Walk through 1,300 years of heritage. From the towering Daibutsu to the lantern-lit paths of Kasuga Taisha.
Timeless monuments in the valley of peace.
One of the world's largest wooden structures, housing the magnificent 15-meter tall Great Bronze Buddha (Daibutsu).
Nara's most celebrated shrine, famous for its thousands of bronze and stone lanterns that lead deep into the forest.
Observe the iconic five-story pagoda, a symbol of Nara, standing tall as a guardian of the city's ancient Buddhist history.
In Nara, deer are not just animals; they are sacred national treasures. Purchase 'Shika Senbei' (deer crackers) and watch as they politely bow for a treat.
A sprawling landscape where 1,200 wild Sika deer roam freely. It is one of the few places on earth where the boundary between nature and city disappears entirely.
Traveler Tip
Visit in the early morning for the most peaceful interactions.
Visit Nakatanidou to witness the high-speed mochi pounding. This vibrant green rice cake is flavored with Japanese mugwort.
Nara’s unique pressed sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves, designed in the past to preserve the fish during long mountain journeys.
Early April. The deer fawns are born, and the 1,700 cherry trees in Nara Park create a pink canopy over the ancient stone paths.
August. The Mantoro festival at Kasuga Taisha lights 3,000 lanterns, turning the forest into a glowing spiritual realm.
Late November. Mount Wakakusa glows with autumn colors, and the air turns crisp—perfect for the Isuien Garden walks.
January. Witness the Wakakusa Yamayaki, where the entire mountain is set ablaze in a stunning, ancient fire ritual.
Nara's inland location creates distinct, poetic shifts in temperature across the park.
Quiet Frost.
Steam from Temples.
Sakura Breeze.
New Deer Fawns.
Lush Greenery.
Evening Lanterns.
Maple Fire.
Perfect Walking.
Note: Nara is in a valley; summers can feel humid and winters notably colder than nearby Osaka.
Legend says a god arrived in Nara on a white deer. Ever since, they've been protected as national treasures.
In Todai-ji, there is a pillar with a hole the size of the Buddha's nostril. Crawl through for enlightenment!
The Great Buddha Hall was built without a single metal nail, using ancient interlocking joinery techniques.
Every October, the 'Shika-yose' ceremony uses a French horn to call the deer for their breakfast.
Sake as we know it today was first refined in Nara's temples during the Muromachi period.
Beyond the temples lies a labyrinth of 19th-century wooden merchant houses (Machiya). This is the historic center of Nara, where narrow alleys lead to hidden sake breweries, traditional craft shops, and quiet residential gardens.
Look for the red "monkey" charms hanging from eaves to ward off bad luck.
Notice the 'Koshi' windows, designed to let residents see out while keeping the interior private.
"Nara is the birthplace of refined Sake. Wander into the Imanishi Seibei Shoten brewery to taste the 'Harushika' brew, crafted with the same mountain water used by monks 500 years ago."
Since 841 AD, hunting and logging have been strictly prohibited on this sacred mountain. This has preserved a rare ecosystem of giant evergreen oaks and ancient ferns that look exactly as they did a millennium ago.
A gentle, unpaved hiking trail that takes you away from the crowds and into the deep silence of the cedars.
Keep an eye out for the Jigoku-dani (Hell Valley) stone carvings hidden among the moss-covered rocks.
"When the city of Nara feels busy, the forest offers a breath of 8th-century air. Here, you don't just see history, you walk through it."
If you bow to a deer, it will often bow back. This is a learned behavior. Wait for the bow before offering the cracker (Senbei).
Once you run out of crackers, show your open palms to the deer. They understand this gesture means "no more food" and will usually walk away politely.
Never feed deer human food, plastic, or paper. Use only the official crackers sold in the park to ensure the health of these sacred treasures.
Note: Remember that the deer are wild animals. Treat them with the same respect you would a forest spirit.
Arrive before the crowds. Purchase a pack of Shika Senbei and enjoy a quiet moment with the deer near the Kofuku-ji Pagoda as the morning mist lifts.
Head to the Daibutsu-den. Stand in awe of the bronze giant and explore the intricate wooden architecture of the world’s largest temple building.
Walk the forest path lined with 2,000 stone lanterns. Visit the inner shrine to see the bronze lanterns flickering in the dark corridors.
Wander through the narrow streets of the old merchant town. Stop for green tea and browse local crafts before the sunset over the Sarusawa-ike Pond.
The best choice. It is located just 5 minutes from Nara Park. Use this station if you are coming from Namba or Kyoto via the Kintetsu line.
Best if using a JR Pass. It is a 15-20 minute walk to the park, but offers access to the scenic JR Yamatoji Line from Osaka.
"Our team is currently documenting the quiet corners of Nara Park and the secrets of Naramachi to build the definitive ancient guide for your 2026 visit."
New discoveries are on the horizon. Stay with us.
A Note to our Guests
Thank you for wandering through the history of Nara with us. We are dedicated to bringing the soul of this ancient capital to your fingertips.
— The Nara Travel Team