Model Course

Nara Prefecture is rare in Japan in that it boasts three World Heritage sites: the Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area; the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara; and the Sacred Sites/Pilgrimage Routes in Kii. Among them, the temples and shrines in Nara City are the easiest to visit from central Nara.

A. Basic Course

Todaiji Temple

The world’s largest wooden building, particularly famous for its Great Buddha within.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

A Shinto shrine famous for its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns.

Kohfukuji Temple

Five-storied pagoda (50.1 meters tall), is the second highest in Japan.

Nara Park

Nara Park (660 hectares) or,as it is often called, “Deer Park”, features a lot of wild deer.

If you are first-time visitors and plan to Nara City for one day, we recommend the main spots of Nara City: Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Nara Park. These three must-see spots and Nara Park can be covered in a walk of about 4~5 hours.

You can learn about early Japanese history and culture and enjoy playing with deer.

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  • JR Nara Station >>> Todaiji Temple : About 40 minute walk
  • Kintetsu Nara Station >>> Todaiji Temple : About 25 minute walk
  • Buses and taxis are available

B. Optional Course around Nara Park

If you still have time in your tour day in Nara City, please think about adding either of the following courses in addition to the Basic Course.

1. Basic Course and Naramachi Course (6~7hours)

Todaiji Temple

The world’s largest wooden building, particularly famous for its Great Buddha within.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

A Shinto shrine famous for its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns.

Kohfukuji Temple

Five-storied pagoda (50.1 meters tall), is the second highest in Japan.

Nara Park

Nara Park (660 hectares) or,as it is often called, “Deer Park”, features a lot of wild deer.

Naramachi

With hundreds of traditional houses for ordinary people, this quarter provides a stark contrast to the huge buildings constructed by former people of influence in the area of Nara Park.

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2. Basic Course and Japanese Gardens Course (6~7hours)

Todaiji Temple

The world’s largest wooden building, particularly famous for its Great Buddha within.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

A Shinto shrine famous for its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns.

Kohfukuji Temple

Five-storied pagoda (50.1 meters tall), is the second highest in Japan.

Nara Park

Nara Park (660 hectares) or,as it is often called, “Deer Park”, features a lot of wild deer.

Japanese Gardens

You can visit two gardens, Yosikien Garden and Isuien Garden, with their quiet, luxurious natural beauty.

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C. Optional Course outside of Nara Park

If you have visited Nara several times, or have plenty of time,you can consider adding the following courses in addition to the Basic Course.

Heijo (Nara) Palace Site
(about 2hours + transportation)

Heijo (Nara) Palace was the center of the 8th century capital, Heijo-kyo. Suzaku-mon Gate and the First Daigoku-den(Imperial Audience) Hall are recreations rebuilt in the last 20 years.

Uniquely, a railway line runs through the center of the palace site.

Nishinokyo Area
(about 3hours + transportation)

Yakushiji Temple

In early summer, you can see lovely lotus flowers, rich with meaning in Buddhist culture, blooming there.

Toshodaiji Temple

This magnificent temple, founded by the Chinese Buddhist priest Jianzhen, maintains its original appearance from 1300 years ago.

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Mt. Ikoma and Hozanji Temple (about 2 hours)

Kintetsu Ikoma Train Station ➞ (2 min. walk) ➞ Toriimae Cable Car Station ➞ (7 min. cable car ride) ➞Hozanji Cable Car Station ➞（10min. walk）➞ Hozanji Temple ➞ (1.5-2 hours for temple visiting/strolling) ➞ Hozanji Cable Car Station➞ Toriimae Cable Car Station ➞ Ikoma Train Station

Kintetsu Ikoma Cable Car
The longest operation in Japan (started in 1918).

Hozanji Temple.
Widely worshiped as a god of business prosperity.

Approach to Hozanji Temple
Stone-paved paths to the temple, dotted with restaurants and traditional inns.

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Nara has many other places of interest and will definitely satisfy your curiosity about Japanese culture and history, regardless of the duration of your stay.  Nara SGG Club is always ready to answer your questions at the four information counters in Nara City.  Please do not hesitate to visit us.

We are waiting to hear from you.

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