Things to do in Nara

Activities, attractions and tours

Heijo Palace which includes heritage elements and tranquil scenes
Heijo Palace which includes heritage elements and tranquil scenes
Nara featuring street scenes, a city and night scenes
Nara which includes food and dining out
Nara featuring dining out and food
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What to do in Nara

Popular places to visit

Nara Park which includes a park and heritage elements

Nara Park

Explore the great outdoors at Nara Park, a lovely green space in Nara. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its temples.

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

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.

Todaiji Temple
Kasuga Shrine which includes heritage elements and a temple or place of worship as well as an individual male

Kasuga Shrine

You can learn about the history of Nara with a trip to Kasuga Shrine. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its temples.

Kasuga Shrine
Nara National Museum which includes interior views and signage

Nara National Museum

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Nara National Museum during your travels in Nara. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its temples.

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

Yakushi-ji Temple

Yakushi-ji 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.

Yakushi-ji Temple
Sarusawa-ike featuring a lake or waterhole

Sarusawa Pond Park

Sarusawa Pond Park is just one of the places to see in Noboriōji, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While in this walkable area, find time to visit its temples.

Sarusawa Pond Park
Toshodai-ji Temple featuring heritage elements and a temple or place of worship

Toshodai-ji Temple

After visiting Toshodai-ji Temple, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Nara. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its temples.

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

Kofuku-ji Temple

You can learn about the history of Noboriōji with a trip to Kofuku-ji Temple. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its temples.

Kofuku-ji Temple
Heijo Palace showing a temple or place of worship and heritage architecture

Heijo Palace

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

Heijo Palace

Areas of Nara

Naramachi showing night scenes and signage

Naramachi

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

Naramachi

 

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.

 

 

Japanese Ninja concept.

Iga

A gate at Kōriyama Castle in the city of Yamatokōriyama, Nara Prefecture, Japan
Photo by Fg2 (Public domain)

Yamatokoriyama

Jyoururiji Temple , 浄瑠璃寺
Photo by z tanuki (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0)

Kizugawa

Adobe

Ikoma

Frequently asked questions

Is Nara worth visiting?
Providing a blend of nature and views, there are plenty of things to do in Nara. When you're here, head to Nara National Museum, a leading attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Nara?
Momonoo-no Taki and Nara Prefectural Museum of Folklore are two awesome places to start your getaway adventures. Remember to check out the dining and shopping options in Nara while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Nara?
The top tourist attraction in Nara is Nara National Museum, so don't forget to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Nara?
Three days will be enough time to tick off many city sights, including Nara National Museum, Nara Prefectural Art Museum and Naramachi. The average stay in Nara is two days. If you have the time to extend your getaway, Kyoto isn't far away.
Is Nara a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Nara, including Nara National Museum and Nara Prefectural Art Museum, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 2 kilometres from central Nara is Naramachi and Noboriōji is 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Nara with kids?
Whether you're travelling with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Nara with kids.

What to do in Nara for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Nara, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Inada Sake Brewery or Yamanobe Street.
Are there free things to do in Nara?
From enjoying parks to strolling around exciting neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Nara. If you're stuck for ideas, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. Nara Prefectural Art Museum is a must for anyone wanting to save on their travelling adventures.

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