Find some serenity in the calming ambiance of Shosoin Temple. Whatever your beliefs, it's the perfect place for some quiet meditation.

This place of worship is often on the itineraries of visitors to Nara. But Shosoin Temple isn't the only drawcard here. Todaiji Temple, Nara Park, and Kasuga Shrine are some other worthwhile sights close by.

Plan a trip to see Shosoin Temple

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Browse tours and tickets to explore Shosoin Temple

Tours & day trips

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

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Private & custom tours

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Private Nara Tour and Sake Tasting (Departing from Kyoto/Nara)

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Food, drink & nightlife

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

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Classes & workshops

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

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

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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 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.
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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 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 walkable area, find time to visit its temples.