What to do in Nara

Activities, attractions and tours

A large tree in a grassy field with a traditional building in the background.
A busy urban street at night with illuminated signs, lanterns, and various shops.
A dish of sashimi on a wooden table.
A bowl of soup with noodles, green onions, and a piece of meat.
A traditional Japanese temple with wooden architecture and a stone pathway.

Things to do

Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour

Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour

฿2,519
per adult
Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour
Best of Kyoto and Nara Highlights Day Tour from Osaka

Best of Kyoto and Nara Highlights Day Tour from Osaka (7~9 spots)

฿1,828
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Best of Kyoto and Nara Highlights Day Tour from Osaka (7~9 spots)
Nara Deer Park, Uji Matcha, & Hot Spring Full-Day Tour from Osaka

Nara Deer Park, Uji Matcha, & Hot Spring Full-Day Tour from Osaka

฿1,889
per adult
74% of travellers recommend
Nara Deer Park, Uji Matcha, & Hot Spring Full-Day Tour from Osaka
Kyoto Osaka Nara Fushimi Inari Taisha Arashiyama Bus Tour

Kyoto Osaka Nara Fushimi Inari Taisha Arashiyama Bus Tour

฿1,994
per adult
Kyoto Osaka Nara Fushimi Inari Taisha Arashiyama Bus Tour
Kyoto & Nara & Uji: Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Osaka or Kyoto

Kyoto & Nara & Uji: Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Osaka or Kyoto

฿1,938
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Kyoto & Nara & Uji: Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Osaka or Kyoto
Nara and Uji Day Trip with Deer Park from Osaka

Nara and Uji Day Trip with Deer Park from Osaka

฿2,099
per adult
Nara and Uji Day Trip with Deer Park from Osaka
Nara: Deer, Great Buddha & Traditional Mochi Experience

Nara: Deer, Great Buddha & Traditional Mochi Tasting

฿1,641
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Nara: Deer, Great Buddha & Traditional Mochi Tasting
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What to do in Nara

Stay near popular Nara attractions

A traditional Japanese torii gate with a red frame, surrounded by lush greenery and stone lanterns.

Nara Park

9.0/10 (4,050 reviews)
This ancient park invites you to mingle with sacred, bowing deer who roam freely among historic temples. Enjoy the serene landscape during cherry blossom season or autumn's vibrant foliage.
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Where to stay in Nara

Find the best Nara areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Nara
Learn more about Nara
A wooden building with a sign in Japanese.

Naramachi

Unique features of Naramachi include the coffee shops and shopping. Make a stop by Nara City Museum of Photography or Nara Park while you're exploring the area.

Day trip destinations from Nara

A stone retaining wall alongside a calm river, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.
Photo by Fg2 (Public domain)

Yamatokoriyama

A traditional wooden building with multiple gabled roofs and a large open courtyard.

Tenri

A cityscape at sunset with a mountain range in the background.

Ikoma

A cityscape with a prominent torii gate, surrounded by residential buildings and mountains in the background.

Sakurai

A mountain with a bright sun shining from behind it.

Takao

Terraced tea fields with a building in the background.

Wazuka

Frequently asked questions

Is Nara worth visiting?
Providing a blend of nature and views, there are plenty of things to do in Nara. When you're here, head to Nara National Museum, a leading attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Nara?
Momonoo-no Taki and Nara Prefectural Museum of Folklore are two awesome places to start your getaway adventures. Remember to check out the dining and shopping options in Nara while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Nara?
The top tourist attraction in Nara is Nara National Museum, so don't forget to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Nara?
Three days will be enough time to tick off many city sights, including Nara National Museum, Nara Prefectural Art Museum and Naramachi. The average stay in Nara is two days. If you have the time to extend your getaway, Kyoto isn't far away.
Is Nara a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Nara, including Nara National Museum and Nara Prefectural Art Museum, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 2 kilometres from central Nara is Naramachi and Noboriōji is 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Nara with kids?
Whether you're travelling with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Nara with kids.

What to do in Nara for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Nara, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Inada Sake Brewery or Yamanobe Street.
Are there free things to do in Nara?
From enjoying parks to strolling around exciting neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Nara. If you're stuck for ideas, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. Nara Prefectural Art Museum is a must for anyone wanting to save on their travelling adventures.