One day visit to Nara

A city to visit near Kyoto for a day

Spend a day in Nara to see where the arts, architecture and Buddhist religion first flourished.

The most beautiful architectural works of Nara

You can start the day by visiting the Kofukuji temple, located not far from Kintetsu-Nara station. First built in 669 in Kyoto by the powerful Fujiwara clan, it was transposed to Nara in 710. At its height, the temple compound contained more than a hundred buildings. Today, its five-storey pagoda has become the emblem of the city and its reflection in the waters of Sarusawa Pond is a delight for photographers. The set includes the National Treasure House, which houses magnificent Buddhist statues.

Kofukuji à Nara

Kofukuji à Nara

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Going down to the south of the park, you will discover the Kasuga Taishai Shinto shrine. Its alley of stone lanterns followed by bronze lanterns suspended from the eaves, its vermilion buildings standing out against the green of the surrounding nature make it a very photogenic place.

Take the time to stroll in the park in the middle of the deer chasing you to snatch a small biscuit. They are considered in Nara as the messengers of the gods.

The Great Buddha of Todaiji Temple

The Big Buddha at Todaiji Temple

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Things to do near Nara

Even further south, discover Japan's first Buddhist temple, Gangoji . It will be time to take a break in one of the restaurants or cafes in the alleys of the old shopping district, Naramachi . This is also where you can shop for souvenirs or handicrafts.

If you have time and energy left, take a bus (45-minute ride) from Kintetsu-Nara Station to Horyuji Temple or a train from JR Nara Station on the Yamatoji Line to JR Nara Station. Horyuji (12 mins). Horyuji, built in 607 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is part of a group of Buddhist buildings constituting the oldest wooden structure in the world. You can spend the rest of the day there quietly before heading to Nara.

 

  • Also discover Nara in video:
Kasuga Taisha

Wisteria at Kasuga Taisha

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Our activities in Nara

  • Duration : 8 hour
  • Location : Nara
Discover all our activities in Nara (168)

Our tours in Nara

  • Duration : 13 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima
  • Included : Visits & meals, English-speaking tour leader, Hotel temple, 3*/4* Hotels & Ryokan
  • Duration : 14 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Koyasan, Osaka
  • Included : English-speaking tour leader, 3*/4* Hotels & Ryokan, Hotel temple, Visits & meals
  • Duration : 12 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Mt Fuji (Kawaguchiko), Osaka, Himeji, Kyoto, Nara
  • Included : English-speaking tour leader, 3* Hotels & Ryokan, Visits & meals
  • Duration : 12 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kawaguchiko, Tokyo
  • Included : English-speaking tour leader, 3*/4* Hotels & Ryokan, Visits & meals
  • Duration : 21 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Koyasan, Osaka, Kobe, Takachiho, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Miyajima
  • Included : English-speaking tour leader, 3*/4* Hotels & Ryokan, Hotel temple, Visits & meals
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