Whether it's because of their cultural importance, beautiful design or long history, temples usually feature on the itineraries of many travelers. Goko-in Temple is a well-known religious site you shouldn't miss.

Goko-in Temple is the perfect place to begin your discovery of Nara. This place of worship is recommended by fellow travelers, but it's not the only spot to see here. Pencil in time for other sights like Todaiji Temple, Nara Park, and Kasuga Shrine to really experience what the area has to offer.

Plan a trip to see Goko-in Temple

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Randor Residential Hotel Kyoto Suites

Minami Ward

$1,048

per person

Dec 15 - Dec 16

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

San Francisco (SFO) to Osaka (KIX)

9/10 Wonderful! (512 reviews)

Spacious room. Friendly staff

Reviewed on Nov 8, 2025

KABIN Machi

Shimogyo Ward

Save 100% on your flight

$1,444

per person

Dec 25 - Dec 31

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

San Francisco (SFO) to Osaka (KIX)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (29 reviews)

We had a great stay here. It was a self service type experience but it all was simple and worked great for us. The bed was comfortable. It was very close to the main shopping areas in Kyoto with just a short walk and there were many great shops and restaurants down the side streets in the neighborhood as well. There was a great local grocery store just across the street too. The staff were helpful and friendly. We would definitely stay here again.

Reviewed on Apr 21, 2025

Oyado Kawaramachi Gojo

Shimogyo Ward

$1,083

per person

Dec 15 - Dec 16

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

San Francisco (SFO) to Osaka (KIX)

10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)

Browse tours and tickets to explore Goko-in Temple

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From Kyoto / Osaka: Kyoto Must-see Spots & Nara Park One Day Tour

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Arashiyama & Nara Highlights: One-Day Private Tour Adventure

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Kyoto: Table-Style Tea Ceremony at a Kyo-Machiya

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Kyoto: Table-Style Tea Ceremony at a Kyo-Machiya

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7hr Private Wazuka True Hidden Kyoto Matcha Farm Experience

Popular places to visit

Todaiji Temple

4.5/5(393 reviews)

Todaiji Temple is just one of the places to see in Nara, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its temples.

Nigatsu-do Temple

Nigatsu-do Temple is just one of the places to see in Nara, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its temples.

The deer in Nara know how to bow and are everywhere. Very interesting experience!

Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine

After visiting Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Nara. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its temples.

Isui-en Garden

Stroll amid landscaped gardens, enjoy lunch at a historic teahouse, delight in mountain scenery and browse art exhibitions at this elegant city garden.

Nara's near proximity to the cities of Kyoto and Osaka makes it an easy side trip in anyone's Kansai itinerary. And although most people come to Nara for the roaming (but tame) deers and the historical temples, Nara park offers a lot of hidden gems that I would recommend devoting a whole day to enjoy a trip to Japan's first permanent capital.
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Take for example, Yoshikien Garden: it is a mere walking distance away from Todaiji temple and yet it is almost always missed by tourists. Foreign travelers can avail of the free entrance just by showing their passports. The moss garden

Yoshiki-en

You can find out about the history of Nara when you stop by Yoshiki-en. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its temples.

4 days ago at this tiny shrine near to Todaiji which is the first in Nara to bloom. A world of differences in 3 days as Osaka & Kyoto are now in full bloom! This picture was taken on Mar 3.

Himuro Shrine

Himuro Shrine is just one of the places to see in Nara, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its temples.