What is Nara? A comprehensive ranking of recommended sightseeing spots and activities!

What is Nara? A comprehensive ranking of recommended sightseeing spots and activities!
Update Date:
Activity Japan Editorial Department

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.

POINT!
We expect many reservations and inquiries for each plan during weekends, holidays, Golden Week, summer vacation, Silver Week, and other long holiday seasons. We recommend that you check the availability of your schedule and make reservations early.
1 Rank

[Nara, Yoshino] Half-day canyoning experience <Okuyoshino Select Course> ♪AM (9:30) Course ♪

Blue Sky Fan
Yoshino and Gojo
7,500 Yen ~ (tax included)
  • 4.9
  • (4 reviews and experiences)

Recommended for first-time canyoning! A short version of the Okuyoshino course ♪ You can choose between a morning course and an afternoon course, so you can easily participate! Even though it is a short course, there are plenty of fun points such as a super slide that jumps into the air, a pool of clear spring water, and a healing spot with a slowly flowing water!

2 Rank

[Nara, Yoshino] Canyoning 1 day <Okuyoshino course>

Blue Sky Fan
Yoshino and Gojo
11,000 Yen ~ (tax included)
  • 4.3
  • (10 reviews and experiences)

This is the recommended course with the most waterfalls to enjoy! It's perfect for first-time canyoning visitors! There's a super slider that lets you jump into the air, a 7m long slider, diving points, clear spring pools, a relaxing spot with a slowly flowing stream, and much more! *Lunch and hot springs are optional (reservations required)

3 Rank

[Nara Canyoning] Head to the valley with the most crystal clear blue water in Japan! Maekigawa

Natural Planning Co., Ltd.
Omine and Odaigahara
11,000 Yen ~ (tax included)
  • 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.

4 Rank

[Nara/JR Nara Limited Time] Calligraphy experience to capture the beauty of Japan in words, kimono experience, souvenir included

Waplus Nara
Nara, Heijo Palace ruins
6,600 Yen ~ (tax included)

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 calligraphy, which incorporates Japanese beauty into characters. Experience graceful instruction from a skilled calligrapher. Create your own unique art with the harmony of ink and brush. Enjoy a casual calligraphy experience.

5 Rank

[Nara/JR Nara] Experience calligraphy to express the beauty of Japan in words

Waplus Nara
Nara, Heijo Palace ruins
3,300 Yen ~ (tax included)

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 calligraphy, which incorporates Japanese beauty into characters. Experience graceful instruction from a skilled calligrapher. Create your own unique art with the harmony of ink and brush. Enjoy a casual calligraphy experience.

6 Rank

[Nara/Yoshino] Even beginners can enjoy lake kayaking at Lake Otaki Ryujin

Mountain Play School Yoiyoi Kawakami
Yoshino and Gojo
7,000 Yen ~ (tax included)
  • 4.3
  • (2 reviews/experiences)

Even beginners can feel at ease! Kayaking experience on Lake Otaki Ryujin. Please choose between the morning and afternoon sessions. We will proceed at a pace that suits your physical strength. Please enjoy a relaxing and luxurious time.

7 Rank

[Tenri City, Nara Prefecture] A bangle plan to create a bangle by soldering your favorite parts and engraving your favorite silver plate ♪

SWING BY
Uda, Sakurai, Yamanobe
6,900 Yen ~ (tax included)
  • 5.0
  • (1 review/experience)

Plan description: - Use a hammer to create a plain silver plate with a hammered pattern, design, letters, etc. - It is also possible to create using materials that already have designs on them. - If you wish, you can add a birthstone or parts. - It can be created in 2 hours! *Bangle sizes* XS (13 cm) S (14 cm) M (15 cm) L (16 cm) XL (

8 Rank

[Nara, Ikaruga] Ride a buggy around Ikaruga Village! "Ikaruga Three Pagodas Tour" including the World Heritage Site, Horyuji Temple

Nara Ikaruga Tourism Waikaru
Ikoma and Ikaruga
4,800 Yen ~ (tax included)
  • 5.0
  • (3 reviews/experiences)

This tour takes you around the historical sites and famous places of Ikaruga Town, including Horyu-ji Temple, which is registered as a World Heritage Site, and Horin-ji Temple, also known as Miidera, which is associated with Prince Shotoku. There are designated stops at each spot on the tour course, so you can enjoy taking photos freely. Customers who wish can also enter the grounds of Horin-ji Temple and view the interior.

