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 City Pottery Experience] Electric potter's wheel experience, firing two pieces, and using two colors in one vessel to create your own original vessel!

Dorakuneko Koubou
Nara, Heijo Palace ruins
3,900 Yen ~ (tax included)
  • 5.0
  • (1 review/experience)

The total experience time is 2 hours (1.5 hours for production, 30 minutes for hand-painting the work you made and decorating it with the studio's original stamps, and 30 minutes for choosing glazes, for a total of 2 hours). Why not try making tableware, flower vases, etc. on an electric potter's wheel? Don't worry if it's your first time! We will provide careful instruction. Classes are limited to one group at a time, so it's private. Peace of mind

2 Rank

[Nara, Nara City] Handmade Udon Experience Class

Udon Artisan Japanese Noodle Factory
Nara, Heijo Palace ruins
5,500 Yen ~ (tax included)

Why not experience the traditional Japanese food culture of "hand-made udon" at Nara's popular udon restaurant, "Waseimenjo"? You will knead and stomp the flour, cut it with a knife, and make your own udon. Professional craftsmen will carefully support you, so even beginners can feel at ease. You can also fry the tempura yourself and add your own toppings to the finished udon. After the experience, you can taste the freshly made udon! Travel

3 Rank

[Nara, Naramachi] "Calligraphy experience" in a quiet old house 60 minutes/6,600 yen (for tourists, you can take your work home)

Naramachi Calligraphy Salon -I'm back-
Nara, Heijo Palace ruins
6,600 Yen ~ (tax included)

This is a course where you can experience the charm of calligraphy while learning how to hold the brush and basic brush strokes. Choose your favorite character, practice with the instructor's advice, and finally finish your work with a clean copy. You can take the completed work home with you. Enjoy time to calm your mind and face calligraphy in the quiet space of a traditional Japanese house. Even beginners can participate with confidence.

4 Rank

[Nara/Yoshino] Omine Ice Garden Frozen Waterfall! Snow trekking with an experienced guide, lunch and hot spring included!

Mountain Play School Yoiyoi Kawakami
Yoshino and Gojo
12,000 Yen ~ (tax included)

This annual midwinter trek to the frozen waterfall is a rare sight in the Kansai region. We will visit the Omine Ice Garden, a place known only to those in the know. The wide waterfall that spreads out like a folding screen is definitely worth seeing!

5 Rank

[Nara Canyoning] Head to the dwelling place of demons, one of Japan's most famous clear blue waters! Maeonigawa

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

6 Rank

[Nara Canyoning] Slides are fun! Compact and full of interesting spots! Tenkawa

Natural Planning Co., Ltd.
Yoshino and Gojo
11,000 Yen ~ (tax included)
  • 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!

7 Rank

[Nara, Kintetsu Nara Station] Calligraphy experience where you can make your own calligraphy paper in 40 minutes ~ Come empty-handed!

GALLERY MY ART
Nara, Heijo Palace ruins
3,300 Yen ~ (tax included)

You can try calligraphy in front of Kintetsu Nara Station. Choose your favorite kanji from about 10 popular ones both in Japan and overseas, including love, dream, beauty, and samurai. Even beginners can easily understand the basics, starting with how to hold the brush and strokes. After writing your original work on colored paper, it will be presented to you in a Japanese-style frame.

8 Rank

[Tawara Town, Nara] Make your own unique art clock! (Recommended for couples, women, and families)

Bamboo Lantern Workshop
Kashihara, Asuka, Katsuragi
4,000 Yen ~ (tax included)

Transparent resin and acrylic that you can draw freely. Choose your paint and size to create a one-of-a-kind wall clock. This is a "clock making experience" that you can enjoy in Nara, perfect for those who love crafting. It is a workshop where you can make a full-scale wall clock with your own hands, and can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, from children to adults. The size of the clock

9 Rank

Lunch included! [Guided tour of Ando Town and Ikaruga Town] ~A one-day walk that takes you through the history of the Asuka period to the remains of the Showa era railway~

Nara Ikaruga Tourism Waikaru
Ikoma and Ikaruga
3,900 Yen ~ (tax included)

A one-day walk that lets you experience the depth and transition of 1,400 years of history. Includes a lunch recommended by locals! Guided by a knowledgeable and experienced local guide! ◆◇Schedule◆◇ 9:20 Meet at the South Exit of JR Horyuji Station ↓ Tour of Ando Town... Light Railway Remains, Aonami Shrine, Ando Town Museum, Hiromine Shrine, Zenshoji Temple 11:30 Zenshoji Share Cycle Station

10 Rank

Lunch included! [Kawai Town/Ikaruga Town Guided Tour] Temple and shrine lovers gather! A historical walk from World Heritage sites to hidden local temples

Nara Ikaruga Tourism Waikaru
Ikoma and Ikaruga
5,800 Yen ~ (tax included)

Immerse yourself in 1400 years of history with this guided tour, perfect for temple and Buddhist statue lovers. Includes a lunch recommended by locals! ◆◇Schedule◆◇ 9:45 Meet at the north exit of JR Horyuji Station ↓ (We will take you to Hirose Shrine by car) 10:00 Meet with the guide at Hirose Shrine ↓ Jorinji Temple, the streetscape after the market, the ruins of Chorinji Temple 11:30 Shared bicycle station at Hirose Shrine

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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