Free-roaming deer, giant Buddha & ancient temples
Nara
奈良 · Ancient capital of the bowing deer
Japan's first permanent capital, Nara packs eight UNESCO sites into an easy day from Kyoto or Osaka. Bowing sika deer roam its vast park, and the world's largest bronze Buddha sits inside a colossal wooden hall.
Top sightsSights
Todai-ji
A vast wooden temple sheltering the 15m Great Buddha of Nara, one of Japan’s largest bronze statues.
Nara Park
A sprawling park where over 1,000 tame deer bow for crackers and roam freely among the temples.
Kasuga Taisha
A vermilion shrine famous for thousands of moss-covered stone and bronze lanterns.
Isuien Garden
An exquisite strolling garden that borrows the surrounding hills into its design.
Naramachi
A former merchant district of narrow lanes, machiya townhouses, cafes and craft shops.
What to eatFood
Kakinoha sushi
Pressed sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves, a preserved Nara mountain specialty.
Miwa somen
Ultra-thin wheat noodles said to have originated in this region.
Mochi (Nakatanidou)
Freshly pounded mugwort mochi from a famous high-speed mochi-pounding shop.
Good to know
- Bow to the deer and they often bow back — but hide crackers or they will nibble your bags.
- Nara is a 35–45 minute train ride from both Kyoto and Osaka, ideal as a day trip.
- Most major sights are walkable within Nara Park; go early before the deer get pushy.
Getting there
No airport of its own — reach Nara by frequent trains from Kyoto (about 45 min) or Osaka (about 35 min); Kansai (KIX) is the nearest airport.
Next city
Fukuoka