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Nara
Japan’s first permanent capital

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Japan's first permanent capital was

established in the year 710 at Heijo, the city
now known as Nara (奈良). Prior to that, the
capital was moved to a new location
whenever a new emperor ascended to the
throne.

However, as the influence and political

ambitions of the city's powerful Buddhist
monasteries grew to become a serious
threat to the government, the capital was
moved away from Nara to Nagaoka in 784 and
a few years later to Kyoto.

Nara is located less than one hour from Kyoto

and Osaka. Due to its historical importance,
the city remains full of cultural treasures,
including some of Japan's oldest and largest
temples.

Top 5 Things to do in Nara |…

Top attractions in Nara

Recommended

1
Todaiji Temple ••• 4.5
TEMPLE 3,572

2
Horyuji Temple •• 4.2
TEMPLE 1,514

3
Omizutori •• 4.0
FESTIVAL 173

4
Isuien Garden • 4.2
GARDEN 397

5
Kasuga Taisha • 4.1
SHRINE 1,374

6
Nara Park • 4.1
PARK 3,716

7
Wakakusa Yamayaki • 4.1
FESTIVAL 160

8
Toshodaiji Temple • 4.0
TEMPLE 872

9
Yakushiji Temple • 4.0
TEMPLE 764

10
Shin-Yakushiji • 3.9
TEMPLE 282

11
National Museum • 3.8
MUSEUM 365

12
Kofukuji Temple • 3.7
TEMPLE 1,612

13
Heijo Palace • 3.7
HISTORIC SITE 726

Yoshikien Garden 4.0

14
GARDEN 356

Naramachi 3.7
15
HISTORIC SITE 843

Wakakusayama 3.7
16
VIEWPOINT/TOWER 310

Side Trips from Nara

4.1
1 Yoshino • 357

3.4
2 Iga Ueno • 590

3.7
3 Asuka and Sakurai
413

Nara by interest

Nara Cherry Blossom

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Getting there and around

Getting to and around Nara

Kyoto Tokyo

Nara

Itinerary ideas

1 Day

City Highlights
Nara Full Day Walk
• Ancient temples and shrine
• Two national museums
• Stroll through Nara Park

View itinerary

Questions? Ask in our forum.

Links and Resources

English

Nara City Sightseeing Information Center

Official website of the local tourism association.

Nara SGG Club

Volunteer group assisting international visitors to Nara.

Nara Guide Club

Offering free guided tours by volunteers for foreign
tourists.

Nara YMCA Goodwill Guides

Offering free, personalized tours in English.

Nara Volunteer Guide Group

Offering tours in English.

Japanese

Nara City
Official website.

Hotels around Nara

Top rated in Nara by

All

Guest House Oku 9.5

Budget-friendly Booking.com
A 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara
Station, Guest House Oku is located…

View on Booking.com

Guesthouse 9.3
Naramachi Booking.com
Budget-friendly
The 100-year old Guesthouse Naram…

View on Booking.com

NARA Visitor Center 9.2

and Inn Booking.com
Budget-friendly
The Nara Visitor Center and Inn is sit…

View on Booking.com

Hilo Hostel 9.2

Mid-range Booking.com
Hilo Hostel is located in Nara, within
less than 1 km of Nara Station and 18…

View on Booking.com

SETRE Naramachi セ 9.2

トレ ならまち Booking.com
Luxury
SETRE Naramachi セトレ ならまち f…

View on Booking.com

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Experiences around Nara

Top rated in Nara by

Nara Half Day Bus Tour from

Kyoto
¥8,000 ★★★★★ 1
Explore Nara city from Kyoto!

View on Klook

Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, &

Awaji Island Private Car
Charter Tour
¥38,000 ★★★★★ 2
Departing from Kyoto city, a custom…
View on Klook

Kyoto and Nara Private Car

Charter with English Speaking
Guide
¥135,900 ★★★★★ 3
Explore Kyoto and Nara city on a day…
View on Klook

Osaka Kyoto Nara Kobe

Customized Chartered Car
One day Tour
¥48,500 ★★★★★ 21
No shopping, pure play journey, no …
View on Klook

Kyoto and Nara Golden Route

1 Day Bus Tour from Osaka
and Kyoto
¥17,500 ★★★★★ 20
*This full-day experience is a great c…
View on Klook

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Book your trip

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Nara

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Page last updated: November 15, 2022

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