What is Nara? A comprehensive ranking of recommended sightseeing spots and activities!
On this page, Nara Tourist attractions and activities Special feature!
Popular rankings, recommended experience plans, model courses, and recommended places to visit. We will thoroughly introduce useful information for your trip to Nara.
Also, food and gourmet, historical buildings, local specialties, and standard souvenirs. Check out all the information you need to know about sightseeing in Nara Let's do it.
Popular activity experience tour rankings in Nara
First of all, based on the latest reservation data from Activity Japan, Nara Popular activity experience tour ranking "We would like to introduce you to "
Historical architecture, traditional craftsmanship, and magnificent natural scenery A number of experiential tours that allow you to fully enjoy the above are ranked highly.
Tour contents and fees (prices), Check out the reviews and testimonials Please use this to help you compare plans.
＜In the early hours of March 13th, a spring event called "Omizutori" will be held at Todaiji Temple in Nara.＞ The "Shunie" ceremony at Nigatsudo is also known as "Otamatsu" and is known for the dramatic scenery of sparks flying everywhere. This "Otamatsu" is often featured in the media, so it is likely to leave a strong impression on everyone, but on this tour, in addition to the "Otamatsu", we will also be introducing another event.
[Nara/Yoshino] Handmade Japanese paper experience in Nara/Yoshino (half-day course)
◆ Handmade Japanese Paper Experience In this experience, you will make your own handmade Japanese paper using fibers from the bark of the paper tree (Kouzo). You will be able to use a blind, which is an authentic tool used in making handmade Japanese paper. We will explain how to make the paper in an easy-to-understand manner, even for beginners, so please feel free to join us. You will be able to learn papermaking techniques directly from a craftsman.
Why not try making a traditional craft, a onigawara tile, at a tile workshop in a place where Nara culture is still strong? The size is as small as an adult's outstretched hand. It will take about three weeks before you can see the surface of the finished onigawara for the first time. After it is made, it is dried and fired slowly, and it will arrive infused with the power of the oni to ward off evil spirits.
[Nara, Yoshino River] Nara Yoshino River Half-day Rafting
- 4.8
- (24 reviews and experiences)
Why not try river rafting in a clear stream near the city? The Yoshino River in Nara is about 60 minutes by train or car from Osaka city. It is a convenient and close-by rafting spot where you can experience rafting!
[Nara, Yoshino River] Nara Yoshino River Walking Tubing
- 5.0
- (1 review/experience)
Tube boating is a boat that is more sturdy than a swim ring and you can row around. You can hold hands and drift along without a paddle. You can feel the waves up close because your line of sight is lower than in rafting, so it's full of thrills! It's fun and makes you feel like Issun-boshi. Why not give tubing a try?
[Nara Canyoning] Head to the valley with the most crystal clear blue water in Japan! Maekigawa
- 4.6
- (5 reviews and experiences)
The clarity of the water is one of the best in the country! The crystal clear blue of Maeoni Blue is worth seeing! A hidden area further south from the Okuyoshino area. Maeoni is a sacred place for Shugendo. Natural slides, spectacular waterfalls, and deep pools are dotted along the course. This is a course where you can enjoy everything from slides to diving.
[Nara Canyoning] Slides are fun! Compact and full of interesting spots! Tenkawa
- 4.8
- (7 reviews and experiences)
This is the royal road course for canyoning! We recommend it to everyone. It's fun! It's not tiring! Natural water slides appear one after another. The distance is short, so even those who are not confident in their physical strength can try it! At the long slide at the goal, you can slide down and eat the lunch and snacks you brought with you and have fun!
[Nara] Kimono Princess Experience ~An Hour to Japan's Cultural Elegance ~
A special kimono experience provided by a long-established rental costume store that has supported the kimono culture of the ancient capital of Nara for 103 years. You will see, touch, and actually wear a gorgeous and vibrant kimono (Uchikake) that you cannot wear in a normal kimono experience. Uchikake is a costume that is only worn on important days in life such as weddings, and is a costume that Japanese women long for. In addition,
[Nara/JR Nara] Calligraphy and kimono experience to express the beauty of Japan
Waplus Nara is a 2-minute walk from JR Nara Station and a 10-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station. It is located in a very convenient location. Come empty-handed ♪ We offer a special time to enjoy traditional Japanese beauty to your heart's content. Calligraphy experience that captures the beauty of Japan in letters + elegant instruction from a skilled calligrapher in kimono. Create your own unique art with the harmony of ink and brush. Experience the body of calligraphy casually.
