Things to do in Nara

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Heijo Palace which includes heritage elements and tranquil scenes
Nara featuring street scenes, a city and night scenes
Nara which includes food and dining out
Nara featuring dining out and food
Toshodai-ji Temple showing a temple or place of worship and heritage elements
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Most popular activities in Nara

Tours & day trips

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From Kyoto / Osaka: Kyoto Must-see Spots & Nara Park One Day Tour

From Kyoto / Osaka: Kyoto Must-see Spots & Nara Park One Day Tour

Activity duration is 9 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 11 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥9,465 per adult
From Kyoto / Osaka: Kyoto Must-see Spots & Nara Park One Day TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

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Private Nara Tour and Sake Tasting (Departing from Kyoto/Nara)

Private Nara Tour and Sake Tasting (Departing from Kyoto/Nara)

Activity duration is 6 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥26,980 per adult*
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Osaka Sushi Miso soup Adventure: A Journey of Exotic Flavors

Osaka Sushi Miso soup Adventure: A Journey of Exotic Flavors

Activity duration is 3 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥15,000 per adult
Osaka Sushi Miso soup Adventure: A Journey of Exotic FlavorsOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

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E-Bike Nara Highlights - Todaiji, Knives, Deer, Shrine

E-Bike Nara Highlights - Todaiji, Knives, Deer, Shrine

Activity duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥14,000 per adult
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What to do in Nara

Discover the most popular places to visit in Nara

Nara Park which includes a park and heritage elements

Nara Park

Explore the great outdoors at Nara Park, a lovely green space in Nara. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its temples.

Nara Park
Todaiji Temple which includes a lake or waterhole, a temple or place of worship and heritage elements

Todaiji Temple

Todaiji Temple is just one of the places to see in Nara, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its temples.

Todaiji Temple
Kasuga Shrine which includes heritage elements and a temple or place of worship as well as an individual male

Kasuga Shrine

You can learn about the history of Nara with a visit to Kasuga Shrine. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its temples.

Kasuga Shrine
Nara National Museum which includes interior views and signage

Nara National Museum

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Nara National Museum in Nara. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its temples.

Nara National Museum
Yakushi-ji Temple which includes heritage elements, a temple or place of worship and a park

Yakushi-ji Temple

Yakushi-ji Temple is just one of the places to see in Nara, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its temples.

Yakushi-ji Temple
Kofuku-ji Shrine which includes heritage architecture, street scenes and a temple or place of worship

Kofuku-ji Temple

You can learn about the history of Noboriōji with a visit to Kofuku-ji Temple. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its temples.

Kofuku-ji Temple
Sarusawa-ike featuring a lake or waterhole

Sarusawa Pond Park

Sarusawa Pond Park is just one of the places to see in Noboriōji, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its temples.

Sarusawa Pond Park
Toshodai-ji Temple featuring heritage elements and a temple or place of worship

Toshodai-ji Temple

After visiting Toshodai-ji Temple, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Nara. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its temples.

Toshodai-ji Temple
Mount Wakakusa

Mount Wakakusa

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Mount Wakakusa during your travels in Nara. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its temples.

Mount Wakakusa

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Nara

Naramachi showing night scenes and signage

Naramachi

Unique features of Naramachi include the coffeehouses and shopping. Make a stop by Nara City Museum of Photography or Nara Park while you're exploring the area.

Naramachi

Popular day trips from Nara

Photo by GaryTsang

Iga

A gate at Kōriyama Castle in the city of Yamatokōriyama, Nara Prefecture, Japan

Yamatokoriyama

Tenri

Tenri

Minamiyamashiro

Minamiyamashiro

Photo by James Ng

Kizugawa

Ikoma

Ikoma

Photo "Uda" by Hamachidori (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Hamachidori (CC BY-SA)

Uda

Sakurai

Sakurai

Frequently asked questions

Is Nara worth visiting?
Providing a blend of nature and views, there are plenty of things to do in Nara. When you're here, head to Nara National Museum, a leading attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Nara?
Momonoo-no Taki and Nara Prefectural Museum of Folklore are two awesome places to start your getaway adventures. Remember to check out the dining and shopping options in Nara while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Nara?
The top tourist attraction in Nara is Nara National Museum, so don't forget to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Nara?
Three days will be enough time to tick off many city sights, including Nara National Museum, Nara Prefectural Art Museum and Naramachi. The average stay in Nara is two days. If you have the time to extend your getaway, Kyoto isn't far away.
Is Nara a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Nara, including Nara National Museum and Nara Prefectural Art Museum, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Only 2 kilometers from central Nara is Naramachi and Noboriōji is 3 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Nara with kids?
Whether you're traveling with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Nara with kids.

What to do in Nara for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Nara, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Inada Sake Brewery or Yamanobe Street.
Are there free things to do in Nara?
From enjoying parks to strolling around exciting neighborhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Nara. If you're stuck for ideas, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. Nara Prefectural Art Museum is a must for anyone wanting to save on their traveling adventures.

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