Things to do in Nara Prefecture

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Yumedono (Hall of Dreams) at Horyu-ji Buddhist temple, Nara Prefecture, Japan
Yumedono (Hall of Dreams) at Horyu-ji Buddhist temple, Nara Prefecture, Japan
A gate at Kōriyama Castle in the city of Yamatokōriyama, Nara Prefecture, Japan
A gate at Kōriyama Castle in the city of Yamatokōriyama, Nara Prefecture, Japan
芋ヶ峠（奈良県吉野郡吉野町）

Nara Prefecture Attractions

They say the best things come in small packages, and this enchanting city is no exception. From amazing tourist attractions to exciting activities, there's a wealth of fun things to do in Nara Prefecture.

If you're ready to discover the best of Nara Prefecture, join one of the top tours & day trips on offer, and let an experienced guide show you some of the most popular attractions. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our {628 fun activities in Nara Prefecture fun activities in Nara Prefecture} are also worth checking out.

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Most popular activities in Nara Prefecture

Tours & day trips

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

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

Activity duration is 9 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 12 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $60 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 233 activities
Osaka Unveiled: A Self-Guided Journey Through Japan's Kitchen

Osaka Unveiled: A Self-Guided Journey Through Japan's Kitchen

Activity duration is 12 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is $4 per adult
Osaka Unveiled: A Self-Guided Journey Through Japan's KitchenOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

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Osaka: Five Must-See Highlights Walking Tour & Ramen Lunch

Osaka: Five Must-See Highlights Walking Tour & Ramen Lunch

Activity duration is 7 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $56 per adult
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Classes & workshops

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

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

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $45 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

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5-Hour Osaka Highlights Bike Tour with Lunch

5-Hour Osaka Highlights Bike Tour with Lunch

Activity duration is 5 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $85 per adult
5-Hour Osaka Highlights Bike Tour with LunchOpens in new tab

What to do in Nara Prefecture

Free Things to Do in Nara

They say the best things in life are free. Make sure you explore the following around Nara:

Nara Prefectural Art Museum - Young or not so young, this gallery will excite your imagination and capture your attention.

Naramachi - Stop at this historic site and discover a few things about the region's cultural heritage.

Nara Christ Church - Take some time for a bit of prayer or meditation at this revered place of worship.

Yoshiki-en - If you take pleasure in spending time in the garden, this attraction will satisfy your green thumb.

Things to Do in Nara Prefecture with Kids

There are loads of memorable experiences in Nara Prefecture that the whole gang will love. These are some of the top family friendly experiences in the area.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Nara Prefecture? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Nara Prefecture

Nara Park which includes a park and heritage elements

Nara Park

Centuries-old shrines, ancient forests and hundreds of free-roaming deer are just some of the reasons to visit this sprawling and popular park.

Nara Park
Todaiji Temple which includes a lake or waterhole, a temple or place of worship and heritage elements

Todaiji Temple

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 walkable area, find time to visit its temples.

Todaiji Temple
Cherry blossoms at Mount Yoshino

Mount Yoshino

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Mount Yoshino during your travels in Yoshino. Amble around the area's parks or visit its temples.

Mount Yoshino
玉姫神社

Tamaki Shrine

Tamaki Shrine is just one of the places to see in Totsukawa, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander the riverfront or discover the area's hot springs.

Tamaki Shrine
Kasuga Shrine which includes heritage elements and a temple or place of worship as well as an individual male

Kasuga Shrine

Inside a primeval forest is a red-hued shrine with a dozen revered gods and thousands of elegant stone lanterns.

Kasuga Shrine
Horyu-ji temple Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area are located in Nara Prefecture, Japan. UNESCO Site; Shutterstock ID 673285708; Purchase Order: -

Horyu-ji Temple

After visiting Horyu-ji Temple, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Ikaruga. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its temples.

Horyu-ji Temple
Nara National Museum which includes interior views and signage

Nara National Museum

A fascinating collection of Nara and Buddhist art is on display at this 130-year-old museum. Admire Japanese National Treasures and visit a historic teahouse.

Nara National Museum
Yakushi-ji Temple which includes heritage elements, a temple or place of worship and a park

Yakushi-ji Temple

Yakushi-ji 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 walkable area, find time to visit its temples.

Yakushi-ji Temple
japanese landscape - soni kogen - soni - nara

Soni Highlands

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Soni Highlands during your travels in Soni-mura. Discover the mountain views while you're in the area.

Soni Highlands

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Nara Prefecture

Naramachi showing night scenes and signage

Naramachi

Unique features of Naramachi include the coffeehouses and shopping. Make a stop by Nara City Museum of Photography or Nara Park while you're exploring the area.

Naramachi
郡山城

Kōriyama

While visiting Kōriyama, you might make a stop by sights like Koriyama Castle and Koriyama Goldfish Museum.

Kōriyama
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Imaicho

Travelers like the historic sites in Imaicho, and Imai Machiya Hall is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Imaicho
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Hashimoto

While there might not be top attractions in Hashimoto, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Kashihara Insectarium and Asuka Historical Museum.

Hashimoto
Tatsuta Shrine which includes a statue or sculpture, heritage elements and a temple or place of worship

Tatsuta

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Tatsuta and surrounding area, you can visit Nara Kenko Land and Koriyama Castle.

Tatsuta
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Shimobuchi

When in Shimobuchi, you can plan a visit to Yoshino Jingu and Kinpusenji Temple, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Shimobuchi

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Nara Prefecture

大阪風景 東大阪ジャンクション　トワイライト

Higashi-osaka

玉串川　(大阪府八尾市)
Photo by JEXP (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)

Yao

Tsutenkaku Tower which includes markets, a city and street scenes

Osaka

Yunomine onsen Yuzutsu, onsen village in Wakayama, Japan

Tanabe

Heijo Palace which includes heritage elements and tranquil scenes

Nara

C5WCMB Cherry Blossoms and Rice Paddies, Mitake, Tsu, Mie, Japan

Tsu

Japanese Ninja concept.

Iga

My hometown

Matsusaka

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Nara Prefecture on a sunny day?
What to do in Nara Prefecture on a rainy day?
What is Nara Prefecture famous for?
Grab a happy snap at Todaiji Temple — it's a well-known local attraction.
What should I not miss in Nara Prefecture?
If you'd like to explore the best of this place, find time for these attractions in your itinerary:

  • Nara Park
  • Yakushi-ji Temple
  • Horyu-ji Temple
  • Kasuga Shrine

Are there cheap things to do in Nara Prefecture?
What can you do in Nara Prefecture for free?
Your getaway in Nara Prefecture needn't break the bank with free things like these to keep you busy:

  • Nara Park
  • Mount Yoshino
  • Kashihara Shrine
  • Tenkawa Daibenzai Tensha

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