Nara in One Day: Temples, Curious Deer and Silent Forests

Only have one day to discover Nara? No problem: here’s the perfect itinerary to soak up the city’s ancient atmosphere, say hello to the giant Buddha and maybe have a biscuit stolen by a deer (spoiler: better not to feed them, but more on that later!).

How to get to Nara

Nara is very easy to reach from both Kyoto and Osaka:

• From Kyoto: JR Nara Line or Kintetsu Line train – about 45-60 minutes
• From Osaka: Kintetsu Nara Line train – about 35-45 minutes
• The main stations (JR and Kintetsu) are a short walk from the park and the main sights.

If like us you’re travelling by campervan, there are car parks just outside the centre, reachable with a short walk (deer views included).

Recommended itinerary

1. Todai-ji and the Great Buddha

As soon as you arrive, head to Todai-ji temple, one of Japan’s most iconic sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 8th century by order of Emperor Shōmu, Todai-ji is not just an architectural masterpiece, but also a symbol of the spread of Buddhism in ancient Japan.

Here you’ll find the Daibutsu (大仏), the Great Bronze Buddha: a colossal statue 15 metres tall and weighing over 500 tonnes. It depicts Vairocana, the cosmic Buddha, and is considered one of the largest bronze statues in the world. Stepping into the main hall (Daibutsuden), built entirely of wood, is a breathtaking experience.

Besides the statue, don’t miss:

• The Nandaimon entrance gate, with two imposing guardian statues (the Nio) carved in wood;
• The famous hole in the pillar inside the hall, the same size as one of the Buddha’s nostrils: it’s said that whoever manages to crawl through it will have good luck and enlightenment (spoiler: kids fit through more easily than adults 😄);
• The small Todai-ji Museum, if you want to learn more about the temple’s history and Japanese Buddhism.

Opening hours: usually open from 6:00am to 5:00pm (check the updated times depending on the season). Price: 600 yen for the Daibutsuden, 1,000 yen including the museum.

Practical tip: it’s best to arrive early in the morning, before the organised tour groups arrive (around 9am). And if you manage to be there while the sunlight filters through the wooden gates, the effect is truly striking.

2. Walking through Kasugayama Forest

Continue past Todai-ji, entering a dense, silent forest, almost suspended in time. This is Kasugayama, a sacred forest protected for centuries. Here, among moss-covered lanterns, nature is the true star.

3. Kasuga Taisha and the Shrine of Couples

Continue on foot through the forest to the striking Kasuga Taisha, one of Japan’s most fascinating Shinto shrines. Founded in the 8th century, just like Todai-ji, this sacred site is famous for its over three thousand lanterns in stone and bronze, decorating the path and corridors of the complex.

The forest surrounding it is part of the Kasugayama Primeval Forest, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the trees here have been protected for centuries and give a deep sense of peace, amplified by the silence and the light footsteps of pilgrims.

Along the way you’ll also find a small shrine dedicated to love and relationships. It’s often called the “shrine of couples” or “ai-en jinja” (愛縁神社) and holds small votive tablets, called ema, with handwritten prayers asking for luck in love, lasting relationships or future encounters.

4. Meeting Nara’s deer

You’ll find them everywhere in the park… sometimes even a little too close! They’re considered messengers of the gods, and many tourists buy the famous “shika senbei” biscuits to feed them. We recommend avoiding it: many deer are agitated and the biscuits are full of sugar. Better to give a pat (if they let you!) and take a few photos from a distance.

5. Shopping and relaxing on the main street

Head back towards the station, strolling along Sanjo-dori, the shopping street. Among traditional little shops, cute souvenirs and cosy spots, it’s the perfect place for a hot tea or a sweet treat before heading off.

What about the food?

We tell you all about it in detail, from starter to dessert Nara-style, in this article on the 3 things to eat in Nara in a day (guide in Italian)

If you can, stay until sunset. The golden light filtering through the trees and the park’s lanterns has something magical about it.

Happy wandering! 🌿✨