Looking for a quick excursion from Kyoto or Osaka in Japan? Consider taking a day trip to Nara with your kids! 

The city of Nara is a perfect destination to immerse in Japan's rich heritage while enjoying activities that keep kids engaged and excited. The first permanent capital city of Japan, the city is just a short ride from Kyoto and Osaka. It should be a must for any Japan travel itinerary.

We visited Nara for one day during our week stay in Kyoto in 2024, and we loved it. We saw temples, shrines, old historic homes, and so much deer! After that day trip to Nara, I decided to put together this day trip itinerary to entice families to experience Nara for themselves. 

Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or just looking for a memorable outing, Nara should be a must-visit on any family’s Japan itinerary.

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Top tours for a day trip to Nara

While in Nara, you can book a walking tour or a bike tour to really maximize your time in the city and learn about the history and culture of Nara. 

Choose from one of these great tours to make the most of your day trip to Nara.

Private walking tour with a licensed guide from Japan Guide Agency 

Half-day walking tour by MagicalTrip Inc

Private bike tour offered by Japan Tour Adventure

Day trip to Nara itinerary

This day trip to Nara itinerary is aimed for families spending a day in Nara. It’s a mix of outdoor time, food activities, and culture and learning. Some of the places in this itinerary are also part of UNESCO-designated World Heritage Sites, as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.  

The activities listed in this day trip to Nara are all the things we did when we visited Nara in summer 2024. I’ve also added additional activities we didn’t get a chance to do. As you’re putting together your itinerary, feel free to swap out any things to do in Nara to suit your family’s preference

1. Feed deer at Nara Park

Nara is known for its bowing deer. In Shinto tradition, deer were considered sacred, and the deer in Nara hold a special place within the city’s culture.

If you’re doing a day trip to Nara, the first place you need to go is Nara Park, located just a 5 minute walk from the Kintetsu Nara Station.

Nara Park is where the deer live. You can buy special deer crackers to feed the deer for 200 yen a pack.  This is the only food you’re allowed to feed to the deer. When receiving a cracker, the deer may sometimes bow - this is why they’re known as the bowing deer.

If you have little kids, be sure that you keep them close by as the deer can get curious. They may try to nibble on things that aren’t food, such as shirts, purses, or little fingers. Also, try to stay calm around the deer and don’t run or make too sudden of movements.

2. See the Buddha at Tōdai-ji Temple

While in Nara Park, take a walk to Tōdai-ji Temple. This Buddhist temple is a historic marvel, originally constructed in 752 and recognized as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Monuments of Nara. 

Tōdai-ji Temple is renowned for the Great Buddha Hall, or Daibutsu-den. It’s one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. Inside this impressive structure stands a magnificent 15-meter-tall bronze statue of Buddha, an awe-inspiring sight that draws visitors from around the globe.

There’s more to Tōdai-ji than just the Great Buddha. The temple grounds also feature another worship hall and a museum, each providing unique insights into the rich cultural and religious heritage of Nara. The entrance fee for the Great Buddha Hall is 800 yen for adults and 400 yen for children, with similar pricing for access to the other buildings.

Exploring Tōdai-ji Temple is a journey for families through history and spirituality. It offers families a chance to connect with Japan's ancient traditions and architectural grandeur during their day trip to Nara. Whether marveling at the colossal Buddha statue or exploring the museum's treasures, a visit to Todai-ji is a must for anyone traveling to Nara.

3. Have lunch at Azekuraya

If you’re in the mood for lunch during your day trip to Nara, head to Azekuraya, located within Nara Park. This small restaurant serves delicious noodle dishes and is just a short walk from Tōdai-ji Temple.

We stopped here for lunch during our Nara day trip and ordered cold soba noodles and ramen. We also had matcha ice cream, which was a pleasant cool treat on a very hot day.

The servers were very friendly, and there was an English menu available. Plus, the cost of the meals were reasonable, between 1,000-2,000 yen per person. Many of the other restaurants at Nara Park are within this price range as well.

4. Climb up Wakakusayama Hill

After enjoying a leisurely lunch, head to Wakakusayama Hill in Nara Park for a stunning aerial view of the city during your day trip to Nara. 

The hill, though a bit steep, rewards visitors with breathtaking vistas that make the climb worthwhile. For those seeking a bit more adventure, a hike further up the hill leads to an observatory, offering an even more expansive view of the surrounding landscape. However, the main meadow area of the hill itself provides ample opportunity for relaxation and sightseeing.

Wakakusayama Hill is also known for its charming resident deer, which graze peacefully on the slopes. These friendly animals add to the serene and picturesque atmosphere, making the hill an ideal spot for a peaceful afternoon with nature. 

The entrance fee to Wakakusayama Hill is quite affordable, at 150 yen for adults and 80 yen for children. This makes it an accessible and enjoyable activity for families and travelers looking to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Nara. With its panoramic views and tranquil setting, Wakakusayama Hill is a must-visit spot for anyone exploring Nara Park.

