Nara flourished as the political center of Japan about 1,300 years ago. Today, the central area around Nara Park is packed with highlights, including temples and shrines designated as World Heritage Sites. With easy access from both Osaka and Kyoto, it’s an ideal destination for a day trip.

In this article, we’ll introduce two recommended model courses for making the most of your visit to central Nara in a single day.

The central area of Nara City is especially attractive for its easy access from both Osaka and Kyoto. That said, travel can sometimes take longer than expected, which may force you to change your plans or skip certain spots. Use the following travel times as a reference when planning your itinerary.

From Kyoto
・Shijo Kawaramachi ⇔ Nara: approx. 1 hour
・Shijo Karasuma Station ⇔ Nara: approx. 50 min-1 hour
・Karasuma Oike ⇔ Nara: approx. 1 hour
・Kyoto Station ⇔ Nara: approx. 40-50 min
・Gion / Kiyomizu-dera area ⇔ Nara: approx. 50 min-1 hour
・Arashiyama / Sagano area ⇔ Nara: approx. 1 hr 15 min

From Osaka
・Osaka Umeda ⇔ Nara: approx. 1 hour
・Bentencho ⇔ Nara: approx. 1 hour
・Hommachi ⇔ Nara: approx. 50 min
・Osaka Namba ⇔ Nara: approx. 40 min
・Tennoji ⇔ Nara: approx. 40-50 min

*Travel times vary depending on the transportation method, train type, and waiting times.
*During peak tourist seasons, bus travel may take considerably longer, so it’s best to allow extra time in your schedule.

You can reach Nara from both Osaka and Kyoto via JR or Kintetsu Railway. JR Nara Station and Kintetsu Nara Station are about a 15-minute walk apart. Both are convenient starting points for sightseeing, but if you plan to visit Nara Park and other central attractions, Kintetsu Nara Station is the closest. To save time, you can also take a short bus ride between the two stations.

1. From Osaka (Umeda / Osaka Station)
By Kintetsu Railway
・[55 minutes] Osaka Metro Midosuji Line: Umeda Station ⇒ Namba Station ⇒ Kintetsu Nara Line: Osaka-Namba Station ⇒ Nara Station
・[1 hour] JR Osaka Loop Line: Osaka Station ⇒ Tsuruhashi Station ⇒ Kintetsu Nara Line: Tsuruhashi Station ⇒ Nara Station

By JR
・[50 minutes] JR Yamatoji Line: Osaka Station ⇒ Nara Station

2. From Kyoto Station
By Kintetsu Railway
・[40-50 minutes] Kintetsu Kyoto Line: Kyoto Station ⇒ Nara Station

By JR
・[50 minutes] JR Nara Line: Kyoto Station ⇒ Nara Station

Starting from Kintetsu Nara Station, this course takes you around some of the most iconic spots in Nara Park, including temples and shrines registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The suggested travel and stay times are just for reference.

A Classic Day Trip to Nara Park: The Royal Tour

Begin your journey with one of the most famous sights in Japan-the Great Buddha of Nara, enshrined at Todai-ji Temple. Built about 1,300 years ago during the Nara period, Todai-ji is a historic temple with many highlights. In addition to the Great Buddha Hall, you’ll find the impressive South Gate, the Hokkedo (Sangatsudo), and the Todai-ji Museum, which displays national treasures and cultural artifacts.

The main highlight is, of course, the Great Buddha Hall where the enormous statue of the Buddha is enshrined. The hall opens from 7:30 a.m. between April and October, and from 8:00 a.m. between November and March. If you’d like to avoid the crowds, visiting early in the morning is highly recommended.

▼Learn more about Todai-ji Temple and the Great Buddha here▼
Enjoy the Great Buddha of Nara, the pride of Japan’s World Heritage and power spot

A short walk from Todai-ji brings you to Kasuga Taisha, founded around 1,300 years ago. The shrine is famous for its brilliant vermilion-painted buildings and the countless stone and bronze lanterns lining its approach.

Around Todai-ji and Kasuga Taisha, you’ll encounter many deer. The reason so many deer live in Nara Park is that, since the founding of Kasuga Taisha, they have been considered sacred messengers of the gods and carefully protected.

Naramachi is a historic district that developed during the Edo period (late 1700s to early 1800s), with traditional townscapes full of character. It’s the perfect place to enjoy lunch followed by a leisurely stroll.

Recommended Lunch Spots

Enjoy Sukiyaki at Kitsune

This restaurant reinvents Japan’s traditional sukiyaki, serving it in various styles such as full-course meals or in bento-style boxes. For lunch, the recommended dish is the Kitsune Sukiyaki Ju-a hearty bowl of sukiyaki beef paired with sushi rice and topped with seasoned fried tofu that’s soaked in flavorful broth.

Enjoy a cup o f coffee at Sarutahiko Coffee

Located in the same Shika Saru Kitsune Building as Kitsune, this specialty coffee shop is the brand’s first location in the Kansai region. Founded in 2011 in Tokyo’s Shibuya district, it’s an ideal place to relax with a high-quality cup of coffee after your meal.

Must-go Spots of Nara

Nakatanidô: Famous for High-Speed Mochi Pounding

This traditional wagashi (Japanese sweets) shop is famous for its soft and stretchy yomogi mochi, made with the herb mugwort. At Nakatanidô, the mochi is filled with sweet red bean paste and dusted with roasted soybean flour (kinako).

