What to do in Nara? / Top 10 Sightseeing spots in Nara

Itinerary is below!

Facts about Nara.

Nara was the capital of Japan during the Nara period from 710 to 794 as the seat of the Emperor before the capital was moved to Kyoto. Nara is home to eight temples, shrines, and ruins, specifically Tōdai-ji, Saidai-ji, Kōfuku-ji, Kasuga Shrine, Gangō-ji, Yakushi-ji, Tōshōdai-ji, and the Heijō Palace, together with Kasugayama Primeval Forest, collectively form the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 Here is a Video of my visit to Nara.

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Top 10 Sightseeing spots

No.1

Sony Highlands
Soni Highlands (Soni Village)

No.2

Horyu-ji Temple (Ikaruga Town)

No.3

Nara National Museum (Nara City)

Nara National Museum (Nara City)

 

No.4

Todaiji Temple (Nara City)

No.5

Kofuku-ji Temple (Nara City)

Kofuku-ji Temple (Nara City)

No.6

Nara Park

No.7

Hasedera (Sakurai City)

Hasedera (Sakurai City)

No.8

Asuka Temple (Asuka Village)

No.9

Tanize Suspension Bridge Feels like you are walking in the air

Tanize Suspension Bridge Feels like you are walking in the air

No.10

    Mt. Yoshino is famous for its cherry blossoms

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     Here is a Video of my visit to Nara.

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    1-3 day(s) Itinerary

    This is a good one-day trip if you stay in Osaka and just visit Nara for a day or the first day of a 2 or 3 day adventure.

    Day 1 [Eastern part of Nara City]

    1.  13:00 Kofukuji Temple

      20 minutes on foot

    2.  14:00 Kasuga Taisha Shrine

      20 minutes on foot

    3.  15:30 Todaiji Temple
    4.  Todaiji Temple Nigatsudo
    5.  Todaiji Great Buddha Hall

      5 minutes on foot

    6.  17:00 Nara Park

    Day 2 [West part of Nara City]

    I start and finish the second day from the Kintetsu Nara station but you can also start from your Hotel or any other place.

    1.  9:00 Kintetsu Nara Station

      15 minutes by train

    2.  9:30 Kintetsu Nishinokyo Station

      Short walk

    3.  9:40 Yakushiji Temple

      10 minutes on foot

    4.  10:40 Toshodaiji Temple

      10 minutes on foot

    5.  11:40 Kintetsu Nishinokyo Station

      4 minutes by train

    6.  12:00 Kintetsu Yamato-Saidaiji Station

      15 minutes on foot

    7.  13:30 Heijo Palace Ruins
    8.  East Garden
    9.  Suzaku Gate

      5 minutes on foot

    10.  15:00 Bus stop Nijooji Minami 2-chome

      20 minutes by bus

    11.  15:30 Kintetsu Nara Station

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    Day 3 [Ikaruga]

    Day 3 I start and finish at the JR Nara Station since the first place to go is easier to reach from there.
    JR Nara Station and Kintetsu Nara station are a 10 minute walk or a small bus  ride apart from each other.

    1.  9:00 JR Nara Station

      12 minutes by train

    2.  9:20 JR Horyuji Station

      5 minutes by bus

    3.  9:30 Horyuji i Center

      10 minutes on foot

    4.  10:00 Horyu-ji Temple
    5.  Namdaemun
    6.  Daiho Kuroin
    7.  Yumedono

      1 minute on foot

    8.  12:00 Chugu-ji Temple

      20 minutes on foot

    9.  13:30 Falun Temple

      15 minutes on foot

    10.  14:30 Hokiji Temple

      60 minutes by bus 《To Kasuga Taisha main shrine from the north-facing platform》

    11.  16:30 JR/Kintetsu Nara Station

    Hotels

    Fancy Hotels to stay at in Nara.

    1. JW Marriott Hotel Nara

    JW Marriott Hotel Nara JW Marriott Hotel Nara

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    JW Marriott Hotel Nara, the first luxury hotel to land in Japan, opens! Please spend a relaxing time surrounded by the beauty of Japan in Nara, an ancient city rich in nature. "JW Marriott Hotel" is a special hotel named after the founder of the Marriott Group, "John Willard Marriott". A global hotel brand that is passionate about delivering true luxury, has won numerous awards and is ranked among the highest in the Marriott group. In the vicinity of "JW Marriott Hotel Nara", which is located in the center of Nara, there are some of Japan's oldest cultural properties, including historic sites registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

    Link directly to the Hotel is here!

