Nara
Where sacred temples meet culinary excellence and Japanese hospitality
Highlights
Marvel at the colossal bronze Buddha statue in one of Japan's most iconic temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site steeped in centuries of spiritual significance.
Interact with hundreds of freely roaming sacred deer in a lush park setting, creating magical moments perfect for couples.
Wander through thousands of bronze and stone lanterns at this atmospheric shrine, especially enchanting during evening hours.
Savor multi-course traditional Japanese haute cuisine in the intimate setting of a luxury ryokan dining room.
Stroll through charming wooden merchant houses and narrow streets preserved from the Edo and Meiji periods.
Relax together in a traditional hot spring bath, a quintessential Japanese romantic experience found at premier ryokans.
Where to Stay
2 picks
Asukasou
An onsen ryokan with stunning terrace views and traditional rooms equipped with modern gadgets. Features a gorgeous relaxing onsen and exceptional staff hospitality with late-night check-in availability.
Kasuga Hotel
A spacious upscale hotel with a gorgeous onsen, excellent service, and rooms notably large by Japanese standards. Located close to Nara Station and Nara Park with free parking and reliable WiFi.
Where to Eat
5 picks
Kasuga Hotel Restaurant
On-site fine dining featuring traditional Japanese kaiseki cuisine with seasonal ingredients and impeccable presentation in an intimate setting.
Nara Hotel Restaurant
Historic luxury hotel restaurant serving upscale Japanese and Western fusion cuisine with garden views, offering both kaiseki and à la carte options.
Mikasa Restaurant (On-site)
High-end kaiseki and traditional Japanese cuisine served within the intimate Mikasa ryokan setting, featuring seasonal menus and expert preparation.
Naramachi Traditional Tea House (Local recommendation)
A charming tea house in the historic Naramachi district serving traditional matcha, seasonal sweets, and light lunch options in a centuries-old merchant house atmosphere.
Local Nara Somen Restaurant
A modest family-run restaurant specializing in Nara's famous chilled somen noodles with dipping sauce, or warm versions seasonal dishes.
What to Do
7 picks
Todai-ji Temple
Visit the iconic Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden) to see the massive bronze Buddha statue, explore the temple grounds, and experience the spiritual heart of Nara.
Nara Park Deer Encounter
Stroll through the expansive park interacting with sacred deer, purchase deer crackers, and capture romantic moments with the animals and temple backdrop.
Private Onsen Experience at Your Ryokan
Enjoy a private or semi-private hot spring bath in your accommodation, traditional ritual of washing before entering, and the therapeutic benefits of Japanese bathing culture.
Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Explore this atmospheric shrine famous for thousands of bronze and stone lanterns, sacred vermillion torii gates, and forested walking paths with peaceful spiritual energy.
Naramachi Historic District Walking Tour
Wander through preserved wooden merchant houses, traditional shops, galleries, and cafes in the charming historic district dating back to the Edo and Meiji periods.
Kofuku-ji Temple
Visit this historic temple featuring a beautiful five-story pagoda, ornate halls, and an attached museum with important national treasures.
Nara National Museum
Explore Japanese Buddhist art, ancient sculptures, calligraphy, and historical artifacts in a world-class museum setting adjacent to Nara Park.
Good to Know
5 picks
Time Your Temple Visits
Visit major temples like Todai-ji and Kasuga Taisha early in the morning (before 10am) to avoid crowds and experience the serene atmosphere that makes Nara special. Evening visits to Kasuga Taisha around 4-5pm offer magical lantern views with fewer tourists.
Learn Basic Japanese Phrases
Master simple phrases like 'Arigatou gozaimasu' (thank you very much), 'Sumimasen' (excuse me), and 'Oishii' (delicious). Staff at ryokans especially appreciate efforts to communicate in Japanese.
Embrace Ryokan Etiquette
Remove shoes in designated areas, bathe before entering the onsen (not in it), wear yukata properly, attend meals at scheduled times, and be quiet in shared spaces. These customs are central to the ryokan experience.
Book Restaurant Reservations in Advance
Fine dining restaurants outside ryokans often have limited seating and may close between lunch and dinner service (typically 2-5pm). Reserve tables 1-2 days ahead and confirm meal times with your accommodation.
Bring Comfortable Walking Shoes
Nara involves extensive walking between temples and through parks on varied terrain including stone paths, gravel, and grass. Plan for 15,000+ steps daily. Pack blister treatment and consider a second pair of shoes.
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