Nakatanidô is a must-visit shop in Naramachi, best known for its spectacular high-speed mochi pounding demonstrations performed right at the storefront. Crowds often gather to watch the staff pound freshly steamed rice at incredible speed. The reason behind this fast-paced technique is to pound the rice while it’s still hot, creating mochi that is both soft and pleasantly chewy. After watching the exciting performance, don’t miss the chance to try their specialty yomogi mochi (mugwort rice cakes).

Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten Nara Main Store: Japanese Crafts with a Modern Touch

Founded about 300 years ago, Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten is a lifestyle brand that reimagines traditional Japanese crafts for modern living. Its flagship store is located inside the Shika Saru Kitsune Building, alongside the restaurants “Kitsune” and “Sarutahiko Coffee” introduced earlier. With a wide selection of crafts and specialty products from Nara and other regions of Japan, this is also a great place to shop for souvenirs.

Another landmark of Nara Park is Kofuku-ji Temple, known for its iconic five-story pagoda. The temple grounds are free to enter, allowing you to explore several historic structures.

*The five-story pagoda is currently undergoing restoration and will be covered until around 2031, so it cannot be seen during this period.

Sarusawa Pond

Just south of Kofuku-ji lies Sarusawa Pond, one of Nara Park’s scenic spots. You can stroll around its 350-meter circumference or simply relax on a bench and enjoy the view. Each evening, the pond area is beautifully illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.

There are also plenty of must-see attractions a little further away from Nara Station. While buses are available, renting a bicycle allows you to avoid traffic and move around freely.

A Day Trip to Nara: The Hidden Gems Itinerary

Start your adventure by renting a bicycle. Two types are available: regular bikes and electric-assist bikes. Since parts of Nara Park have uphill slopes, electric-assist bicycles are highly recommended for an easier ride. Reservations can be made online 24 hours a day, and cancellations up to four days in advance are free of charge.

Established in 710 AD as the political and cultural center of Japan, Heijô Palace was once the imperial palace of the ancient capital, Heijô-kyô. Today, the vast grounds have been preserved as a historical park-perfect to explore by bicycle due to its size.

Must-See Spots in the Park

The First Daigokuden Hall

Located on the north side of the park, this was the largest palace building of Heijô. It hosted the most important state ceremonies, including imperial enthronements and audiences with foreign envoys.

Suzakumon Gate

The grand main gate of Heijô Palace, standing about 4 km north along Suzaku Avenue-the central boulevard of the ancient capital.

Seasonal Flowers at Heijô Palace Site Park

In spring, around 1,000 cherry trees bloom near the Second Daigokuden Hall, while camellias brighten the area around the First Daigokuden in winter. Plum blossoms appear in February, and in May, azaleas (hirado-tsutsuji) add vibrant color to the grounds.

Just a 5-minute ride from Heijô Palace Historical Park, the Nara Kingyo Museum is one of Japan’s largest goldfish museums, located in a region known as one of the country’s top three goldfish-breeding areas. Around 40 different varieties of goldfish are displayed in an artistic way, enhanced by music, visuals, and even fragrance. Visitors can also enjoy interactive experiences such as goldfish scooping and projection mapping attractions.

After immersing yourself in the artistic world of goldfish, hop on your bicycle and head to Naramachi for lunch and a relaxing stroll. End the day by visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

For details on Naramachi dining and strolling, as well as Todai-ji and Kasuga Taisha, please refer to Section 3: Nara Day Trip Model Course (Classic).

Spring: Cherry blossoms along the Saho River

North of Kintetsu Nara Station, the banks of the Saho River are one of the best cherry blossom spots in Nara Prefecture. From late March to early April, around 1,100 cherry trees-mostly Somei Yoshino-bloom in a stunning row stretching about 5 kilometers along the river.

Autumn: Autumn foliage in Nara Park

In autumn, Nara Park becomes especially picturesque from late October to early December, when the leaves turn brilliant shades of red and gold. The ginkgo trees usually begin changing color in late October, followed by the maples in mid-November, creating a breathtakingly photogenic scene.

The deer of Nara Park are designated as a National Natural Monument and are truly wild animals. While they may appear accustomed to people, they can suddenly become aggressive, so it’s important to keep safety in mind. Here are some things to remember when interacting with Nara’s deer.

Do not feed them anything other than “shika senbei” (deer crackers).

Only specially made deer crackers sold in the park may be given to the deer. Ordinary snacks or food are strictly prohibited. In their natural habitat, deer feed on grass and nuts found in the park. Giving them unsuitable food can make them sick-or even cause fatal poisoning.

Remember, they are wild animals.
Nara’s deer are not domesticated. If approached carelessly, they may butt with their antlers, charge, or kick. While videos of people getting close to the deer are often shared on social media, please don’t attempt to copy them.

Keep an eye on your belongings.
Deer may try to eat plastic bags, maps, or brochures if they’re visible in your hands. Keep such items inside your bag. Be careful as well-deer can hook their antlers onto bag straps or water bottle cords.

Thanks to its convenient access from both Osaka and Kyoto, central Nara is perfect for a one-day trip. You can visit several World Heritage Sites and soak up the city’s timeless atmosphere all in a single day. When traveling in Kansai, consider adding a day trip to Nara to your itinerary. “HANKYU TRAVEL” also offers many easy one-day bus tours in their Travel to Japan lineup, so be sure to check them out when planning your trip.

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