[Nara/JR Nara] Experience traditional Japanese beauty through a kimono tea ceremony experience
Waplus Nara is a 2-minute walk from JR Nara Station and a 10-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station. It is in a very convenient location. Come empty-handed ♪ We offer a special time to enjoy traditional Japanese beauty to your heart's content. Experience traditional Japanese beauty in a kimono tea ceremony. Wear a kimono and experience a tea ceremony in a tea room. Learn the spirit of tea ceremony and enjoy the depth of Japanese culture.
Activities, leisure, experiences and fun in Nara
" Nara What will you do when you go there? I'm sure there are many people looking for recommended things to do in Nara, such as:
In Nara, temples, shrines, etc. Experience Japanese culture while touring tourist spots It is a recommended way to enjoy it.
From here, we will introduce the " Popular activities, leisure, experiences and fun in Nara " Let's take a look at this.
Popular activities, leisure, experiences and fun in Nara
|
1st Place
|
Traditional Culture Experience |
|---|---|
|
2nd Place
|
Visiting temples and shrines |
|
3rd Place
|
Guided tours |
|
4th Place
|
Making Japanese goods |
|
5th Place
|
Pottery experience/pottery class |
You can enjoy activities unique to Nara. Traditional Culture Experience " and historical and cultural heritage tours " Visiting temples and shrines " is popular.
In addition, using traditional techniques, Making Japanese goods "or" Pottery experience/pottery class Handicraft experiences such as these are also enjoyed by many tourists of all ages and genders.
In addition to the above, there are other events held in the natural surroundings of Nara. Various outdoor activities are also popular among young people We are collecting.
Recommended kimono rental shops in Nara
Tourist spots in Nara
" Nara Where should you go on your trip? I'm sure there are many people out there researching information on popular tourist spots, such as:
Nara is The "Cultural Assets of Ancient Nara" includes eight temples, shrines, and historic sites that are registered as World Heritage sites. There are various tourist spots scattered around.
Below are some of the activities carefully selected by the Activity Japan editorial team: Recommended sightseeing spots in Nara "We will introduce you to "
Todaiji Temple
Founded in the Nara period in Heijo-kyo as the center of provincial temples across the country, Todaiji Temple "
The Buddha is enshrined in the Great Buddha Hall, one of the world's largest wooden structures. A temple famous for having the "Great Buddha of Nara" is.
In addition to the Great Buddha of Vairocana, Numerous cultural assets, including the Hokke-do Hall, Tenpai-mon Gate, and Nandai-mon Gate You can see.
| location | 406-1 Zoshicho, Nara City, 630-8587 |
|---|---|
| Closed Day | Open daily |
Nara Park
Located on the east side of Nara city, Nara Park "
The park boasts a vast area of approximately 660 hectares. Approximately 1,300 wild deer live here. We are doing it.
Beautiful nature, Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, the National Museum and more all come together in this The center of tourism in Nara It is a spot where you can say that.
| location | 〒630-8212 Kasuganocho, Nara City |
|---|---|
| Closed Day | Open daily |
Recommended tour plans
This is a tour where you will be guided through the vast Nara Park in a tourist rickshaw. The 30-minute tour allows you to use your limited precious time efficiently to sightsee! Recommended for those who want to see the best spots! We will arrange a course according to your wishes to take you to not only the main shrines and temples such as Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and Kofukuji Temple, which are World Heritage Sites, but also hidden spots such as Ukimido and Naramachi.
- 5.0
- (1 review/experience)
This is the perfect plan for those who want to commemorate their coming of age and have a special memory of their hometown, Nara. Take the best photo in Nara Park, full of the atmosphere of the ancient capital of Nara. You can even take photos with the deers.
Kasuga Taisha Shrine
In 768, the shrine was built at its current location by imperial decree of Emperor Shotoku. Kasuga Taisha Shrine "
Within the precincts, there are hanging lanterns and stone lanterns of various shapes, known as "mantoro." You can get a glimpse into the history of faith of the common people. .
