Top 10 Things to Do in Nara

1. Play with Cute Deer in Nara Park

Feeding deer has been the top thing to do in Nara. You can buy deer crackers from vendors in the park. It is advised to go to the Park early as deer may go to rest at noon or in the afternoon. Unlike zoo, you can see deer in almost each corner in this open-air park.

Nara Park

2. Visit One of the World’s Largest Wooden Buildings - Todai-ji Temple

In Todai-ji Temple, there is a wooden Buddha at the height about 15 meters (50 feet) and it has been designated as Japan’s national treasure. With lotus put in front of it, the Buddha looks very calm. In addition, the Temple’s other halls also enshrine Buddha like 2 Kango statues on both sides of the Nandai-mon Gate and a dozen of Nikko Bosatsu Statues and Gekko Bosatsu statues placed in Sangatsu-do Hall. Among them, Kango statues, another symbol of Todai-ji Temple, have a pair of angry staring eyes, seeming to shock devil spirit away.

Todaiji Temple

3. Amaze at Japanese Metal Lanterns in Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Kasuga Taisha Shrine is believed to be one of the holiest religious place in Japan, with many Japanese spirits or gods are enshrined there. In the bright red shrine buildings, the bronze-green lanterns and stone lanterns covered with light moss are very eye-catching. Scattered in every corner and the number over 3, 000, they make Kasuga Taisha a shrine owning the most lanterns in all shrines in Japan. It is said that there are 15 stone lanterns inscripted with special characters. Legend has it that people who can find them at night will have good fortune.

Lanterns in Kasuga Taisha Shrine

4. See National Treasures in Nara National Museum

Nara National Museum has 4 exhibition halls, among which 2 halls are for displaying bronze antiques and Buddhist statues. These statues dating back to 2nd – 14th century, made of wood, stone, or bronze, whether sitting or standing, still look vivid. In addition, the Museum not only stores Japanese statues, but also those coming from China, Korea, and India.

5. Overlook Nara from Mount Wakakusa

Mountain Wakakusa are actually 3 mountains overlapping with the altitude of 342 meters (1,122 feet). From the mountain foot to the summit, there are 3 layers and the scenery seen from the summit is the best. However, mo matter what layer you hike to, there are cute deer along the way. After 1 hour’s hiking, the panoramic Nara would unfold before your eyes, and you can lie on the vast lawn at sunset.

Mountain Wakakusa

6. Take a Walk along Residence in Naramachi

Naramachi refers to ancient living area around Gango-ji Temple. Along the narrow alley are 2 rows of traditional residences, old stores, coffee shops, and galleries. One best thing to do in Naramachi is visiting the traditional residence open to the public for free. The residence is still surrounded by the traditional fence, which consists of countless thin wooden strips. 

Traditional Residence in Naramachi

7. Find Delicacy in Bustling Higashimuki Shopping Street

Higashimuki, one of the most bustling shopping streets in Nara, has already over one hundred years’ history. Beloved by both local people and tourists, Higashimuki owns authentic local food, including wagashi – Japanese dessert, and ramen. The highly-rated food are Persimmon Leaf Sushi and mochi sold by Nakatanidou Shop.

Higashimuki Shopping Street

8. Take Photos in Isuien Garden while wearing Kimonos

Isuien Garden, which was once only open to high social classes, will show you the life of rich businessmen. It consists of 2 parts: in the front of the garden, you can see teahouses and private residences; the rear part is a classic Japanese garden, suitable for wandering and chatting with friends. Not confined to the artificial lakes and trees, the Garden’s scenery also comes from the mountains and forests in the distance.

Isuien Garden

9. Learn Tea Ceremony in Jiko-in Temple

Authentic tea ceremony, a classic art of Japan, can also be learn in Nara’s Jiko-ji Temple as there is a saying that Jiko-in Temple is the cradle of this ceremony. 

10. Appreciate Buddhist Works in Kofuku-ji Temple

In the 1,300-year-old Kofuku-ji Temple, you can enjoy various Buddhist sculptures and paintings in close distance. The metal sculptures shine the light, the wooden ones look alive for the vivid expression, and paintings are brightly colored.