Forests and wildlife are what Nara is all about. There’s so much to do in Japan’s nature capital, but lucky for you, one day is all you need!
Nara is largely regarded as the nature capital of Japan for its thick forests and unique wildlife that inhabit the region. From the beautiful Sarusawa Pond to the friendly deer, it’s a paradise for animal and nature lovers. This guide is designed to help you get the most out of Nara in a single day, particularly suitable for those aiming for a day trip to the city rather than a full stay with accommodation.
Morning Visit To Todai-ji Temple
Todai-ji Temple is the biggest and most iconic temple in Nara. Over 1,000 years old, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest wooden structures in the world. The Great Buddha statue inside is utterly mesmerizing, standing at a whopping 15 meters tall and weighing in at about 250 tonnes! What I love most about Todai-ji Temple is its old-style aesthetic that looks very much untouched since ancient Japan times (though it’s been renovated and reconstructed over the years).
Sip Coffee & Matcha At NARAMILE Cafe
After visiting the temple, it’ll likely be a little later in the morning. At 11 am, this new cafe which just opened in 2025, called NARAMILE, is an awesome alternative to the coffee giant Starbucks, offering a more authentic cafe experience. Featuring delicious matcha lattes, coffee, and cute little hojicha cakes, it’s a must-try when in Nara! Not only is the food and drink amazing, but also the location, which offers awesome big window views of Nara Park.
Lunch At Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu
Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu is a famous Kyoto restaurant chain that serves gyukatsu (notice the play on words) or “fried beef cutlets.” It may seem strange to recommend a Kyoto classic for a Nara guide, but this particular chain at Nara Park was an absolute delight, and quite frankly, more scenic and memorable than the Kyoto branches (at least the ones I’ve been to). The food itself is absolutely drool-worthy, and they also offer unagikatsu or “fried eel cutlets” and a myriad of dipping sauces, including whipped teriyaki egg and Japanese curry.
Feed The Deer At Nara Park
It’s not a complete trip without feeding the deer at Nara! If you’re wondering why the Nara deer are so famous and a global attraction (other than the fact that they’re cute and furry) it’s because of their long history in the region that date back to ancient times. The amazing thing about these deer is that they were not trained by humans to behave in this polite manner (they literally bow to you!), but rather became accustomed to living among the local residents over the span of many years.
Since they are not under attack by predators such as those in the deep forests, their survival instincts are…well…not quite there, so don’t be surprised when you see them crossing the streets without a care in the world! Oh, and yes, you’re allowed to feed and pet the deer, just make sure you ONLY feed them deer crackers from the local sellers (or serious fines will apply!).
Dine It Up With Chicken Ramen!
Cap off the day with a delicious bowl of chicken broth ramen from one of the many stores around Nara Park. I cannot recall the name of this particular shop for the life of me, but simply check out the big map at Nara Park which displays a massive list of all the different restaurants and cafes in the area and where to find them (that’s what I did!). This particular ramen restaurant was surprisingly affordable for the location which is dense in tourism, and it also comes with scenic window views of Nara’s natural forests and ponds.
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