Spots in Nara City Area

Area

Nara
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Nara City

Category

Tōdai-ji

4.5

5684 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Narashi Zoushichou 406-1

"Located in Nara City, as the head temple of the Kegon sect of Buddhism. The principal image is Vairocana Buddha, the symbol of Nara as the ""Great Buddha of Nara"". In 743, Emperor Shomu issued his imperial edict for the erection of the Great Buddha Image, and with the cooperation of many people, it was constructed in the hope that all would be happy. The temple grounds are dotted with the national treasures such as Nandai-mon (Great South Gate), Daibutsu-den (Great Buddha Hall), Bell Tower, and Hokke-do (Lotus Hall, Sangatsu-do). It is also known worldwide as one of Japan's most popular tourist spots and attracts many foreign tourists."

This temple is beautiful. As we walked towards it, we met many friendly deer who are famous in Nara. They come up to visitors hoping to be fed and can be convinced with biscuits.To enter the temple...
Kasuga Taisha Shrine

4.5

1778 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Narashi Kasuganochou 160

This is a Shinto shrine located in Nara City. Kasuga Taisha Shrine is the grand head shrine of approximately 1,000 Kasuga shrines nationwide. The origins to the shrine lie in the early days of the Nara period, when Takemikazuchi-no-mikoto from Kashima-jingu Shrine was enshrined at Mt. Mikasa. The main shrine of the Kasuga structure which is a National Treasure has four buildings lined up, and in addition to the majestic and splendid south Gate and middle gate, there are many things such as fine and industrial art objects which have been designated as Important Cultural Properties. The Bantoro Festival (Lantern Festival) event is held on the day of Setsubun (Bean throwing night) and on the 14th and 15th of August when around 3,000 stone lanterns and hanging lanterns are lit with fire, and many worshipers come to look at this magical sight.

The local bus can bring you right to the shrine. The bus is a lot like a trolly and there are two companies. One is 220 yen per ride the other is 100 yen per ride. Otherwise, it’s a bit of a walk...
Nara Park

Leisure / Hobbies

Nara Pref. Narashi Zoushichou · Kasugano Town, Noborioji Town, Takahata-machi other

Nara Park is located directly next to the famous temples and shrine of Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and Kofukuji Temple, as well as the Nara National Museum. The park is inhabited by sika deer, designated as a Natural Monument, and visitors can observe these wild animals up close. Throughout the year important buildings in the park are lit up at night, which engenders a magical atmosphere very different to that of the daytime.
Kohfukuji Temple

4.0

1332 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Narashi Noboriojichou 48

This is a temple located in Nara City. Yamashina-dera Temple has its origin as a temple that was established in Kyoto in 669 by the wife of Fujiwara no Kamatari. The temple was destroyed by fires many times and was rebuilt, after which it ended up similar to temple ruins during the anti-Buddhist movement in the Meiji period, although the Tokon-do Hall, the five-storied pagoda, the Hokuen-do Hall and the three-storied pagoda which survived have been designated as National Treasures. The five-storied pagoda which is illuminated at night-time has become a symbol of Nara. There are also many Buddhist images enshrined at the temple which have been designated as National Treasures and Cultural Assets such as the Ashura statue.

A short, 5-minute walk from the train station. The grounds themselves are free, but there is a fee to enter a few of the buildings. The National Treasure Museum exceeded my expectations and had a...
Yakushiji Temple

4.0

497 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Narashi Nishinokyouchou 457

Together with the Kohfukuji Temple, the Yakushiji Temple is the headquarters of the Hosso school of Buddhism. The temple was built in 680 in the then-capital of Fujiwara-kyo by Emperor Tenmu to pray for the recovery of his ill consort, who later succeeded him as Empress Jito. The temple was moved to its current location in 718. Originally, the temple was comprised of a magnificent number of structures connected via galleries, but, excluding the East Pagoda, these were destroyed by fire and war. The colorful main hall, West Pagoda, central gate, galleries, and the largest grand hall inside the grounds have been rebuilt. The East Pagoda, a National Treasure and the temple’s only original structure remaining from when it was first erected, appears at first glance to be a six-tier pagoda but is in fact a three tier-one. (Note: The East Pagoda is scheduled to undergo restoration until June 2020.)