9 Rank

[Nara/Tenri] Rings made from silver plates! Perfect as gifts or for anniversaries! Engrave it yourself, make a reservation on the day, and take it home on the day

SWING BY
Nara, Heijo Palace ruins
3,900 Yen ~ (tax included)
  • 4.8
  • (3 reviews/experiences)

・Choose your favorite design from the many silver plates available, and if it's simple, you can add your own design to create a ring. ・You can engrave the ring yourself, perfect for anniversaries. ・You can take the finished ring home on the same day♪ ・The price will change depending on the width and thickness you choose.

10 Rank

[Nara, Tenri] [Tenri City, Nara Prefecture] The experience that's all the rage right now! It's a coin ring experience where money turns into a ring! You can take it home on the day

SWING BY
Nara, Heijo Palace ruins
5,900 Yen ~ (tax included)
  • 5.0
  • (50 reviews and experiences)

・Create a ring with one coin ・A treasure hunt where you can choose from 15,000 different coins! ・Create a ring with a coin from the year you were born or an anniversary year (if in stock) ・One of the few shops in Japan that offers the money ring experience! ・You can create an original ring that is one of a kind in the world. ・Sizes from 6 to 36 are available. ・All work is done by

Activities, leisure, experiences and fun in Nara

What is Nara? A comprehensive ranking of recommended sightseeing spots and activities!

" 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

Traditional Culture Experience
Visiting temples and shrines
Guided tours
Making Japanese goods
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

What is the average price for renting a kimono in Nara? A comprehensive guide to popular plans for tourists, couples, children, and foreigners! Image
What is the average price for renting a kimono in Nara? A comprehensive guide to popular plans for tourists, couples, children, and foreigners!
Updated 2025/01/13
Special feature on kimono rentals in Nara! We introduce information that is useful for couples, families with children, students, and foreign tourists, such as popular rankings, recommended plans, average prices, target ages, the process leading up to the day of rental, and how to rent for the next day or for long periods of time!
Kansai Nara Kimono rental

Tourist spots in Nara

What is Nara? A comprehensive ranking of recommended sightseeing spots and activities!

" 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

[Nara・Nara Park] After seeing the Great Buddha | Take in the best of Nara Park with a guide | 30-minute rickshaw tour

Tourist Rickshaw Yamatoya Nara
Nara, Heijo Palace ruins
5,000 Yen ~ (tax included)

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.

[Nara, Nara City] Coming-of-Age Ceremony Pre-shoot Location Photo! Includes a wide variety of furisode and hair and makeup!

Rental Kimono Yuusha
Nara, Heijo Palace ruins
33,000 Yen ~ (tax included)
  • 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
Nara Sightseeing One Day Recommended Model Itinerary [Hidden Spots]
Updated 2024/07/16
This article features a model one-day tour of Nara. It focuses on tourist spots, including the World Heritage sites of the ancient capital of Nara. It also introduces little-known spots where you can enjoy experiences and activities that are unique to Nara. Please use this as a reference for your travel destination.
Kansai Nara Nara, Heijo Palace ruins Animal Cafe

Nara food and local gourmet

What is Nara? A comprehensive ranking of recommended sightseeing spots and activities!

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)

Hirasou Horyuji store
Nara, Heijo Palace ruins
2,000 Yen ~ (tax included)
  • 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.

[Nara, Imamikado-cho] Experience making the famous persimmon leaf sushi! (8 pieces of mackerel and salmon)

Hiramune Nara store
Nara, Heijo Palace ruins
1,900 Yen ~ (tax included)

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

What is Nara? A comprehensive ranking of recommended sightseeing spots and activities!

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.

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