Get your entertainment fix at Daibutsu-den Hall. This is a great alternative for those looking for something a bit different.

You'll find this exhibition space in Nara. Once you've done everything you can at Great Buddha Hall, pay a visit to nearby Todaiji Temple, Nara Park, and Kasuga Shrine.

Plan a trip to see Todai-ji

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

Premium Apart MONday KYOTO GOJO

Shimogyo Ward

$1,258

per person

Jan 10 - Jan 13

found 19 hours ago

Roundtrip flight included

San Francisco (SFO) to Osaka (KIX)

10/10 Exceptional! (88 reviews)

This hotel is amazing!! It had everything we could ever want, it was very spacious, and it was a haven after a long day of exploring. My family adored their time there and the staff was so kind & helpful.

Reviewed on Nov 1, 2025

Kiraku Kyoto Aneyakoji

Downtown Kyoto

$1,575

per person

Jan 10 - Jan 13

found 19 hours ago

Roundtrip flight included

San Francisco (SFO) to Osaka (KIX)

9.2/10 Wonderful! (38 reviews)

Great location between tourist sites but not in a touristy area. Good choices for neighborhood restaurants. It is ideal location and size for family to four. Six is possible but a little tight. Morning run to imperial palace gravel ground is a big plus.

Reviewed on Oct 22, 2025

Sanso Amanosato

$1,947

per person

Jan 15 - Jan 21

found 4 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Los Angeles (LAX) to Osaka (KIX)

10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)

This traditional Japanese Inn is thoroughly modern with excellent facilities, rooms, Michelin quality food, and helpful staff. We want to call out ‘Mikki’ who was super kind and helped us with any language barriers we had. The entire restaurant staff was amazing and we are grateful to meet the chef. The onsens were also wonderful. A room here with breakfast and dinner included is an excellent value.

Reviewed on Apr 19, 2025

Browse tours and tickets to explore Todai-ji

Tours & day trips

See all 106 activities

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

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

See all 61 activities

Arashiyama & Nara Highlights: One-Day Private Tour Adventure

Free cancellation available

Classes & workshops

See all 10 activities

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

Free cancellation available

Adventure & outdoor

See all 5 activities

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

Free cancellation available

Wildlife & nature

See all 3 activities

Kyoto and Nara Day Tour with Wagyu “Kobe Beef” lunch: From Kyoto

Free cancellation available

Popular places to visit

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.

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 walkable 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 culturally rich 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.
.
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 culturally rich 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.