Things to do in Nara Prefecture

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Naramachi featuring street scenes as well as a small group of people
Naramachi showing signage
Naramachi showing road cycling and street scenes as well as an individual male
Yakushi-ji Temple showing interior views, a temple or place of worship and a statue or sculpture
Yakushi-ji Temple showing heritage elements, a garden and a temple or place of worship

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 {400 fun activities in Nara Prefecture fun activities in Nara Prefecture} are also worth checking out.

Most popular activities in Nara Prefecture

Tours & day trips

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Kyoto Top 4 Must-see Attractions One Day Sightseeing Trip

Kyoto Top 4 Must-see Attractions One Day Sightseeing Trip

Activity duration is 10 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $69 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 126 activities
From Tokyo to Kyoto and Nara: A Captivating Full-Day Private Tour

From Tokyo to Kyoto and Nara: A Captivating Full-Day Private Tour

Activity duration is 12 hours
6.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $490 per traveler*
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 97 activities
Osaka Food Tour - 13 Delicious Dishes at 5 Local Eateries

Osaka Food Tour - 13 Delicious Dishes at 5 Local Eateries

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.4 out of 10 with 14 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $86 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 14 activities
Osaka E-Bike Tour with a Local Guide

Osaka E-Bike Tour with a Local Guide

Activity duration is 3 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $60 per adult
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Attractions

See all 8 activities
Osaka: teamLab Botanical Garden Entry Ticket

Osaka: teamLab Botanical Garden Entry Ticket

Price is $13 per adult
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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
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Tamaki Shrine

Learn about the local history of Totsukawa when you take a trip to Tamaki Shrine. Wander the riverfront or discover the area's hot springs.

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

Todaiji Temple

You can learn about the history of Nara when you stop by Todaiji Temple. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its temples.

Todaiji Temple
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

Horyu-ji Temple

Find out about the history of Ikaruga with a stop at Horyu-ji Temple. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its temples.

Horyu-ji Temple
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
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
Kofuku-ji Shrine which includes heritage architecture, street scenes and a temple or place of worship

Kofuku-ji Temple

One of Japan’s most famous temples is surrounded by parklands and features picturesque pagodas showcasing history that spans more than a thousand years.

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

Yakushi-ji Temple

You can learn about the history of Nara with a trip to Yakushi-ji Temple. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its temples.

Yakushi-ji Temple

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 Gango-ji Temple or Nara City Museum of Photography while you're exploring the area.

Naramachi
A gate at Kōriyama Castle in the city of Yamatokōriyama, Nara Prefecture, Japan

Kōriyama

While visiting Kōriyama, you might make a stop by sights like Koriyama Castle and Hakomotokan Konya 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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Shimobuchi

When in Shimobuchi, you can plan a visit to Kamokimi no Yu and Kinpusenji Temple, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Shimobuchi
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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 heritage elements and a park

Tatsuta

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

Tatsuta

 

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

Photo by Ake Waratap

Higashi-osaka

Photo "Yao" by JEXP (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by JEXP (CC BY-SA)

Yao

Tsutenkaku Tower which includes markets, a city and street scenes

Osaka

Photo by Laura Canevari

Tanabe

Heijo Palace which includes heritage elements and tranquil scenes

Nara

Tsu

Tsu

Photo by GaryTsang

Iga

Photo by Katsuya Miyake

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