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.
Ueda Sake Brewery is located in Nara Prefecture, the birthplace of sake. As a long-established sake brewery that has been in business since the Muromachi period, they continue to carefully produce high-quality sake using the famous water of Ikoma and high-quality domestic rice. This plan includes a tour of the sake brewery (approximately 30-40 minutes), a shio-koji making experience (approximately 5-10 minutes), and sake tasting. What's more, you will receive a 300ml bottle of Ikoma Hozan Junmai Ginjo as a souvenir!
- 5.0
- (3 reviews/experiences)
This experience is limited to one group (maximum 8 people), so you can relax and enjoy it with your family or group. You can make tableware, vases, animals, or anything else you want with your hands. Everything you make will be fired within the 90-minute production time using 1 kg of clay. There are 12 colors of glaze. You can use two colors on one vessel, and you can have different colors on the inside and outside of the vessel. This experience is suitable for children up to elementary school age and adults.
- 5.0
- (1 review/experience)
The total experience time is 2 hours (1.5 hours for production, 30 minutes for hand-painting your creations and decorating them with original stamps from the studio, and 30 minutes for choosing glazes, for a total of 2 hours). Why not try making tableware or vases on an electric potter's wheel? Even if it's your first time, it's okay! We will provide careful instruction. Classes are limited to one group at a time, so it's a private and relaxed experience.
- 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
- 4.7
- (7 reviews and experiences)
The water is the most transparent in Japan! The crystal clear Maeoni Blue is definitely worth seeing! This is a hidden area further south from the Okuyoshino area. Maeoni is a sacred place for Shugendo. You might even meet Gokisuke, who is said to be a descendant of the demons! The course is dotted with natural slides, spectacular waterfalls, and deep pools. This is a course where you can enjoy everything from slides to diving. Suitable for older elementary school students! A certain level of physical strength is required.
[Nara Canyoning] Slides are fun! Compact and full of interesting spots! Tenkawa
- 4.8
- (8 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!
This "art clock making experience" is perfect for those who love making things and can be enjoyed in Nara. The wooden base is pre-processed, so even beginners can feel at ease. You can choose from two painting methods: [acrylic paint] which allows you to paint freely, or [resin finish] which has a beautiful translucent finish. There are three clock sizes available: 16cm, 20cm, and 28cm. The finished work
This chopstick-making experience allows you to make your own chopsticks, the ones you use every day for meals, from scratch. You can adjust the length, thickness, and shape to create your own unique pair of chopsticks, with an emphasis on ease of use. This experience is recommended even for those new to crafting, as you can enjoy the process of carving and trimming while feeling the texture of the wood and bamboo. Once you've finished, you can take them home and use them immediately in your daily life.
Founded in the Nara period, Eizan-ji Temple continues to carry on 1,300 years of prayer to the present day. This special tour will be guided by a monk to the national treasures and beautiful Buddha statues. You will get a close-up look at the national treasure, the Octagonal Hall, and the secret Buddha statue of Yakushi Nyorai, and will receive a detailed explanation of the story behind its construction and the merits of the Buddha. In the tranquil grounds, a solemn prayer for your peace will also be held. Come and calm your mind and spend a time filled with deep peace and emotion.
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
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1st Place
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Traditional Culture Experience |
|---|---|
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2nd Place
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Visiting temples and shrines |
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3rd Place
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Guided tours |
|
4th Place
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Making Japanese goods |
|
5th Place
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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 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.