Places of interest in Nara, Japan – a historic city like Kyoto

Nara is one of Japan’s oldest cities and was even one of the country’s former capitals. The Nara period lasted from 710 to 794. Nara boasts a wealth of historical sights, including many very old temples. There are so many historic temples crammed into such a small area in Nara that I suffered from ‘temple overload’, even though each of them was very old and well worth seeing. I visited so many temples that it would go beyond the scope of this article to discuss each one in detail. So, I’ll just describe the temples that impressed me the most. Nara’s numerous temples were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. But Nara has more to offer than just temples. In this article, I’ll show you Nara’s main attractions and share my insider tips.

The stags – trusting and pushy

I suspect that the tame red deer are the main reason why so many tourists visit Nara. There are countless animals in the city. In fact, they are wild sika deer that live in the surrounding forests. Yet during the day, they roam through the city. The deer have become so accustomed to people and the many tourists that they’re now quite tame – sometimes even a bit pushy. The largest gathering of wild deer can be found in Nara Park, but you’ll also come across them at the surrounding temples, at the entrances to shops or whilst out walking – you’ll encounter deer everywhere.

Tourists should be aware that the deer beg for food. At the entrances to Nara Park, there are stalls selling deer crackers. These are specially made for the deer, and you are allowed to feed them to the animals. However, as soon as the deer realise you’ve bought some crackers, they circle round people, begging or even trying to steal them. They aren’t shy about nibbling at bags or jackets. Once the treats have been eaten, the animals lose all interest in people. On the first day, I found the beautiful roe deer charming, but after that they became rather a nuisance.

Nara Park

Nara Park is huge, and there’s more to it than just deer. In the centre of the park stands the National Museum, and on its north-western edge are the city’s two most famous temples: Kōfuku-ji and Tōdai-ji. The park is very charming and idyllic. There are a number of old, traditional wooden houses there which are inhabited but are also used as tea rooms or restaurants. There are many ponds and small rivers – it is the perfect Japanese park – a place to linger.

Nara National Museum – Discover the unknown side of Japan

If you walk from the city centre towards Nara Park, the museum is the first thing you’ll see, as it occupies a very prominent position in the middle of the extensive park grounds. The building is strongly reminiscent of a European castle and was built in the 19th century in the French Renaissance style. It is one of Japan’s oldest museums and primarily houses Buddhist artefacts and archaeological finds. Many of these are among thecountry’s most significant cultural treasures. Although I have very little familiarity with Japan’s early history, I found the presentation and explanations of the objects very engaging and informative. I would highly recommend the museum to visitors who wish to explore Japanese history, religion and mysticism in greater depth. Japan was isolated from other cultures for centuries, which is why both its culture and its various religious traditions are unique. And the palace-like building itself is well worth a visit.

Nara National Museum: Nara Park, 50-50 Noboriōjichō, Nara, 630-8213
Opening hours: daily from 9.30 am to 5.00 pm

Kohfuku-ji Temple – Ancient National Treasures

Kōfuku-ji is a very old Buddhist temple, said to have been founded in 699. When Nara became the capital of Japan in 710, the temple gained great significance. Just as with our churches and castles, Japanese temples have been repeatedly extended and rebuilt over the years, and this one is no exception. The temple grounds have been enlarged time and again. Numerous treasures of national importance have been preserved at Kōfuku-ji Temple.

The Golden Hall, which was built by two empresses – Empress Genmei and Empress Gensho – in the year 721, forms the centrepiece. This hall houses many valuable wooden sculptures and altars, which are classified as National Treasures of Japan. These include the bronze Buddha heads and the statues of Ashura, Bodhisattva and Rikishi. The five-storey Goyunoto Pagoda is also impressive.

Kofuku-Ji Temple, 48 Noboriojicho, Nara 630-8213
Opening hours: daily from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm

Todaj-Ji Temple – the largest Buddha in the largest wooden building

As Nara’s main attractions are its many ancient temples, this section focuses once again on a temple. Nara’s second most important attraction is the Todaiji Temple, which is just a few minutes’ walk from Kofukuji Temple and also borders Nara Park. The temple boasts a number of superlatives. For instance, Tōdai-ji is the largest wooden structure in the world, as it was built entirely of wood. You can also admire Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statue there. The bronze statue is 15 metres tall and weighs almost 500 tonnes.

