Nara
Nara, Kyoto
Nara's big draw is Todai-ji and its bronze Buddha, almost 15 m tall, first dedicated in 752, and its head has been recast twice since. The hall around it dates from 1709 and is only about 60 percent as wide as the original, yet it's still one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. Deer wander the grounds, and they're a protected natural monument.
Insider tip
The Kintetsu limited express from Kyoto Station takes about 35 minutes to Kintetsu-Nara (you need a limited express ticket on top of the fare). The JR Miyakoji Rapid takes about 45 minutes to JR Nara. The Great Buddha Hall costs ¥800, cash only. Give the stags room in the rutting season, which starts in late summer.
What the guides say about Nara
From here Nara is about 35 minutes away on the Kintetsu limited express, Uji 17 minutes on the JR Miyakoji Rapid and Himeji about an hour and a half on the JR Special Rapid (the castle's a 20-minute walk from the station). Osaka's about 30 minutes on the JR Special Rapid, and Fushimi Inari Taisha about 9 on the JR Nara Line. The day trips guide has more.
23. Carry cash. The tourism association suggests changing money before you arrive, because many purchases and temple fees can only be paid in cash. Kinkaku-ji takes cash or Omairi Pay, and the Great Buddha Hall in Nara doesn't take cards. 7-Eleven's more than 28,000 ATMs take foreign cards day or night, and there's a Travelex counter on the second floor of Kyoto Station.
Nara is about 35 minutes away by Kintetsu limited express, Uji 17 minutes on the JR Miyakoji Rapid, and the Eizan Railway gets you to Kurama and Kibune from Demachiyanagi in about half an hour. The day trips guide has more.
What's on near Nara
Upcoming events within a ten-minute walk of Nara, from the weekly Kyoto events calendar.
Omizutori (Shuni-e) at Todai-ji
修二会（東大寺二月堂）
Time Torches every evening Station Kintetsu-Nara (Kintetsu Nara Line)
Eleven monks hold a two-week repentance rite at Nigatsu-do, held every year without a break since 752, and each night huge torches are lit to light their way up to the hall. The water-drawing rite that gives it its name is at about 1:30 in the small hours of 13 March.
The 78th Annual Exhibition of Shosoin Treasures
第78回 正倉院展
Time 8:00 to 18:00, to 20:00 on Fridays, weekends and holidays Station Kintetsu-Nara (Kintetsu Nara Line), 15 min walk
Each autumn the museum shows treasures from the Shosoin, the storehouse of Emperor Shomu's belongings, and this year there are 60 pieces, 11 never shown before, including a lacquered ewer listed in the Kokka Chinpo-cho and a white glass bottle made around Iran. Entry is by timed ticket, so book ahead, though any slots left are sold at the museum on the day.
Deer Antler Cutting in Nara
古式「鹿の角きり」
Time 11:45 to 15:00 (doors 11:15, last entry 14:30) Station Kasuga Taisha Omotesando bus stop (Nara city loop bus), 7 min walk
Men waving red flags drive stags with full antlers into the ring, where the antlers are cut off and offered at Kasuga Taisha, a custom kept for about 350 years. It's standing room only, tickets are sold on the day (children ¥500), and it's called off in bad weather.
Kasuga Wakamiya On-matsuri
春日若宮おん祭
Time Procession 17 Dec from 12:00, Otabisho-sai from about 14:30 Station Kintetsu-Nara (Kintetsu Nara Line)
Nara's Kasuga Wakamiya festival centres on 15 to 18 Dec every year. On 17 Dec the Owatari-shiki procession sets off at noon, and the Otabisho-sai rite at the temporary shrine follows from about 14:30.
Nearby
Good to know
- How do I get to Nara?
- The nearest station is Kintetsu-Nara (Kintetsu), Nara (JR). Nara is in Nara, Kyoto.
- How much does Nara cost?
- Nara is mid-range, marked ¥¥ on the site's price scale.
- How long do you need at Nara?
- Plan for full day.
- When is the best time to visit Nara?
- Weekday mornings.
Stay near Nara
Browse live availability and compare prices around Nara.
See hotels near Nara on Booking.comPrices are for the night of Saturday 17 October. You can change the dates on Booking.com. If you book, Roam Kyoto earns a small commission from Stay22 at no extra cost to you.