Why Visit Nara? If you’re visiting Kyoto or Osaka and wondering whether Nara is worth the day trip—it absolutely is. Nara is perhaps most famous for its friendly, free-roaming deer that live in Nara Park. But, this unique place offers a magical mix of ancient history, peaceful nature, and unforgettable experiences while in Japan.

Just a short train ride from Kyoto, Nara left us with some unforgettable memories!  Nara Deer Park was our first stop and then we visited Todai-ji Daibutsuden, home to the famous Great Buddha Hall. Here’s a peek into our day trip and what made Nara such a memorable stop.

Quick Snapshot: Nara at a Glance

Location: Nara, Japan
Getting There: 45-minute train ride from Kyoto
Time Spent: Day trip (approx. 6–8 hours)
Must-Sees: Todai-ji Temple, Nara Park, The Daibutsu (Great Buddha)
Vibe: Playful, peaceful, deeply spiritual

Points of Interest in Nara

Nara Deer Park

Our first stop was Nara Park, famous for its free-roaming deer—believed to be messengers of the gods in Shinto tradition. You can feed them special crackers (shika senbei) that are sold in small packets throughout the park, and many deer will bow to you politely in exchange. Many of the deer will even bow to you in exchange—it’s as adorable as it sounds.

Todai-ji Daibutsuden: The Great Buddha Hall

Next, we made our way to Todai-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s most iconic temples. The Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) is or was the largest wooden structure in the world—and standing in front of it, you truly feel it. The hall is massive and awe-inspiring.

Inside sits the Daibutsu, Japan’s largest bronze Buddha. And, if you are in need of some enlightenment, be sure to look out for the pillar with a hole the size of the Buddha’s nostril. Legend has it that anyone who can squeeze through will be granted enlightenment in their next life. It’s part spiritual ritual, part quirky and fun photo op—and exactly the kind of endearing experience that sets Nara apart.

Let’s just say Ryan barely made it through, which gave me second thoughts about trying it myself! Another tourist jovially described the scene as “like watching childbirth”. I wish we had asked him for a copy of the video!

Before leaving, there are also two incredible 1:50 scale models of the original temple—one from 800 years ago, and another from 300 years ago. Both versions reflect how the structure has changed (and been rebuilt) after several fires over the centuries.

As for souvenirs, there was a coin machine that would make an impression of the Great Buddha Hall with a few variations. You can even have your name and birth date engraved on it as well. A great memory on a nice, shiny coin for just a few yen.

Final Thoughts

If you’re visiting Kyoto or Osaka, a day trip to Nara is a must. It offers the perfect blend of history, spirituality, wildlife, and weird-but-wonderful moments you won’t forget. It’s peaceful, charming, and full of photo-worthy surprises.

Next time, we’d love to explore more of Nara’s quieter temples and try some of the local specialties. But even with just a few hours, this city left a big impression—right through the Buddha’s nostril.

Travel Tips for Nara

• Bring coins for deer crackers (around ¥200–¥300)
• You’re welcome to gently pet or stroke the deer but not the fawns as they can get aggressive.
• Wear comfy shoes—the park is walkable, but quite large
• Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially during weekends and holiday