If you havent visited Kyotos temple districts or want to see temples without the crowds in and around Kyoto, or youd like to see more temples, and youre in Nara overnight, Yakushi-ji and...
Nara National Museum

4.5

484 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nara Pref. Narashi Noboriojichou 50

This is a museum which opened in Nara City in 1895. The “Nara Buddhist Sculpture Hall (in the main building)” which was designed by the court architect, Katayama Tokuma is a Western-style architectural structure from the Meiji period and has been designated as an Important Cultural Property. There are four exhibition halls in the museum, with the museum’s collection focusing on Japanese Buddhist art from the Asuka period up until the Kamakura period. In addition, a great number of National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties are among the artifacts held and exhibited at the museum. The museum is famous for opening an exhibition of “Shosoin-ten” (Exhibition of Shosoin Treasures) in Autumn every year.

My friends and I spent about 2 and a half hours here, reading about each statue and piece we came across. There’s plenty of historic pieces to keep you busy that long!
Auditorium

4.5

639 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Nara-shi Gojocho 13-46

A bit out of town but you can get a bus at train/bus station. It’s a lovely temple and there was a row of blooming plums which made me really feel I was here during cherry season Great pagodas If...
Gango-ji Temple

4.0

260 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Narashi Chuinchou 11

A Buddhist temple located in Chuin Town, Nara City. The temple was originally constructed as the Hoko-ji Temple (Asuka-dera Temple), Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple, by Soga no Umako in the end of sixth century. The temple was later moved to its current location and given a new name with the transfer of the capital to ancient Nara. In addition to being registered as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara World Heritage Site, the temple’s Gokuraku-do hall, Zen meditation room, and five-tier pagoda are all designated National Treasures. Special themed exhibitions of the temple’s collection of artwork and treasures are held each year in spring and autumn in the special exhibition room of the temple’s Horin-kan hall.

This temple is just south of the old town in Nara. It is very impressive in its quiet way. The museum is quite lovely and full of ancient sculpture. May I suggest Ninety-Nine Postcards from Nara as...
Naramachi Koshi no Ie Residence

4.5

207 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Narashi Gangoujichou 44

A museum which recreates the appearance of a merchant’s house in old Nara-machi, a style of living which existed from the end of the Edo through the Meiji periods. The building is also known as the “Eel Bed”) thanks to its narrow entrance and lengthwise design, which resembles an eel trap. Visitors can experience how life was lived in such houses and learn about the lives of townspeople during this time period.

Its a free attraction, and fascinating to see how homes were once constructed--the literature was very helpful. We were actually walking between Harushika Brewery and Gango-Ji Temple in Naramachi...
Great Buddha Hall

4.5

100 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Narashi Zoushichou 406-1 in the Todaiji Temple

"It is a Buddhist hall of Todai-ji in Nara City and is a national treasure of Japan. Its official name is Todai-ji Kondo (Great Buddha Hall, the main hall of Todai-ji). It is the largest building in the precincts of the temple, built to enshrine the seated statue of Vairocana Buddha, the principal image of the temple, and known as the ""Great Buddha of Nara"". The statue of Vairocana Buddha is approximately 14.98 meters tall and made of bronze. Parts of the abdomen, legs, and pedestal from the time of its construction remain. During the Bon Festival and from New Year's Eve to New Year's Day, the kanso (viewing Buddha's face) window under the kara hafu (undulating gable) on the front side of the temple opens and the face of the Great Buddha can be seen from the outside."

This should be merged with the Todaiji Temple listing. This is the primary attraction at Todaiji Temple. Comparing to other great Buddha statues, this one is just alright. It is still...
Shinyakushi-ji Temple

4.5

212 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Narashi Takabatakechou 1352

A Buddhist temple built by Empress Komyo in prayer for the recovery of illness of Emperor Shomu in 747. During the Nara period, the temple was one of the 10 most important in Nara and over 100 priests studied on its vast grounds. In the Heian period, however, the temple’s size was reduced due to lightning strikes and typhoons. The main temple nave looks as it did when first erected and enshrines a seated figure of Bhaisajyaguru, the temple’s main object of worship, as well as standing figures of the Twelve Divine Generals.