Every year on Setsubun in February and on August 14th and 15th, The Mantoro lantern-lighting ritual is held It attracts many visitors.
| location | 160 Kasugano-cho, Nara City, 630-8212 |
|---|---|
| Closed Day | National Treasure Hall: When changing exhibits three times a year, Kasuga Taisha Manyo Botanical Garden: April to May: Open everyday, June to March of the following year: Every Tuesday (except when Tuesday is a national holiday) |
Kofukuji Temple
Known as the family temple of the Fujiwara clan, Kofukuji Temple "
In 1180, the temple was burned down by the Taira clan and much of it was destroyed, but it was quickly rebuilt. It has a history of being
Within the vast grounds, Buildings such as the Tokondo, Chukondo, Hokuendo, Nanendo, and five-story pagoda, as well as Buddhist sculptures can be seen.
| location | 48 Noboriojicho, Nara City, 630-8213 |
|---|---|
| Closed Day | Open daily |
Yakushiji Temple
It was founded in the Hakuho period, approximately 1,300 years ago. Yakushiji Temple "
Emperor Tenmu prayed for the recovery of his empress, Princess Uno Sanara, from illness. It is a historic temple that was constructed in Fujiwara-kyo.
Yakushiji Temple, the head temple of the Hosso sect, is one of the constituent assets of the "Cultural Assets of Ancient Nara." Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998 It has been done.
| location | 457 Nishinokyocho, Nara City, 630-8563 |
|---|---|
| Closed Day | Open daily |
In Nara Prefecture, In addition to the ones we have introduced, there are many other historical buildings and sites scattered around the area, including temples, shrines, and Buddhist temples. We are doing it.
Please refer to Nara Prefecture's tourism website or guidebook, or join a guided tour. Tourism to experience Japanese history Enjoy!
Information on tourist spots in Nara
![Nara sightseeing one day recommended model itinerary [hidden spots] images](https://img.activityjapan.com/wi/nara-tourist-spot_thumb.jpg)
Nara food and local gourmet
One of the best parts of traveling is Local food and gourmet Have fun.
Nara There are many famous products and local delicacies in Masu.
The most representative ones are as follows.
- Persimmon Leaf Sushi
- Narazuke
- Tenri Ramen
- Yoshino Kudzu
- Miwa Somen
- etc.
Persimmon leaf sushi and Narazuke pickles You can enjoy many of Nara's representative gourmet foods, including:
These are not only must-eat foods during your stay in Nara, but also Also popular as a souvenir There is.
Recommended plan for making persimmon leaf sushi
[Nara/Ikaruga] Experience making the famous persimmon leaf sushi! (8 pieces of mackerel and salmon)
- 4.5
- (4 reviews and experiences)
At "Heiso", a long-established store founded in Bunkyu 1 (1861), we hold a hands-on kaki-no-ha sushi workshop where you can "learn" and "make" Nara's food culture. We can accommodate up to 40 people.
At "Heiso", a long-established store founded in Bunkyu 1 (1861), we hold a hands-on kaki-no-ha sushi workshop where you can "learn" and "make" Nara's food culture. We can accommodate up to 30 people.
Model sightseeing itinerary for Nara
Nara If you want to enjoy sightseeing, we recommend the places we have introduced so far. We recommend a travel itinerary that covers activities, sightseeing spots, and local cuisine. is.
Tour the historical sites of Nara, including its World Heritage sites Take a guided tour The courses that allow you to enjoy local specialties for lunch or dinner are popular.
On this tour, you will be accompanied by a local guide who knows all about the charms of Nara. Tour the tourist attractions efficiently Of course, you might also be able to learn about gourmet spots that only a few people know about.
In addition, in Nara Prefecture, There are many interesting spots and Instagrammable spots that are popular among young people. .
Join the activity experience tour and enjoy the good old Nara: A city where Japanese culture blends with modernity Please enjoy the charm of .
*The content of this article is current as of March 2025.
![Kansai Activities! Images of unusual and interesting experiences [for adults, children, and couples]](https://img.activityjapan.com/wi/kansai-rare-activity_thumb.jpg)
