All destinations
Nara · Kansai
Kansai · 関西
Nara
Japan's first permanent capital, founded in 710, with about twelve hundred wild sika deer roaming the parkland around Todai-ji temple and its fifteen-meter bronze Buddha.
- Best seasons
- Spring · Autumn
- JR Pass covers
- Yes
- Interests
- Temples & Shrines · Culture & History · Nature
Highlights
What to see and do.
- Todai-ji Temple
- Nara Deer Park
- Kasuga Grand Shrine
- Isuien Garden
- Naramachi
When to go
Crowd levels by month.
Vermillion density shows how crowded the city feels each month. Darker cells mean more tourists and higher prices.
Nara stays busy with domestic and international tourism year-round. Treat these levels as relative: a quieter month here is still busier than a peak month in a smaller destination.
JanLow
FebLow
MarModerate
AprHigh
MayModerate
JunLow
JulModerate
AugModerate
SepLow
OctModerate
NovModerate
DecLow
Where to stay
Neighbourhoods to consider.
Near Nara Park
Walking distance to deer park and temples
convenienceculture
Book ahead
Reservations that matter.
No reservations needed for main sights. Easy day trip from Kyoto or Osaka (30-45 min by train).