Nara 1 Day Itinerary: Ultimate Nara Day Trip for First-Time Visitors

If you’re looking for an escape from the hustle of city life in Japan, you need to explore this Nara 1 day itinerary. This picturesque city is just a short train ride away from Kyoto or Osaka and is known for its friendly deer, ancient temples, and tranquil parks. Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital, is a city rich with unique history and culture. So grab your camera and some deer crackers- let’s delve into all that Nara has to offer for the perfect one day trip.

I recently returned from a Japan vacation with my extended family. This article shares insider tips you need to plan your one day trip to Nara, Japan. Keep reading this helpful Japan travel guide to learn whether spending one day in Nara is right for you.

Is Nara, Japan Worth Visiting for a One Day Trip?

Nara is worth visiting, but that suggestion comes with some caveats. If you have several days in Kyoto or Osaka, making the day trip to Nara is worth it. History lovers will enjoy exploring numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nara and animal lovers get the chance to feed adorable bowing deer.

For us, visiting the deer was enjoyable but they were not very interactive late in the afternoon when we visited. Although Nara is worth visiting, I wouldn’t suggest skipping the top attractions in Kyoto or Osaka to go to Nara if you are short on time.

Map of Nara, Japan

One Day in Nara: Best Things to Do

Kofuku-ji Temple

Start your 1 day Nara itinerary by visiting one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples. Kofukuji Temple was established in 710 and was one of the Seven Great Temples of Nara, Japan. Notably, it is Japan’s second tallest wooden pagoda, rising over 5 stories tall. The temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and includes the Central Golden Hall, the Eastern Golden Hall and the National Treasure Museum.

• Address for Kofukuji Temple: 48 Noborioji Cho, Nara, 630-8213, Japan
• Hours of Operation for Kofukuji Temple: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (last entry 4:45).
• The grounds are open 24 hours.
• It is free to wander the grounds, and costs 1600 yen to visit inside the two Golden Halls and museum.
• Plan to spend about an hour here.

Seeking Stamps Tip: Construction is planned on the pagoda until March 2031, and may be partially covered. I recommend visiting the lovely photo spot located on the back side across from the Sarusawa Pond during your Nara one day itinerary. Sadly, you cannot enter the pagoda.

Isuien Garden

Next, wander through the tranquil Isuien Garden between Kofukuji Temple and Todaiji Temple. This beautiful Japanese-style garden features lush foliage, walking paths, water features, and small tea houses.

Here you can explore two areas, the Front Garden and the Back Garden. The garden also houses the Neiraku Art Museum, which we did not have time to visit.

• Isuien Garden Address: 74 Suimonchō, Nara, 630-8208, Japan
• The garden is open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. It’s closed on Tuesdays.
• Entrance fee: 1200 yen for adults and 300 yen for students.
• Plan to spend 15 minutes here.

Seeking Stamps Tip: If you’re a nature-lover, consider visiting Yoshikien Garden on the other side of the river which is free to enter.

Todai-ji Temple

The next attraction on your one day Nara itinerary is Todaiji Temple. At this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can see the massive 50 foot high Great Buddha statue made of bronze.

The Great Buddha Hall, or Daibutsu-den, is one of the world’s largest wooden structures. Some of the structures here date back to approximately 740, yet many parts were destroyed in fires and rebuilt. The unique architecture and history makes this a must-visit attraction during your day trip to Nara.

• Todaiji Temple Address: 406-1 Zōshichō, Nara, 630-8587, Japan
• Great Hall hours of operation: April to October: 7:30 am-5:30 pm and November to March 8:00 am-5:00
• Hours of operation for Senju-dō at the Kaidan-in: open 8:30-4:00 pm
• Todaiji Museum opening hours: April to October 9:30-5:30 (last entry at 5:00) and November to March 9:30-5:00 (last entry at 4:30)
• Entrance fee is 800 yen for adults and 400 for ages 6-12.
• Plan to spend about 1.5 hours here.

Seeking Stamps Tip: I recommend renting an audio guide for 500 yen to help you understand the significance of what you are seeing during your walking tour.

