Top places to Visit in Nara, Japan
Did you know there is a city in Japan where thousands of deer roam free? Not only that, but they are friendly enough for you to pet, feed, and hang out with them! Nara is a magical city in Japan and most known for their deer that occupy the city.
Hanging out with deer isn’t the only thing you can do in this city though! There are many sacred temples, traditional gardens, places to eat, and so much more! Nara, Japan should be a city that is on your list to visit while in Japan! It is a little smaller than a lot of cities in Japan, but it is very close to Osaka and Kyoto, and it is definitely worth taking the small trip! I almost didn’t visit Nara when I went to Japan, but I AM SO GLAD I did!
I not only enjoyed seeing the amazing temples statues and gardens, but I also loved to feed and hang out with deer the whole time! Do not miss Nara!
There are thousands of things you can do and places you can visit in Nara, Japan, but if you only have a day or two here are my top 6 places to not miss in Nara, Japan.
* If you want to read about other cities in Japan read my other posts here.
*If you want me to help you plan your trip start here.
Top 6 places to not miss in Nara, Japan
1) Nara Park
Nara Park is the best place to go if you want to see as many free deer as possible at once! The deer do roam everywhere throughout the city, but Nara Park is the top location where a lot of them hang out together. At Nara Park visitors can feed the deer, take pictures with and of the deer, pet them and so much more! There are vendors throughout the park selling crackers to feed the deer! It is very cheap, and a totally fun experience! Be careful though! Remember that these deer are indeed used to being around humans, but they are still wild animals, and you should treat them as such. The deer will surround you and will eat right out of your hands if you are holding food. Once you feed one others will notice and you will become the most popular person in the park…until your food runs out!
The more populated the area you are in the more deer will be there to surround you! I like to feed the deer in groups, but I also like to take some of my food to smaller, less populated areas in the park areas so I can get more space and be around the sweet and less aggressive deer. Make sure you hide your food to begin with if you plan to not get rid of all of it at once because the deer will know you are hiding some!
Nara park is my favorite place to go in this city! Do not miss it! I love seeing all the deer live freely around the stores, temples and people.
It is said that deer are regarded as the messengers of the gods in the Shino religion (religion in Nara), so this is why the deer roam the grounds freely.
2) Todai-ji Temple
Todai-ji Temple is a Buddhist temple complex in the heart of Nara, Japan. This temple is the biggest temple and arguable the most popular in all of Nara. It is also my favorite temple.
Todai- Ji (Meaning Eastern) Temple is located very close to Nara Park. This temple is home to many sites including the world’s largest bronze statue of Buddha. It is also one of the seven great temples of Nara, headquarters to the Kegon school of Buddhusm, and so much more ! This temple is a national treasure and visitors can see so much in and outside of the temple.
Inside the Temple
Inside the Todai-ji Temple holds the largest bronze statue of Buddha. This Buddah is the Great Buddah of Nara and stands 15m high. This Buddha is surrounded by three other guardian statues protecting it.
There are also lots of places inside the temple to explore. There is a big tree stump in the middle of the temple you can try to fit inside. This pillar is said to be the same size as the Buddha statue’s nostril. It is said those who pass through the pillar are to be granted good heath and good luck! This activity usually is very popular and crowded so be prepared to wait a little if you want to give it a try !
3) Isuien Garden
If you want to visit a traditional garden in Nara, you cannot miss the Isuien Garden. Isuien means Garden founded on Water. This is because the small ponds are fed by the Yoshikigawa River.
It is located just around the bend of the Todai-Ji Temple. It is separated into a rear and front garden. The front garden is older (from the 17th century) and more traditional, while the front is newer (built in 1899)
This garden is a beautiful and peaceful break from the rest of the city, and it is only a very small walk to the more popular temples and parks. I would highly recommend walking around the garden and seeing the traditional Japanese style while being secluded and in this quiet and peaceful area of the city. Do not miss this beautiful Garden of Japan!
4) Todai-ji Nigatsu-do Hall (for the views)
If you want the best view of Nara make sure you climb to the top of Todai-ji Nigatsu-do Hall. The view from the grand terrace is amazing and will give you beautiful 360 views around the city. Not only that, but the entire hall is equipped with smaller temples around the park. Do not miss it!
5) Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Kasuga Taisha Shrine is considered to be the most important and most sacred site in all of Japan! It is a huge and beautiful shrine that you cannot miss!
6) Kofuku- Ji Temple
You can’t help but not miss the massive five story pagoda in Nara. This building stands high and is located alongside other temples in a park area in Nara. There are other rooms around the temple including one of the most famous tea rooms, Buddha statues and so much more! Do not miss Kofuku- Ji Temple
I hope you enjoyed reading about the top 6 places you cannot miss in Nara, Japan. There are many other places and things you can do when visiting this deer-tastic city, but if you only have a day these are my top picks!
Have you been to Nara? Did you visit every place on this list? Are there any places that you really enjoyed in Nara that you want to highlight? Let me know what you think or if you have any additional questions about Nara or Japan in general contact me
If you want me to helo you plan your trip start here.
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