year old, considered divine and sacred, in front of the temple. Very peaceful experience especially with the gentle pitter patter rain falling during our visit.
    Written 19 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Zimminaroundtheworld
    Okinawa Prefecture, Japan1,911 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I visited this temple a few times both during the day and night. This complex was large and fun to walk around and take photos. You can walk on the large balcony and get incredible views of Nara. I recommend coming here at night as the temple is lit up and it makes for great photos.
    Written 22 January 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Emma C
    Godalming, UK2,360 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Kofukuji is a lovely temple with beautiful five storey pagoda, and other pagodas and sub buildings that are also lovely. There is a charge to enter the main hall, which we didn't go in on this visit. There was restoration work going on when we visited, which was a shame, but we will definitely be back after it's back to its full on gorgeousness. It's a smashing place to wander around.
    Written 27 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • misanthropicdreamer
    San Francisco, CA545 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We came here to recover from the deer park. Nice quiet garden with little paths and a few benches to sit and relax. There is also a museum but we did not explore that.
    Written 25 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • zuni P
    Lagunitas, CA741 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A bit out of town but you can get a bus at train/bus station. It’s a lovely temple and there was a row of blooming plums which made me really feel I was here during cherry season
    Great pagodas
    If you give yourself 2 days here you can see a lot
    Written 7 March 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Martina1888
    Inverness, UK513 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nara National Museum is located in Nara Park and displays many fascinating statues and sculptures. Unfortunately one part was closed at the time I visited because they were preparing a new exhibition.
    Written 26 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • terrythy
    Bristol, UK242 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you haven't visited Kyoto's temple districts or want to see temples without the crowds in and around Kyoto, or you'd like to see more temples, and you're in Nara overnight, Yakushi-ji and Toshodai-ji Temples are only a few minutes walk apart and only 20 minutes by bus from Kintetsu-Nara station.
    Busses number 72, 78 and 98 provide three connections per hour from Kintetsu Nara Station (20 minutes, 260 yen) and JR Nara Station (15 minutes, 260 yen) and stop right outside Toshodaiji Temple. From there it's only a quick 5 minute walk to Yakushi-ji Temple along narrow roads.
    The fees to enter are amongst the most exorbitant in Japan, but considering the fewer number of tourists and the price of upkeep of such large sites, it's not too surprising that the entrance is currently 10 US without inclusion of the treasure hall.
    Once you consider the journey time, plus restrictive photography, few people will give these temples any time or good reviews because these temples will leave people disappointed, even with two beautiful pagodas,(one under cover for restoration, Nov 2019) and a 1970's reconstructed main hall it is over priced.

    However, if you like temples and have half a day to spare and get here in the morning, it's more world heritage to soak up with some rare late 7th century architecture to stare at, but without the crowds and tour groups.
    Written 22 December 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • loulou089
    england443 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Another beautiful garden next to the Isuien. This is free though and just as lovely. You can stroll from area to area enjoying the peace.
    Written 15 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • kazlynp
    Bathurst, Australia123 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We walked from Nara Park to Harushika Brewery - it’s not that well marked but once inside the service and sake were great. Appreciated that English was accommodated. We paid our ¥500 each and we’re sent to a tasting table where we efficiently tasted five sakes and a bonus one, as well as tasting some pickles. The products were great, as was the service. If you’re not on a tour, maybe allow 30 mins or so to whip through the tasting. Worth doing.
    Written 11 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nara


The best outdoor activities in Nara according to Tripadvisor travellers are: See all outdoor activities in Nara on Tripadvisor


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