The Todaj-ji Temple is almost as old as the aforementioned Kōfuku-ji. It was built around 750 during the Nara period. The Buddha statue is also said to date from this period. According to Wikipedia, it was crafted in 751. It is said that 50,000 carpenters and 37,000 metalworkers were involved in its construction. Incredible, isn’t it? I walked through the complex with great awe, because its age alone makes the place magical. Just imagine – this was already a spiritual place over 1,000 years ago. That never ceases to impress me deeply.

Todaj-Ji Temple, 406-1 Zoshicho, Nara City, Nara
Opening hours: daily from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm

Hiking in Nara – the ancient pilgrimage route to Mount Wakakusa

The area around Nara offers numerous walking routes, stunning landscapes and enchanting views. So, naturally, we went for a walk in Nara. We decided to follow a section of the old pilgrimage route . The route is very varied, not too difficult and full of lovely photo spots. At just around 5 km, the trail was relatively short, yet there was plenty to discover. It is very well signposted and begins just beyond Todai-ji Temple in Nara Park.

The walking trail took us through a mist-shrouded mountain landscape. Everything looked very mystical. The area was densely wooded, but the mountain peaks were sparsely vegetated and very rocky. About halfway along the trail, we came across the tame Nara deer, who were grazing peacefully by the path. Once you reach the summit, you’re treated to a stunning view and there are several spots for a picnic, as the Japanese love picnicking. The return journey took us through mystical forests, past several waterfalls and small lakes. This walking trail can be easily incorporated into a day of exploring temples and the town, as it requires no special skills or elaborate equipment.

Link to the walk on Komoot: Mount Wakakusa Walk

An insider’s tip for Nara – ancient temples off the beaten track

In Nara city centre, there are two other very old temples well worth visiting, though they are hardly known. Whilst the large temples are overrun with tourists, you’ll hardly see a soul at these two very old temples on the outskirts of the city centre. I really enjoyed the atmosphere there. Both temples are right next to each other.

Rencho-Ji Temple

I was particularly impressed by the ancient wall and ceiling paintings at Rencho-ji Temple, as they are fantastic and unique. I would have loved to find out more about the motifs, but where there are no tourists, there are no explanations either.

Rencho-Ji Temple, 426 Aburasakacho, Nara

Gango-Ji Temple and the old cemetery

The Gango-ji Temple: I recommend the Gango-ji Temple because of its ancient cemetery. The cemetery is full of old stones, which most likely date from various periods. However, these are not traditional gravestones as we know them in Europe, but rather small Buddha figurines or stupas. They are arranged close together and some are covered in moss. For me, old cemeteries are always among the most important sights in any city – wherever it may be.

Gango-Ji Temple, 11 Chuincho, Nara

Nara Palace Historical Park – What remains of the Imperial Palace

Nara was once the capital of Japan and an imperial city. That was a very long time ago – around 1,300 years. However, the ruins of the Imperial Palace have survived to this day, and the early structures have been faithfully reconstructed. The term ‘ruins’ is perhaps a slight exaggeration, as buildings in Japan were constructed of wood back then and often still are today. Some of the foundation walls are still standing and can be admired. They are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although very little has survived from that era, the Nara Palace site is a very interesting and informative place.

We started at the museum. There, you learn a great deal about life at the Japanese imperial court around the year 700, and you’ll be amazed at just how advanced people’s way of life was back then. What I found even more fascinating, however, was the bureaucracy at the imperial court. Do you think Germany today is a bureaucratic jungle? Then why not take a trip back to Japan during the Nara period – you’ll be amazed. Prominently situated in the centre of the complex is the Emperor’s Audience Hall, where you can also marvel at the replica of the throne. The guides explain in perfect English how the imperial receptions were held. One of the palace gates has also been reconstructed. This imposing gate is just as magnificently designed as the Audience Hall. Finally, you can visit an information centre dedicated to the reconstruction, where archaeological finds and educational materials are on display.

