Nara
What you need to know before you go
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.
Featured stories & fun stuff
What to see & do in Nara
What’s around Nara
Where to shop & what to buy in Nara
Where to go & what to do at night in Nara
3 Cool Things to Do in Nara at Night
Nara is a small, ancient town that has more temples than bars, so you should expect the nightlife in Nara to be relaxed. Of course, there are several bars where you can watch live bands, sample Nara’s famed sake brands, or just eat and drink with friends in a neighborhood izakaya. The most convenient area to start off is the shopping street near Kintetsu Nara Station as it’s full of restaurants...
Useful information
Nara Travel Essentials
Our Nara Travel Essentials allow you to plan the ultimate vacation to this Japanese city and larger prefecture. You’ll find tips and insights for keeping your vacation 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 of shrines here as well...