This temple is approximately 1,300 years old and the main hall dates back that far. The grounds are small in comparison to its days of glory, but theres still much to see here. This neighborhood is...
Nara Hotel

4.0

954 Reviews

Accommodations / Hot Spring

Nara Nara-shi Takabatakecho 1096

Coming to Nara hotel, the exterior and interior are fantastic and give you expectations. But from there it’s just going down. It was lot of don’t have, can’t do. Service not top. Room was OK...
Roadside Station Hari T-R-S

Transportation

Nara Pref. Narashi Harichou 345

This is a Roadside Station next to the Hari Interchange in Hari-cho, Nara City on the National Route 25. As well as Italian cuisine and fast food, there are many restaurants, souvenir and local produce shops, a natural hot spring and pool, Hari Onsen Land, and Hari TRS (terrace) Berry Farm, the largest tourist farm in west Japan (reservations required) in the facility.
Ukimido

4.0

122 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Narashi Takabatakechou Kakiuchi 1170

Ukimido is a beautiful hexagonal pavilion with thatched cypress roofing, floating at one edge of the Sagi-ike Pond in Nara Park. The pavilion was originally built in 1916 however, due to deterioration it was restored and rebuilt over a period of three years from 1991, bringing it back to its former glory. A bridge reaches out to the pavilion from the bank of Sagi-ike Pond, making it possible for visitors to walk across to Ukimido. The surrounding cherry blossom, autumn leaves, and crape myrtle are very pretty too and the place has become a well known sightseeing spot. Visitors can enjoy the fantastic views of the pavilion lit up at night.

Ukimido is a hexagonal wooden gazebo floating over the Sagiike Pond in the Nara Park near Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Its geometric shape reflects beautifully in the water below, and the building itself...
Great South Gate

4.5

105 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Narashi Zoushichou 406-1 in the Todaiji Temple

This is the main gate of Tōdai-ji in Nara City and has been designated as a National Treasure. The original gate was destroyed by a typhoon in 962, and the present gate was rebuilt in the Kamakura period. It is Japan’s largest temple gate reaching a height of 25.46 meters. There are 18 giant pillars up to the roof, and in the lower section of the gate, the back of the roof structure has no ceiling—so it is famous as the architectural structure which houses the Great Buddha.

The Todai ji Gate was simply massive and the temple itself is even more impressive. Ive never seen a gate this large before and it was incredible to look at. I was here when it was rainy, so it was...
Himuro Shrine

4.0

137 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Nara-shi Kasuganocho 1-4

"A 15-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station and a 60-minute drive from the Kyoto-minami Interchange. This Shinto shrine is also located right next to the ""Himurojinja-Kokuritsuhakubutsukan"" bus stop. The shrine was originally dedicated to venerating Mt. Kasuga. From around 711, the shrine gifted blocks of ice created in a cold room to the imperial capital of Hejio-kyo (now Nara). After the capital was moved to Kyoto, the shrine was abolished and then later moved to its current location and revived. Even today, the shrine is still visited by persons involved in industries concerning ice, such as ice making, refrigeration, and freezing. Each year the shrine holds the Kenpyosai ice festival on May 1st, as well as the Himoruo Shirayuki Shaved Ice Festival in March. Visitors can also view beautiful weeping cherry blossoms on the grounds from late March to early April."

this is definitely a unique temple:the deity it honors is the ice god, which is why you may see little blocks of ice (lanterns) lining the front steps or the other pathways on the shrines grounds...
Akishino-dera Temple

4.5

111 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Narashi Akishinochou 757

"A Buddhist temple located north of the Saidai-ji Temple in Akishino-cho, Nara City. The temple's principal object of worship is a statue of Bhaisajyaguru, and the main temple building, erected in the distant Kamakura period, has been designated a National Treasure. The main temple building famously enshrines Japan's only wooden statue depicting a standing Gigeiten deva. Once a year on June 6th, the temple unveils its six armed wooden statue depicting a Atavaka entwined by a serpent (this statue has been a ""hidden Buddha"" statue not normally shown to lay people since the temple was dedicated to Shingon Esoteric Buddhism), attracting large numbers of visitors. Collectors should take note that this is also the only day you can receive the temple's goshuin seal mark."