The Nara Palace Site is still under construction. However, I am convinced that it will eventually become a very interesting and informative open-air museum. I thought it was well worth a visit even at this stage.

Nara Palace Site, 3-5-1 Nijoojiminami, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 630-8012
Opening hours: daily from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm; admission is free.
How to get there: Nara Main Station – bus routes 160/164 or by train: Yamato-Saidaiji Station

Nara’s Culinary Recommendations – Restaurants as Journeys Through Time

If you’ve ever visited my blog before, you’ll know that I love nostalgic restaurants, cafés and hotels, and I try to seek them out. Japan is full of traditional establishments that evoke the country’s past and traditions, but which also often celebrate European nostalgia. Here are some delightful recommendations for anyone who wants to step back in time. Nowhere else have I discovered such wonderful establishments as in Japan – it really is the land of the nostalgic.

Anne Marie Café – it doesn’t get any more British than this

Britain at its best … or rather, the Japanese idea of an English tea room. The freshly baked treats are served on old English porcelain, the tea is kept warm in a teacozy, the curtains and chairs are printed with roses, and there’s antique furniture and books everywhere. The scones were better than in Britain, because the Japanese love tea and scones. And the cake was divine. I felt as if I were in England.

Anne Marie Café, 10 Higashimuki Kitamachi, Nara City

Lamp Bar – like a gentleman’s club from the last century… only the cocktails are better

The Japanese have a knack for creating truly unique cocktails in old-fashioned bars. This bar, too, has the perfect country-house style: dark wood, Chesterfield sofas, brass lamps and old suitcases… I love it. And the drinks are a real treat. There’s no menu, so let the bartenders advise you. My favourite was a gin with gyokuro (green tea), yuzu and a little something else… It all went together perfectly. My husband enjoyed the Japanese whiskies. It’s not for nothing that the bar is ranked among the 50 best cocktail bars in Asia.

Lamp Bar, 26, 1st Floor, Tsunofuricho, Nara City

Hotel Onyado Nono – Comfort with a touch of tradition

To round off this article, I’d like to recommend a hotel, or rather a hotel chain: the Onyado Nono Hotels have branches in several major cities. They offer the comforts of a classic hotel combined with the traditional Japanese atmosphere of a ryokan. In these upmarket hotels, understated elegance is ever-present. What makes them special is that tatami mats are laid throughout, and guests are only allowed to enter the hotel barefoot. When booking a stay, you can choose whether to sleep in a bed or on tatami mats. We opted for the tatami mats, which were very comfortable thanks to the high-quality mattresses.

The onsen (hot spring) at the Onyado Nono Hotel was the most beautiful one we encountered on our entire trip. It consisted of several pools on the top floor. As well as ahot pool and a cooler one, there was an outdoor pool with hot water. I spent every evening in the onsen. As well as a wide variety of complimentary products, there was ice cream or Yakult to enjoy after the bath. In the evenings, all guests were offered a complimentary midnight soup and a wide selection of non-alcoholic drinks. We particularly enjoyed our time at this hotel.

Nara – more than just a day trip

Lots of people ask me which Japanese city I liked best. It’s Nara. That’s because Nara is a very old city with a history stretching back 1,000 years. There are many ancient buildings and important temples there. But above all, Nara isn’t as crowded as Kyoto. Of course, many visitors come to Nara, as the tame deer are a real tourist attraction and very photogenic. However, many visitors only come for a day and leave again in the evening. In the evening, Nara is relaxed and quiet. Hardly any visitors venture beyond the city centre. Even the temples that aren’t directly on the main road are deserted. You don’t come across many people whilst out walking either. If you’re planning a trip to Japan, Nara is definitely worth a visit.

Nara attractions on the map

More recommendations for Japan

Day trip from Tokyo – Kamakura, one of Japan’s most beautiful historic towns