    2. Piazza Hotel Nara

    Piazza Hotel Nara

     

    Piazza Hotel Nara is a popular choice amongst travelers in Nara, whether exploring or just passing through. Both business travelers and tourists can enjoy the hotel's facilities and services. To be found at the hotel are free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour security, convenience store, daily housekeeping, wheelchair accessible. Designed for comfort, selected guestrooms offer television LCD/plasma screen, carpeting, clothes rack, linens, mirror to ensure a restful night. The hotel offers various recreational opportunities. Discover all Nara has to offer by making Piazza Hotel Nara your base.
    Link directly to the Hotel is here!

    3. Hotel Nikko Nara

    Hotel Nikko Nara

     

     4-star hotel in the city center You can look forward to shopping on site, a coffee shop/cafe, and a hair salon at Hotel Nikko Nara. Indulge in a massage and thalassotherapy at the onsite spa. Be sure to enjoy a meal at any of the 4 onsite restaurants, which feature Japanese cuisine and more. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with dry cleaning/laundry services and a bar.

    Link directly to the Hotel is here!

    Low budged Hotels in Nara

    1. Hotel Pagoda

     Hotel Pagoda

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    A clean and nice Hotel central in Nara it offers a close walking distance to many sightseeing spots and an incredible low price the value of the rooms in very good. The only cheaper option is staying in Osaka and taking the train over to Nara.

     Link directly to the Hotel is here!

    2. Hotel Fine Garden Horai

    Hotel Fine Garden Horai Hotel Fine Garden Horai

     

    A 20-minute drive from Nara Park, the Hotel Fine Garden Horai offers cosy rooms with a flat-screen TV console. The property provides free parking, and massages and treatments can be arranged at the 24-hour front desk. Free Wi-Fi is provided at the entire hotel.Guests can enjoy a long stay, since check-in time at Fine Garden is early, and check-out time is comfortably late. Luggage can be stored at the reception, and room service is available.The air-conditioned rooms feature a stylish, modern interior. Each beautifully designed room is equipped with a sofa, a fridge and an en suite bathroom with a spa bath. A DVD player and surround-sound speakers are attached to the TV.Horai Fine Garden Hotel is a 10-minute drive from Kintetsu Gakuenmae Train Station and a 15-minute drive from Yakushi-ji Temple.

    Link directly to the Hotel is here!

    3. Piazza Hotel Nara

    Piazza Hotel Nara

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    Piazza Hotel Nara is a popular choice amongst travelers in Nara, whether exploring or just passing through. Both business travelers and tourists can enjoy the hotel's facilities and services. To be found at the hotel are free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour security, convenience store, daily housekeeping, wheelchair accessible. Designed for comfort, selected guestrooms offer television LCD/plasma screen, carpeting, clothes rack, linens, mirror to ensure a restful night. The hotel offers various recreational opportunities. Discover all Nara has to offer by making Piazza Hotel Nara your base.
    Link directly to the Hotel is here!

    Traditional Ryokan in Nara

    1. Asukasou

    Asukasou

     

    3.5-star ryokan in the city center Asukasou provides amenities like an indoor public bath (no minerals) and a restaurant. Treat yourself to a massage or other spa services. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.

    Link directly to the Hotel is here!

    2. Tsukihitei


    Tsukihitei Tsukihitei

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    Situated in the historical district, this ryokan is within 1 mi (2 km) of Manyo Botanical Garden, Todaiji Temple, and Kasuga Shrine. Nara Park and Nara National Museum are also within 1 mi (2 km). Tour/ticket assistance and free WiFi in public areas are available at this ryokan. All rooms are individually decorated and offer free WiFi and hair dryers. Refrigerators, separate bathtubs and showers, and phones are among the other amenities available to guests.

    Link directly to the Hotel is here!

     

    3. Ryokan Hakuhou

    Ryokan Hakuhou

     

    Enjoy your visit to Nara with a stay at Ryokan Hakuhou. Other highlights include a terrace and a garden. Fellow travelers like the helpful staff and location. For the last Ryokan I choose a more affordable one but still has a real ryokan experience.

    Link directly to the Hotel is here!

    Details of the Itinerary / Prices (12/12/2022)

    Kofukuji Temple kofukuji

    • 48 Noboriojicho, Nara City
    • 0742-22-7755
    • 9:00-17:00 (entrance and admission until 16:45)
    • open all year round
    • Tokondo
      Toukondo Single Ticket
      Adults and college students: 300 yen
      High school and junior high school students: 200 yen
      Elementary school students: 100 yen

      National Treasure Gallery
      National Treasure Gallery Single ticket
      Adult/University student ... 700 yen
      High school and junior high school students ... 600 yen
      Elementary school students ... 300 yen

      National Treasure Gallery and To Kondo common ticket
      Adult/University student ... 900 yen
      High school and junior high school students ... 700 yen
      Elementary school students...350 yen

      Chukondo
      Chukondo single ticket
      Adult/University student ... 500 yen
      Junior high and high school students ... 300 yen
      Elementary school students ... 100 yen

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