Things to do in Nara include serene outdoor parks, ancient Buddhist shrines, museums, historic ruins and modern theme parks with tons of opportunities for shopping, dining and entertainment. The sheer number of Buddhist shrines and temples here is mind-blowing, with some, like Kasuga-taisha, dating back over 1,300 years and Kōfuku-ji dating to 710 CE. Temples like Hōryū-ji have several historic buildings onsite, and at Daibutsu-den and Nara Park, you can...
Read moreExploring the best things to do in Nara, once known as Heijo-kyo and the first capital of Japan (710-794), reveals a treasure trove of cultural and historical landmarks. This city is home to 3 of Japan’s World Heritage Sites and...
Nara has some of Japan's most famous temples. If you're into shrines and temples, Nara is the place for you, with 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Neighborhood, Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara, and Sacred Sites...
Lovebirds seeking the best things to do for couples in Nara will find a multitude of romantic attractions around town....
Most people think of Nara as having big temples and shrines, such as Todaiji Temple, and deer roaming freely throughout...
The museums of Nara house spectacular collections of precious Buddhist art. If you plan to visit Nara, be sure to...
Food and dining in Nara allow the unique opportunity to explore Japanese history through food, with many of the dishes here dating back hundreds of years. At one point, Nara was the centre of the culinary culture in Japan, and even today you can try iconic dishes like kuzumochi, or rice cakes covered with sweet bean paste. You can try Miwa somen, a special noodle dish with a delicate flavour....
Read moreWith a rich history as the ancient capital of Japan, Nara has a unique food culture. While enjoying the local delicacies Nara has to offer, you can also take a trip through the history of Japan itself. Asuka Village's Asukanabe...
Lately Nara has been hosting more and more tourists and this means more and more dining opportunities. While the majority...
The ancient capital of Nara was known as the end of the ancient Silk Road and has a history older...
Shopping in Nara offers everything from vibrant department stores and shopping centres to independent boutique shops and traditional arts and crafts markets where you can soak up the local culture. Most of the popular attractions in the area are situated around the shopping district surrounding Nara Park. Along Sanjo Dori street, you'll find a long stretch of souvenir shops. Nearby, you'll also find Higashimuki Shopping Street and Mochiidono Shopping Street....
Read moreNara’s shopping choices surprises many day-trippers with its wide variety of goods – so much so that many regret that they didn’t plan to stay longer. For serious shoppers who are after only top-quality Japanese items, look around the Higashimuki...
Nara may be known for its temples and fascinating historic sites, but you'll also find some great shopping opportunities in this core city. If you want to feel like a local, then brush up on the age-old traditions, shop for...
Nara is a small, ancient town that has more temples than bars, so you should expect the nightlife in Nara to be relaxed. Of course, there are several bars where you can watch live bands, sample Nara’s famed sake brands, or just eat and drink with friends in a neighborhood izakaya. The most convenient area to start off is the shopping...
Read moreOur Nara Travel Essentials allow you to plan the ultimate vacation to this Japanese city and larger prefecture. You'll find tips and insights for keeping your vacation stress-free, crafting the perfect itinerary and enjoying the wonders this historic city has to offer. Nara is a major city with immense historic value as the former capital of Japan. You'll find a multitude...
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