I have a family in Nara and it’s our family tradition to visit Nara in New Years.
For this trip, I had one full day to show Nara to the first-time visitor, and we spent the day covering all the major touristic spots as well as allowing ourselves for some detour.
I’m writing this article in a wish for it to become a good guide to get you started in exploring Nara!
How to get to Nara
From Tokyo, you can take a bullet train to Kyoto station then take a train to Kintetsu Nara station or JR Nara station. You can take buses or taxis to get around the city, but Nara is walkable so I recommend walking; just wear a good pair of sneakers!
Our route
We started the day around 10:30 and finished around 20:00 so we really spent a full day out. This was our day in a nutshell:
1 Hotel Nikko Nara
A decent hotel that’s right next to the JR station. There’s also a bathhouse inside the hotel so you can try some Japanese public bath experience.
https://www.okura-nikko.com/japan/nara/hotel-nikko-nara/
2 Nippon Ichi
Do you want to bring home some design conscious souvenir? Look no further than Nippon Ichi. You can find a way nicer Japan / Nara souvenir than typical souvenir shops.
https://www.visitnara.jp/venues/S01064/
3 Tabi-ji
Tabi-ji stocks Tabi-style sneakers and socks. Tabis have a separation between the big toe and rest of the toes and are surprisingly comfy to wear them.
http://www.tabi-ji.jp/english/shop/index.html
Amazake
A sweet traditional Japanese drink that you can try at street vendors and cafes. It is made in a similar process as Sake but usually contains no alcohol. Served warm so is a great accompany when walking in cold.
4 Kofuku-ji
It’s a Buddhist temple, which consists of different halls and towers. An easy access from the city center and main stations.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298198-d319873-Reviews-Kofuku_ji_Temple-Nara_Nara_Prefecture_Kinki.html
5 Kurokawa Honke
A restaurant/cafe that specialises in dishes using a starch made from the kudzu plant. You can eat kudzu dishes on many Japanese cruises, but here you can try it in pasta too. There many other restaurants in this area.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g298198-d4453958-Reviews-Yoshino_Honkuzu_Kurokawa_Honke_Todaiji-Nara_Nara_Prefecture_Kinki.html
6 Todai-ji
A Buddhist temple that has the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha. A must-visit when you are in Nara.
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4100.html
7 Todai-ji Museum
When you visit Todai-ji, you can buy a combined ticket to this museum. It’s not large but is a new and modern museum, where you can see many Buddhist sculptures and learn the history behind Todai-ji.
https://maps.apple.com/place?address=100%2C%20Suimoncho%2C%20Nara%2C%20Nara%2C%20Japan%20630-8208&auid=13887409721947355170&ll=34.68625461651661%2C135.83922028541565&q=Todaiji%20Museum
Deer
Deer are considered sacred and there are many deer around Nara Park. You can buy Shika Senbei, deer snack, and feed them. Proceeds go to protecting deer.
8 Nigatsu-do
Nigatsu-do is a part of Tōdai-ji temple, where you can see the lovely view of Nara.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298198-d319883-Reviews-Nigatsu_do_Temple-Nara_Nara_Prefecture_Kinki.html
9 Kasuga Taisha
In Japan, people visit Shinto shrine in the New Year (Hatsumode). Kasuga Taisha being a large Shinto shrine, it is a very popular place to visit in New Years, and yes it is very busy then.
http://www.kasugataisha.or.jp/about/index_en.html
Street food
During New Years or festival seasons, shrines have street vendors selling light meals. This time we tried Takoyaki, octopus balls, and they were nom. 😋
10 Nara Hotel
Nara hotel is a five-star hotel founded in 1909. Recommended to visit even if you are not sleeping there for its classical decor and lovely cafe/bar.
http://www.narahotel.co.jp/eng/
11 Nara machi
Nara machi is a neighbourhood with traditional Japanese buildings. It is now a home to cute boutiques and cafes and is a fun area to wander around.
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4108.html
12 Shizuka
Kamameshi is a traditional dish where different ingredients are rice cooked in an iron pot. The Omiya branch is larger and less crowded than its sister branch by the park.
http://www.kamameshi-shizuka.jp/eng.html
Want to know more?
Here is a great resource for anyone considering to visit Nara:
“Nara, Travellers Guide”
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/
Ask me if you have any question!