Things to do in Nara

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

A large tree in a grassy field with a traditional building in the background.
A busy urban street at night with illuminated signs, lanterns, and various shops.
A dish of sashimi on a wooden table.
A bowl of soup with noodles, green onions, and a piece of meat.
A traditional Japanese temple with wooden architecture and a stone pathway.

Nara Attractions

You'll soon discover why tourists adore Nara. Whatever your interests, there are loads of attractions and activities to enjoy. Book your hotel and flights, get your bags packed and prepare to make the most of this happening metropolis.

Learn what makes Nara tick with the very best tours & day trips. Check out our top {203 fun activities in Nara fun activities in Nara}, and book with confidence knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

Things to do

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

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

$54
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
From Kyoto / Osaka: Kyoto Must-see Spots & Nara Park One Day Tour
Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour

Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour

$75
per adult
Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour
Kyoto & Nara & Uji: Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Osaka or Kyoto

Kyoto & Nara & Uji: Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Osaka or Kyoto

$59
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Kyoto & Nara & Uji: Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Osaka or Kyoto
Historical Nara & Kyoto 1-Day Bus Tour

Historical Nara & Kyoto 1-Day Bus Tour

$119
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Historical Nara & Kyoto 1-Day Bus Tour
All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!

All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!

$41
per adult
All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!
Best of Kyoto and Nara Highlights Day Tour from Osaka

Best of Kyoto and Nara Highlights Day Tour from Osaka (7~9 spots)

$55
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Best of Kyoto and Nara Highlights Day Tour from Osaka (7~9 spots)
From Kyoto: Nara History Guided Half Day Bus Tour with lunch

From Kyoto: Nara History Guided Half Day Bus Tour with lunch

$75
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
From Kyoto: Nara History Guided Half Day Bus Tour with lunch
Arashiyama Sagano Romantic Train,Fushimi Inari Taisha & Nara Park

Arashiyama Sagano Romantic Train,Fushimi Inari Taisha & Nara Park

$63
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Arashiyama Sagano Romantic Train,Fushimi Inari Taisha & Nara Park
E-Bike Nara Highlights - Todaiji, Knives, Deer, Shrine

E-Bike Nara Highlights - Todaiji, Knives, Deer, Shrine

$88
per adult
E-Bike Nara Highlights - Todaiji, Knives, Deer, Shrine
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Nara must see attractions

1. Nara Park

Enjoy a fun and fascinating day at Nara Park, a vast green expanse at the foot of Mount Wakakusa. Wander through forests and fields dotted with shrines, temples and other cultural gems.
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A traditional Japanese torii gate with a red frame, surrounded by lush greenery and stone lanterns.

2. Nara National Museum

Visit Nara National Museum for a treasure trove of ancient and religious art spread throughout four architecturally striking buildings. Peruse one of Japan’s most complete collections of Buddhist sculpture. Marvel at examples of Japanese National Treasures, calligraphy and decorative arts. Glimpse the interior of an Edo-era teahouse outside the main buildings.
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A traditional Japanese building with a tiled roof, wooden beams, and a stone staircase leading to the entrance.

3. Kofuku-ji Temple

The Kofuku-ji Temple complex ranks among Japan’s oldest Buddhist centers. Discover treasures such as Buddhist carvings and sculptures in the museum hall; then enjoy lovely grounds featuring the Sarusawa Pond surrounded by spring’s cherry blossoms and autumn’s colored leaves.
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A traditional Japanese pagoda surrounded by lush greenery.

4. Kasuga Shrine

An authentic Shinto experience awaits you on a visit to the Kasuga Taisha Shrine. At the foot of Mount Mikasa and enveloped by a mystical forest, Kasuga Taisha Shrine is one of Nara’s most sacred and beautiful temples. Wander between shrines dedicated to the great gods of the Shinto religion. Admire the gracefulness of temple buildings and attend a festival.
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A traditional Japanese shrine with orange and red structures, a stone pathway, and two individuals in traditional attire.

5. Heijo Palace

Journey back to imperial Japan during the 8th century on a visit to the Heijo Palace. Relics of buildings, restored halls and museum exhibits give impressions of life when Heijo-kyo, now known as Nara, was Japan’s capital city. Heijo Palace stands within the Nara Palace Site Historical Park. It forms part of the UNESCO-listed Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.
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A traditional Japanese pagoda with a multi-tiered roof, surrounded by lush greenery and a clear sky.

Recommended things to do in Nara

Number of things to do
203
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Kansai, Japan: KINTETSU Rail Pass 1 / 2 / 5-Day Standard + PLUS Version: $16
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Nara

Free Things to Do in Nara

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

Nara Prefectural Art Museum - Round up the entire family and enjoy a journey of discovery through history with each other.

Naramachi - If you're eager to explore the history of the region through its landmarks, add this one to your to-do list.

Momonoo-no Taki - Look for a place to sit and appreciate the tranquility that comes with being near the water.

Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine - Incorporate a bit of spirituality into your travels by visiting this sacred site.

Nara Park - Develop your green thumb and be wowed by the beautiful and diverse plants on show.

 

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

 

 

Stay near popular Nara attractions

A traditional Japanese torii gate with a red frame, surrounded by lush greenery and stone lanterns.

Nara Park

9.0/10 (4,050 reviews)
This ancient park invites you to mingle with sacred, bowing deer who roam freely among historic temples. Enjoy the serene landscape during cherry blossom season or autumn's vibrant foliage.
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Where to stay in Nara

Find the best Nara areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Nara
Learn more about Nara
A wooden building with a sign in Japanese.

Naramachi

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

 

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

A person in black ninja attire crouching with a sword.

Iga

A stone retaining wall alongside a calm river, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.
Photo by Fg2 (Public domain)

Yamatokoriyama

A traditional wooden building with multiple gabled roofs and a large open courtyard.

Tenri

A serene river surrounded by dense forest and a variety of trees.
Photo by z tanuki (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0)

Kizugawa

A cityscape at sunset with a mountain range in the background.

Ikoma

A lush garden with purple and white flowers, stone walls, and a stone bridge.
Photo by Hamachidori (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)

Uda

A cityscape with a prominent torii gate, surrounded by residential buildings and mountains in the background.

Sakurai

Terraced tea fields with a building in the background.

Wazuka

Frequently asked questions

Is Nara worth visiting?
Renowned for its nature and views, finding awesome things to do in Nara is a cinch. Make sure to add Nara National Museum to your trip itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Nara?
Begin your day with a visit to Momonoo-no Taki and Nara Prefectural Museum of Folklore. Then, tour different parts of Nara for local restaurants and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Nara?
Nara National Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in Nara and deserves a spot on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Nara?
Three days in Nara is enough to visit the city's major highlights. Many guests book for two days on average. Nara National Museum, Nara Prefectural Art Museum and Naramachi are top-rated sights. Like to see more? Hang around a bit longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Kyoto.
Is Nara a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Nara, such as Nara National Museum and Nara Prefectural Art Museum, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Just 1 mile from the city center of Nara is Naramachi and Noboriōji is 2 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Nara with kids?
If you're looking for sights and tours for all of your group, check out these fabulous ideas for what to do in Nara with kids.

What to do in Nara for adults?
Inada Sake Brewery and Yamanobe Street are just two of the things to do in Nara. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Nara?
In Nara, Nara Prefectural Art Museum is a popular spot for anyone looking to see the city without taking their wallet out. Also, stroll around the local neighborhoods and parks, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's a simple way to discover the best free things to do in Nara.

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