Hike up Mount Wakakusayama

If your schedule permits, hike up to the top of Mount Wakakusayama. This easy hike behind Nara Park offers gorgeous panoramic views of the hills and Nara cityscape.

• The base of the hike is about a 10-15 minutes walk located between Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
• The hike is accessible between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. It’s closed in the winter from mid December to March.
• Entrance fee is 150 yen.
• I recommend sturdy shoes, but hiking boots are not necessary.
• You can hike about 20 minutes to a flat area with views, or an hour to reach the top.

Seeking Stamps Tip: We were told, views during autumn are particularly gorgeous with the fall foliage.

Nara Deer Park

Without question, one of the best things to do in Nara is visit Nara Park. There are approximately 1,200-1,400 Sika deer roaming the park. The animals are protected and considered holy messengers of the Gods. This is a “must-do” activity on your Nara 1 day itinerary!

When you visit you can purchase Senbei, or deer crackers, for 200 yen. My teenagers loved watching the deer bow to receive food and they laughed hysterically taking turns bowing back and forth.

I recommend visiting early in the morning when the deer have more of an appetite. If you come later in the day the deer are less interactive, as thousands of tourists visit the area and feed them each day.

During our visit, we were fortunate to watch Shikayose, a ceremony where a french horn summons the deer to Tobihino Field (the grassy area adjacent to the park). As the music plays, hoards of deer come running to receive acorns. These “deer calling” ceremonies occur at 10:00 am on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

• Nara Park Address: 469 Zoshicho, Nara 630-8501 Nara
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Plan to spend about two hours here.

Seeking Stamps Tip: We were told not to feed the deer by the road for their safety. Also, refrain from feeding the deer anything other than the senbei.

Nara National Museum

You will find the Nara National Museum adjacent to Nara Deer Park. Established in 1889, this lovely museum offers numerous exhibits, Buddhist sculptures, paintings, and more.

• Address for the National Museum: 50 Noboriōji-chō, Nara 630-8213 Japan
• The Nara National Museum’s hours of operation vary by season, but are typically open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm with the last entry at 4:30 pm.
• The Museum is closed many Mondays, so check their calendar.
• Entrance fee is 700 yen or 350 for students.
• Plan to spend about an hour here.

Seeking Stamps Tip: The museum can be very crowded during peak tourist seasons, so plan accordingly.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Next, make your way to Kasuga Taisha Shrine which is Nara’s famous Shinto shrine and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This shrine is known for its stunning red color and iconic lanterns made of stone and bronze. It is next to the expansive Mount Kasuga Primeval Forest which is a Special Protected National Monument.

• Address of Kasuga Taisha Shrine: 160 Kasuganochō, Nara, 630-8212, Japan
• Hours of Operation: (October to March) 6:30 am to 5:30 pm and (November to February) 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• The main sanctuary is open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
• Museum is open 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Botanical Garden is open 9:00 am- 4:30 pm. (closed on Mondays and holidays)
• Entrance fee: The offering hall is free, but its costs 500 yen to visit the inner area, botanical garden and museum.
• Plan to spend about an hour here.

Seeking Stamps Tip: There is a small garden cafe here if you need to grab a bite to eat.

Ukimido Pavilion

During your day trip to Nara, take a few minutes to wander to the charming Ukimido Pavilion. This is a quaint gazebo on Sagi Ike pond which is the perfect photo spot!

• Address for the Ukimido Gazebo: Takabatake Cho, Nara, 630-8301, Japan
• Entrance fee: Free

Sarusawa Pond

Another scenic location on your one day Nara itinerary, is Sarusawa Pond. Grab a coffee from the nearby Starbucks and then walk around this serene landmark. It provides a place for gorgeous photos with the willow trees, reflection of the water and Kofukuji Pagoda in the backdrop.

Although it’s a beautiful location, it has quite a tragic history. Local legend states a maiden (or uneme) drowned herself in this pond, distraught about her unrequited love for the Emperor. Every September, the colorful Uneme Festival celebrates her memory.

• Address for Sarusawa-Ike Pond: Noborioji Cho, Nara 630-8213 Nara Prefecture
• Entrance fee: Free

Seeking Stamps Tip: Remember, in Japanese culture it is considered improper to eat or drink while walking around.