This monastery autumn bamboo according to tradition founded in the 8th century. Very nice and quiet complex of the temple. There were a lot of tourists.
Saidai-ji Temple

4.0

91 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Narashi Saidaijishibamachi 1-1-5

A Buddhist temple located in Saidaijishiba Town, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. The head temple of Shingon Risshu Buddhism, the temple’s history stretches back to the time when Empress Shotoku commissioned of statures of the Four Heavenly Kings in 765. The temple’s principal object of worship, a standing stature of Shaka Nyorai (Shakyamuni) housed in the main temple building, as well as a seated stature of Ragaraja (esoteric school deity of love) in the Aizen-do hall (not provided for public viewing) and an 11-faced standing stature of Kannon (the Goddess of Mercy) in the Shio-do hall are all designated Important Cultural Properties. The temple also possesses various other treasures, including rare Buddhist images, esoteric ritual implements, and sculptures from the Heian and Kamakura periods, a portion of which are displayed in the temple’s Shuho-kan hall.

Saidaji is less known probably due to its size and it is a few stations away from Nara Kintetsu station. It is located less than 4 min walk from Kintetsu Yamato Saidaji Station. Visited this temple...
Naramachi Mechanical Toy Museum

4.0

77 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nara Pref. Narashi Inyouchou 7

Located inside a traditional Naramachi townhouse, this hands-on museum allows guests to touch and play with toys from yesteryear. The museum's permanent exhibits feature reproductions of mechanical toys from the Edo and later periods which guests can play with. It also hosts events including seminars where participants can try their hand at making toys.

We had a great time here!! Ive read so many good reviews and decided to take a walk to the place with our children (12 and 10 yo). The place is filled with traditional/ancient Japanese toys. You...
Hokke-ji temple

4.0

59 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Narashi Hokkejichou 882

Once known as the Hokke Metsuzai no Tera, the head temple of all provincial temples in Japan, this Buddhist temple is located in Hokkeji Town, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. The temple was built in 745 by Empress Komyo on the site of the former home of her father, Fujiwara no Fuhito. The main temple building, belfry, and south gate, rebuilt by Toyotomi Hideyori and Yodo-dono, are designated Important Cultural Properties. It is said that the temple’s principal object of worship, a 11-faced standing statue of Kannon designated a National Treasure, was modeled after Empress Komyo; this figure is only revealed to the public for special events in spring and autumn. Highlights include a bathhouse which hints at Empress Komyo’s interest in social welfare and a garden with beautiful rabbitear irises.

聖武天皇の妃、光明皇后の発願で創建された名刹、毎年、春と秋に特別公開されている様子。本尊国宝の「十一面観音」は光明皇后がモデルとも伝承されている。今回は平安時代の浄土芸術の傑作、国宝絹本着色阿弥陀三尊など、１０月２５日から１１月１５日まで公開されていました。仏像以外にも池にせり出した堂宇や庭園も必見の古寺名刹です。

Nara Nara City

Nara Park Naramachi / Takabatake Around JR and Kintetsu Nara Station Heijo Palace Remains / Nishinokyo

Leisure / Hobbies Shopping Gourmet / Alcohol Style / Fashion Life / Living / Hospital Accommodations / Hot Spring Travel / Tourism Transportation

Nara Areas

With a reputation almost as stellar as that of Kyoto, Nara is a must-visit for those searching for the remains of "traditional Japan." The largely green Nara city holds the majority of the prefecture’s treasures, such as the iconic Todai-ji Temple, in which a 15-meter tall Great Buddha sits, and Nara Park, where deer flock to befriend passersby. While mountains are by no means hard to come by in this area, for hiking with a reward, head to the Kii Mountains’ Yoshino district in spring, when the hillsides put on an impressive display of white and pink cherry blossoms.