Nara is the deer capital of Japan, but there’s more to it than that. Here are 5 of the best things to do for an amazing time in Nara!
1. Go Inside Todai-ji Temple
One of the most iconic temples in all of Japan is Todai-ji Temple, located just outside Nara’s famous deer park. You do have to pay a small fee to get in, but it’s well worth it to see one of the biggest Buddha statues in Japan!
The temple structure is also quite aesthetic from the outside, bringing a vibe of enthusiasm and joy as visitors from all over the world gather to see one of the Seven Great Temples of Japan!
2. Feed The Deer At Nara Park
If you thought I was going to skip over the deer atthen you couldn’t be more wrong, after all, one does not simply walk into Nara Park without mingling with the local deer! Just be sure only to feed them the designated “deer crackers” being sold in the local area.
These deer are completely wild yet are so well-behaved that you could swear they’ve been trained and domesticated. They even bow to you the same way the Japanese do (perhaps a result of living among them!) and are friendly to the point of borderline aggressive physical affection!
3. Stroll Around Sarusawa Pond
Just around the corner of Nara Park is a hidden gem known as Sarusawa Pond. A truly stunning area of scenic beauty, there are plenty of walking trails around the enormous body of water where you can embrace peace and serenity.
What I really liked about this area is the atmosphere reminiscent of The Last Samurai (or something like that?). The mountains in the background, the aesthetic bridges that run across the Sarusawa Pond, and the thick bushy trees all add to this sense of mysticism that must be experienced to be truly appreciated.
4. Have Lunch At Kyoto Katsugyu
Somewhere between Nara Park and Nara station is one of my favorite restaurants in Japan, Kyoto Katsugyu. Serving up delicious fried beef (and eel) cutlets, there are branches of this restaurant all over Japan.
So, why Nara? Simple. The Kyoto Katsugyu branch in Nara is located on the top floor of a building and has an amazing view overlooking Nara Park. In fact, you will even see some deer lurking about outside the building which gives it a special vibe and makes for a memorable meal!
5. Shop At Higashimuki Shopping Street
The best way to cap off a day in Nara is to do some souvenir shopping at Higashimiku Shopping Street just outside Nara station. Here, you can buy cute deer plushies, Todai-ji Temple keychains, and a good old “I love Nara shirt” (you know you want to)!
That’s about all I got for this one, but as a special mention, I’d also recommend grabbing a bicycle for hire and cycling around the area. Nara to Kyoto may need half a full day to cycle, but cycling to Yawata is definitely doable and super scenic!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!
