Things to Do in Nara
40 curated spots from Nara itineraries
Activities & Attractions
21 curated experiences
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.
1h 15m · Free
Kofuku-ji Temple
Visit the iconic five-story pagoda and temple buildings near Nara Park, with a small museum of Buddhist art.
1h · $4-10
Nara National Museum
Explore Japanese Buddhist art, ancient sculptures, calligraphy, and historical artifacts in a world-class museum setting adjacent to Nara Park.
2h · $10-15 per person
Denarau Beach
Relax on soft sands, swim in calm waters, and build sandcastles together.
2h · Free
Isuien Garden
Beautiful landscaped garden with ponds and borrowed scenery views toward Todai-ji and surrounding hills.
1h · $4-8
JR Nara Station Area Stroll
Explore the modern side of Nara with shops, small malls, and everyday city life around the station.
1h · Free
Kasugayama Primeval Forest
Walk forest paths behind Kasuga Taisha through protected, ancient woodland designated as a UNESCO site.
2h · Free
Last Stroll in Nara Park and Souvenir Shopping
Walk through Nara Park one more time, visit favorite spots, and pick up any last souvenirs near the park or Naramachi.
2h · Free (plus souvenirs)
Mercado de Naranjos
Bustling covered street market with produce, spices, textiles, and small food stalls; walk the aisles, sample snacks, and capture colorful detail shots.
1h · Free (excluding purchases)
Momi Battery Historical Park
Explore free WWII gun emplacements with panoramic sea views and picnic areas.
1h 30m · Free
Mount Wakakusa (Wakakusayama)
Walk or take a short hike up the gentle hill for sweeping views over Nara city and the surrounding park.
1h 30m · $2-5
Nara Park
Stroll the large park, interact with free-roaming deer, and explore ponds and viewpoints connecting major temples.
2h · Free (excluding deer crackers and temple entries)
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.
1h 30m · $5-12 per person (for deer crackers)
Naramachi (Old Town)
Stroll the preserved merchant quarter with narrow lanes, traditional houses, small museums, shops, and cafés.
2h · Free (plus shopping and café costs)
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.
2h · Free (paid tours available $15-30)
Naramachi Mechanical Toy Museum (Naramachi Karakuri Omocha-kan)
Hands-on museum displaying traditional Japanese mechanical toys that you can try yourself.
1h · $3-6
Natadola Beach
Wide golden sands for walking, swimming, and optional cheap horse rides.
2h · Free
Port Denarau Marina
Stroll the waterfront, watch yachts, browse free markets, and enjoy live Fijian music.
1h 30m · Free
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.
1h 30m · $8-10 per person
Todai-ji Temple (Great Buddha Hall)
Visit the massive Daibutsu-den hall housing a towering bronze Great Buddha and impressive wooden architecture.
1h 30m · $5-10
Yoshiki-en Garden
Neighboring garden with moss, tea house, and seasonal flowers, often less crowded than Isuien.
1h · $2-6Restaurants & Food
19 local favorites
AUBERGE de SENVIE - Breakfast
Start your day at this luxurious country inn in semi-rural Sakurai with an exquisite breakfast focused on local ingredients.[7]
1h · $40-70 per person (often included in room rate)
AUBERGE de SENVIE - Dinner
Luxurious multi-course dinner emphasizing local produce and creative presentation at the inn’s restaurant.[7]
2h 30m · $130-220 per person (or included in package)
Beach Hut Cafe
Acai bowls and coffee overlooking the sea.
45m · $6-9 per person
Café Mirador Naranjos
Stylish café with river views and polished wood interiors; order the slow-brew local coffee flight and the brioche French toast with tropical fruit.
1h 15m · $25-40 per person
Denarau Beach Kiosks
Grilled fish wraps and fresh salads from beachside stands.
45m · $8-12 per person
Edosan
A refined restaurant near Nara Hotel offering well-prepared Japanese dishes in a calm, historic setting.
1h · $40-70 per person
Fine Dining Modern Japanese (Nara Park Area)
Contemporary Japanese restaurant near Nara Park offering tasting menus that fuse tradition and modern techniques.
2h · $110-190 per person
Hotel Breakfast at JW Marriott Hotel Nara
Lavish breakfast buffet and à la carte options in a modern luxury setting at JW Marriott Hotel Nara.[2][8]
1h · $35-55 per person
Kakusui (Nara Hotel Japanese Restaurant)
Upscale Japanese restaurant inside Nara Hotel serving refined kaiseki-style courses with seasonal ingredients.
1h 30m · $80-140 per person
Kasuga Hotel Restaurant
On-site fine dining featuring traditional Japanese kaiseki cuisine with seasonal ingredients and impeccable presentation in an intimate setting.
2h · $80-150 per person
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.
45m · $15-30 per person
Mikasa Restaurant (Nara Hotel)
Elegant breakfast in the classic dining room of Nara Hotel; choose the Japanese set with porridge and beautifully presented seasonal dishes.
1h · $35-55 per person
Nara Hotel Bar (The Bar at Nara Hotel)
Sip classic cocktails and light bites in a nostalgic bar with wood paneling and old-world charm.
1h 30m · $25-60 per person
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.
2h · $90-140 per person
Naramachi Kofukudō
Cozy spot in Naramachi serving beautifully arranged Japanese meals and sweets in a traditional townhouse setting.
1h · $25-45 per person
Natadola Beach Vendors
Fresh coconut water and grilled skewers from roadside stalls.
45m · $7-11 per person
Shisui, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nara - Breakfast Restaurant
Enjoy an artful breakfast with floor-to-ceiling garden views in Shisui’s dining space, featuring both Japanese and Western options.[1][5][9]
1h · $40-60 per person
Shisui, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nara - Final Breakfast
Enjoy one more serene breakfast at Shisui or your chosen luxury hotel, focusing on your favorite dishes from earlier in the week.[1][5][9]
1h · $40-60 per person
Shisui, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nara - Restaurant
Another morning to savor Shisui’s refined breakfast with garden views, emphasizing seasonal and local produce.[1][5][9]
1h · $40-60 per person