Top Things to do in Nara
Countries
Things to do in Nara, Kinki: The Best Nature & Parks
Thirteen hundred years ago, Nara (then Heiju-kyu) was the imperial capital of Japan. "Old Japan" is still easy to spot here, from Great Buddha Hall to traditional ryokans and the serene Isuien garden. Travelers rave about walking tours of Nara, particularly in the historic Naramachi merchant area.
Restaurants in Nara
1. Nara Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,669 reviews
Reviewed By 901aditia - Hyderabad, India
In early April, when there are cherry blossoms everywhere, the weather is great, there are wild (but friendly) deer all around you and eating deer crackers from your hand, some lovely gardens with waterfalls- there is no better place than Nara. In my view it is best covered individually or with family
2. Isuien Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 486 reviews
Reviewed By C6590QTscottm - Glasgow, United Kingdom
The Isuien garden is stunning and a nice peaceful break from the crowds in Nara Park. We were given a small guided tour where we were told about the history of the garden and Japanese tea ceremony. Our guide was lovely and very informative.
3. Kazugayama Genshirin
4. Yoshikien
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 204 reviews
Reviewed By jueying
This was a beautiful find in Nara - it's far away from the crowds and so very peaceful and quiet. We visited when the autumn colours were glorious - beautiful hues of yellow, orange and red. It's free for international tourists - just show some ID!
5. Kikuichi Monju Shiro Kanenaga
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
A cutlery manufacturer with history of more than 750 years. A wide selection of Japanese knives is displayed for sale. Engraving service is available for most of the knives. You can also find various Nara souvenirs.
Reviewed By conifer_doc - Starkville, United States
We literally stumbled into this shop while wandering in Nara Park from the Todaiji temple to the Kasuga shrine on a trip in May 2018. I’ve always admired Japanese blades, but the cost stateside seemed too steep to justify. However, at $250, a personalized right-hand fish prep knife made a unique and beautiful souvenir that is now one of my kitchen favorites. The staff were very friendly and helpful and we had no trouble with our transaction, though it was interesting to work through how they would engrave my name on the knife. We understood that they always try to have an English speaker in the store for those of us who aren’t conversant in Japanese.
6. Rokuen
7. Saho River
8. Nara Palace Site Historical Park
9. East Palaca Garden
10. Mt. Wakakusa
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 365 reviews
Reviewed By rowenag938 - Cebu City, Philippines
So lucky that the walking trail was open during our visit, thus we climbed up the stairs and walking track until up to the entrance for the third summit paying 150 JPY. The view even from the staring point of the hill was already amazing until you reach the top. If we only had enough time, we could have stayed longer and lie on the ground just like the locals. For tourists, better go there in early morning, so that once you are satisfied, you can go down and look at other attractions down the city. Wish I could see you again Mt. Wakakusa... thanks for the beautiful cool weather we had during our visit!
