Nara

Nara flourished to become one of Asia’s grandest cities during its 74-year reign as Japan’s first capital. As the most eastern destination on the Silk Road, Nara absorbed ideas from other mainland Asian countries and developed into the grand diocese of Buddhism. This compact city was one of Japan’s earliest capitals and is UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed – it's home to a significant collection of ancient Buddhist temples, the grand Shinto shrine of Kasuga-Taisha, the Heijo imperial palace, and the beautiful Kasugayama primaeval forest. A must-see in Nara is Todai-Ji temple, home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha which stands 15 metres tall. In the heart of the city, you can still be close to nature – see wild deer roaming free at the picturesque Nara Park.

There are 3 World Heritage Sites and many impressive shrines, temples and ruins within the 1,300 acres of Nara Park. Over 1,000 tame deer wander the park freely and are regarded by locals as messengers of the gods. You can purchase special wafer biscuits in the park to feed them.

What to see & do in Nara

what’s around Nara

Horyuji Temple (Ikaruga-dera Temple)

Where & what to eat in Nara

Food and dining in Nara allow the unique opportunity to explore Japanese history through food, with many of the dishes here dating back hundreds of years. At one point, Nara was the centre of the culinary culture in Japan, and even today you can try iconic dishes like kuzumochi, or rice cakes covered with sweet bean paste. You can try Miwa somen, a special noodle dish with a delicate flavour....

10 Best Local Dishes from Nara
With a rich history as the ancient capital of Japan, Nara has a unique food culture. While enjoying the local delicacies Nara has to offer, you can also take a trip through the history of Japan itself. Asuka Village's Asukanabe...
10 Great Restaurants in Nara
Nara is an ancient city with a history of 1,300 years, which is even longer than the "City of 1,000...
10 Best Local Restaurants in Nara
The ancient capital of Nara was known as the end of the ancient Silk Road and has a history older...

Where to shop & what to buy in Nara

Shopping in Nara offers everything from vibrant department stores and shopping centres to independent boutique shops and traditional arts and crafts markets where you can soak up the local culture. Most of the popular attractions in the area are situated around the shopping district surrounding Nara Park. Along Sanjo Dori street, you'll find a long stretch of souvenir shops. Nearby, you'll also find Higashimuki Shopping Street and Mochiidono Shopping Street....

10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Nara
Nara holds a significant place in the ancient history of Japan, and even today it has many shopping streets with a long history. Along Sanjo-dori, the main street of Nara City, you'll find many shops selling souvenirs including delicacies such...
5 Best Markets in Nara
Nara may be known for its temples and fascinating historic sites, but you'll also find some great shopping opportunities in this core city. If you want to feel like a local, then brush up on the age-old traditions, shop for...

Where to go & what to do at night in Nara

9 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Nara
The evenings in Nara tend to be gentle and refined. If you're staying in Nara, exploring the city at night is a must. Although it's not as flashy as Osaka or Kyoto, Nara has its own unique atmosphere. Said to be the birthplace of sake, Nara is dotted with quiet street corner where you can enjoy a fine drink. It's also...
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Useful information

Nara Travel Essentials
Our Nara Travel Essentials allow you to plan the ultimate holiday to this Japanese city and larger prefecture. You'll find tips and insights for keeping your holiday stress-free, crafting the perfect itinerary and enjoying the wonders this historic city has to offer. Nara is a major city with immense historic value as the former capital of Japan. You'll find a multitude...
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