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How to Take a Day Trip to Nara from Kyoto or Osaka

Last updated 7/3/2568
Nara Park

Nara is a city full of history, nature, and cultural treasures, making it a perfect day trip from Kyoto or Osaka. Home to friendly deer, ancient temples, and the impressive Great Buddha at Todai-ji, Nara offers a peaceful escape with plenty to explore. Whether you're wandering through Nara Park, visiting stunning shrines, or enjoying local treats, this trip is a must for anyone looking to experience Japan’s rich heritage.

Let’s dive into the perfect itinerary for your day!

Take a Train to Nara Station

Start your day early by taking the train to Nara. There are several options depending on your departure city:

From Kyoto:

  • JR Nara Line – 45 minutes (covered by JR Pass)

  • Kintetsu Kyoto Line – 35 minutes (not covered by JR Pass, but arrives closer to attractions)

From Osaka:

  • JR Yamatoji Line – 50 minutes from Osaka Station (covered by JR Pass)

  • Kintetsu Nara Line – 35 minutes from Osaka-Namba Station (faster option, not covered by JR Pass)

Traveler’s Tip: If you plan to visit multiple places in Nara, consider getting a Nara Bus Pass at the station for unlimited rides on local buses.

Visit Kofuku-ji Temple

48 Noboriōjichō, Nara, 630-8213, Japan
Hours
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone
+81 742-22-7755
Website
www.kohfukuji.com

Walking Distance: 10 minutes from Kintetsu Nara Station

Kofuku-ji is a famous Buddhist temple with a five-story pagoda, one of the tallest in Japan.

✔ Admire the beautiful pagoda and temple structures
✔ Visit the National Treasure Museum to see ancient Buddhist art
✔ Take photos of the peaceful lake near the temple

Explore Nara Park

Nara, Japan
Hours
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours
Phone
+81 742-22-0375
Website
www3.pref.nara.jp

Walking Distance: 5 minutes from Kofuku-ji Temple

Nara Park is one of the most famous places in Japan because of its friendly, free-roaming deer. These deer are considered sacred and are protected by the city.

✔ Buy special deer crackers (shika senbei) and feed the deer
✔ Walk through the park and enjoy nature
✔ Take photos with the deer and beautiful scenery

Traveler’s Tip: The deer may bow their heads when asking for food! Be gentle and avoid teasing them.

Visit Todai-ji Temple

406-1 Zōshichō, Nara, 630-8587, Japan
Hours
Monday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Phone
+81 742-22-5511
Website
www.todaiji.or.jp

Walking Distance: 10 minutes from Nara Park

Entrance Fee: 600 yen

Todai-ji is one of Japan’s most famous temples and houses a huge bronze Buddha statue (Daibutsu) inside the Great Buddha Hall.

✔ See the massive Buddha statue inside the temple
✔ Walk through Nandaimon Gate, guarded by fierce wooden statues
✔ Try to fit through the small hole in a temple pillar (it’s said to bring good luck!)

Morning Coffee Break

After visiting Todai-ji, take a break at a café nearby.

Recommended Cafés:

  • Shizuku Coffee – Specialty coffee and matcha drinks

  • Mahoroba Daibutsu Pudding Honpo – Famous for its creamy custard pudding

  • Tōka (Vegan-Friendly) – Cozy café with plant-based desserts and coffee

Enjoy Lunch in Nara

There are many great restaurants in Nara offering traditional Japanese dishes.

Recommended Lunch Spots:

  • Edogawa Naramachi – Famous for grilled unagi (eel) rice bowls

  • Mizuya Chaya – A traditional tea house serving soba noodles and light meals

  • Kinatei (Vegan-Friendly) – Serves Japanese-style vegetarian set meals

Walk Around Naramachi

Naramachi, Nara, Japan

Walking Distance: 10 minutes from Todai-ji

Entrance Fee: Free

Naramachi is a charming old district filled with traditional wooden houses, small shops, and cultural experiences.

✔ Visit the Naramachi Koshi-no-Ie, a restored Edo-period townhouse
✔ Shop for unique handmade crafts, souvenirs, and sweets
✔ Explore small Buddhist temples and hidden alleys

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

160 Kasuganochō, Nara, 630-8212, Japan
Hours
Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone
+81 742-22-7788
Website
www.kasugataisha.or.jp

Walking Distance: 20 minutes from Naramachi

Entrance Fee: Free for main grounds, 500 yen for inner shrine

Kasuga Taisha is Nara’s most famous Shinto shrine, known for its hundreds of stone lanterns.

✔ Walk through the magical lantern-lined paths
✔ See the beautifully painted vermilion torii gates
✔ Visit the small deer-themed shrine inside

Traveler’s Tip: The best time to visit is in the late afternoon when the lanterns start to glow softly.

Afternoon Coffee Break

After visiting Kasuga Taisha, take a break at a café.

Recommended Cafés:

  • Yamato Café – Cozy café with matcha and wagashi (Japanese sweets)

  • Nakanishi Yosaburo – Traditional tea house with Japanese-style desserts

  • Cafe Cotocoto (Vegan-Friendly) – Offers plant-based sweets and organic coffee

Visit the Isuien Garden

74 Suimonchō, Nara, 630-8208, Japan
Hours
Monday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Phone
+81 742-25-0781
Website
www.isuien.or.jp

Walking Distance: 10 minutes from Kasuga Taisha
Entrance Fee: 1,200 yen

Isuien is a beautiful Japanese-style garden with small ponds, tea houses, and views of Todai-ji.

✔ Walk through the perfectly designed garden
✔ Enjoy a cup of matcha tea at the tea house
✔ Take peaceful photos of seasonal flowers and koi fish

Visit the Nara National Museum

50 Noboriōjichō, Nara, 630-8213, Japan
Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone
+81 50-5542-8600
Website
www.narahaku.go.jp

Walking Distance: 5 minutes from Isuien Garden
Entrance Fee: 700 yen

If you love history and art, the Nara National Museum is worth a visit.

✔ See Buddhist statues, paintings, and artifacts
✔ Learn about the history of Nara as Japan’s first capital
✔ Visit during autumn to see special exhibitions

Enjoy Dinner Before Returning to Your Hotel

Before heading back, enjoy a delicious dinner in Nara.

Recommended Dinner Spots:

  • Kamameshi Shizuka – Specializes in kamameshi (iron pot rice dishes)

  • Ramen House Mitsuba – A small shop famous for rich miso ramen

  • Genkishin (Vegan-Friendly) – Offers vegan ramen and plant-based Japanese meals

Take a Train from Nara Station Back to Your City

After a long day of exploring, take the train or bus from Kyoto Station to your hotel.

To Kyoto:

  • JR Nara Line – 45 minutes to Kyoto Station (covered by JR Pass)

  • Kintetsu Kyoto Line – 35 minutes to Kyoto Station

To Osaka:

  • JR Yamatoji Line – 50 minutes to Osaka Station (covered by JR Pass)

  • Kintetsu Nara Line – 35 minutes to Osaka-Namba Station (faster option)

Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures with the deer! 😊