Higashimuki Shopping Street

Next make sure to stop by Higashimuki shopping street to grab something to eat and shop for souvenirs. You will find every type of deer paraphernalia you can imagine, plus shops and restaurants.

• Higashimuki shopping street is located between Sanjo Dori Street and Omiya Dori Street.

Seeking Stamps Tip: Another attraction you can’t miss on this Nara 1 day itinerary is watching mochi being made at Nakatanidou. This 30 year tradition is both delicious and captivating. We stood in awe as the mochi-makers tugged and grunted in this awe-inspiring spectacle!

Visit Amusement Cue

Before you go back to the train station, stop by the Amusement Cue arcade center. Crane games, gacha machines filled with trinkets, and retro arcades pack this four-story building. If you asked our teenagers, they would say this was their favorite part of our Nara day trip.

• Amusement Cue Address: Nara Nara-shi Sanjocho 478-1
• Hours of Operation: Open daily from 10:00 am to Midnight

Seeking Stamps Tip: Entrance fee is free, but you must pay for games. This is a great way to use all of your spare coins!

Additional Things to Do If You Have More Than One Day in Nara

• Explore Uguisu Waterfall.
• Check out the Kasugayama Stone Cavern Buddhas.
• View Heijō Palace Site Historical National Park.
• Enjoy the scenery at Yoshinoyama Park.

How to Get to Nara From Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo

Day Trip to Nara From Kyoto

Japan Rail Pass holders can take the JR Nara train from Kyoto Station to the JR Nara Station which takes approximately 45 minutes.

Another option is the Kintetsu Line from Kyoto Station to Kintetsu Nara Station which takes approximately 35 minutes.

Seeking Stamps Tip: If you don’t want to spend one day in Nara, it is convenient to combine a day trip to Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto and then continue on for a half day trip in Nara.

Nara Day Trip From Osaka

I recommend taking the train for your Osaka to Nara day trip, since it is the fastest option. From Osaka Station take the JR Yamatoji Line to the JR Nara Station. This route takes approximately 50 minutes, and is Included with your JR pass.

If you do not have a JR Pass, you can take the Kintetsu Line from Osaka Station to the Kintetsu Nara Station with either the Limited Express or Rapid Express train. This route takes approximately 40 minutes.

How to Get to Nara From Tokyo

From Tokyo use the Shinkansen train from Tokyo Station to Kyoto which takes approximately 2.5 hours. Then follow the directions above from Kyoto for your trip to Nara.

Seeking Stamps Tip: I do not recommend visiting Nara from Tokyo unless you plan to stay overnight.

Once You Arrive in Nara

Walk down the main road filled with shops and restaurants until you reach Kofukuji Temple. From Nara station, it takes approximately 20 minutes to walk to Kofukuji along Sanjo Dori Street or about 5 minutes from Kintetsu Station along Noborioji Street. It’s easy to find your way because the area is well marked with signs. Unless you have limited mobility, you can walk to all the locations included in this one day Japan itinerary.

Seeking Stamps Tip: We took the JR train for our Nara day trip itinerary. Once you arrive, follow the signs to the east gate. Nara is mostly flat and easily walkable.

When to Visit Nara

You can visit Nara year round, but you will find the most stunning scenery during Sakura Season or during Fall. In March/April the soft pink cherry blossoms make a gorgeous backdrop. In Fall, Nara offers colorful autumn leaves in the background.

Is One Day in Nara, Japan Enough Time?

We felt that one day in Nara was plenty of time to see everything. If you just plan to visit Nara Park, a half day in Nara is sufficient.

Where to Eat in Nara

A great place to stop for lunch during your day trip to Nara is in Naramachi. Known as the historic center, traditional wooden houses line the narrow streets. Here you can find all types of restaurants serving dishes such as ramen and sushi.

Day Trip to Nara: Final Thoughts

In conclusion, a day trip to Nara is an unforgettable experience filled with history, culture, and natural beauty. From the iconic sights of Todaiji Temple and Nara Deer Park to the charming streets of Naramachi, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this ancient city. So next time you find yourself in Japan, be sure to use this Nara 1 day itinerary to discover all that this enchanting city has to offer.