5. Meditate at Kasuga Taisha Shrine

After exploring Wakakusayama Hill, head to the Kasuga Taisha Shrine for a serene and culturally enriching experience during your day trip to Nara. 

Built in 768, this Shinto shrine is a prominent historical and spiritual site in Nara Park, recognized as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites under the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara. The shrine is renowned for its beautiful bronze and stone lanterns that adorn the grounds, creating a mystical and tranquil atmosphere.

The shrine complex offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in traditional Japanese culture and spirituality. A designated path guides you around the various worship areas, allowing for a peaceful and contemplative exploration of the site. Admission to Kasuga Taisha Shrine is 500 yen.

6. Enjoy art at Nara National Museum

The last stop in Nara Park during your day trip to Nara should be the Nara National Museum. This museum is a must-visit destination for those interested in Japan's rich cultural heritage. 

The Nara National Museum showcases an impressive collection of art from ancient Nara, with a particular focus on Buddhist art. Its extensive array of sculptures, paintings, and artifacts offers a fascinating glimpse into the spiritual and artistic history of the region.

In addition to its traditional exhibits, the museum also features interactive displays that are engaging for families, making it a great spot for visitors of all ages. Also, after a day spent exploring Nara Park, the climate-controlled museum provides a cool and comfortable environment to rest and reflect. 

The Nara National Museum is open daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm, with extended hours until 8 pm on Saturdays. Admission is reasonably priced at 800 yen for adults, and children can enter for free. Families can also take advantage of a special rate of 1200 yen. Note that while photography is generally not permitted inside the museum, certain exhibits do allow for photos.

7. Stroll through Naramachi

After wandering through Nara Park and hanging out with the deer, head to Naramachi to see a different side of the city on your day trip to Nara. Naramachi is an old traditional neighborhood in Nara.

Many of the buildings in Naramachi have preserved the Edo style architecture of wooden buildings, known as machiya. This neighborhood in particular was a former merchant building, and while most of the buildings now are private residential homes, there are several small museums and souvenir shops you can visit to see what Edo period machiya homes and buildings were like on the inside.

We didn’t have time to go into any of the museums on our day trip to Nara, but it was still pleasant to walk around the neighborhood. If you’re walking through Naramachi, make sure to be respectful of people’s private homes: don’t make too much noise on the street, and give way to cars and bicycles.

8. Sample curry at Curry and Cafe Koruri

For dinner during your day trip to Nara, stop by Curry and Cafe Koruri to sample Japanese curry. 

Curry was brought to Japan in the 1800’s by the British via the Indian subcontinent. Since then, it’s become a staple of Japanese cuisine and is typically eaten over rice.

This cozy mom and pop restaurant is located in an alley in Naramachi, near Jurin-in Buddhist temple. The menu is simple, with only four options of curry, but it was very delicious. Besides the delicious curry at Curry and Cafe Koruri, we also liked the atmosphere of the restaurant.

The owners of Curry and Cafe Koruri also have a collection of guitars at the back of the restaurant, and let us play them. One of the owners even joined in on an impromptu jam session in between cooking the dishes. It was a perfect travel experience!

9. Shop at Higashimuki Street

For stocking up on souvenirs during your day trip to Nara, be sure to stop by Higashimuki Street. This street is located next to the Kintetsu Nara Station and is a covered pedestrian walkway lined with shops and restaurants.

Kofuku-ji Buddhist temple is located just a few minutes walk from Higashimuki Street. And to the south of Higashimuki Street is Mochiidono Street, another covered shopping area. This street was once known for its homemade mochi, but now is mainly full of shops and restaurants.

More things to do on a day trip to Nara

A day trip to Nara is not enough time to experience everything that Nara has to offer. There are so many more places we wanted to see but didn’t have time during our 1 day itinerary in Nara.

Here are some other activities ideas you can do with your kids on a day trip to Nara.

• Heijo Palace
• Isuien Garden
• Naramachi Nigiwai-no-le
• Naramachi Koshi-no-le

How to get to Nara

Nara, located in the southern half of Japan, is a city rich in history and culture, having once served as the country's capital. 

Getting to Nara from either Osaka or Kyoto is convenient and straightforward, with several transportation options available. The most popular route is via the Kintetsu Nara line, which provides easy access to the city's main attractions, including Nara Deer Park.

From Osaka, travelers can choose between the Kintetsu Nara line and a commuter train. For those coming from Kyoto, the Japan Rail train and the Kintetsu train are both good options. On the Japan Rail, you can just purchase a single ticket if you don’t have a Japan Rail pass.

The Kintetsu line offers regular train services for around 680 yen from Osaka and 760 yen from Kyoto, with discounted fares for children. Alternatively, the Limited Express train provides a quicker journey with fewer stops for an additional 520 yen. 

Sight-seeing train from Kyoto

For a more luxurious experience, visitors from Kyoto can opt for the Aoniyoshi train, a Limited Express sightseeing train featuring luxury seats and a dining car. 

This is what we did when we took our day trip to Nara from Kyoto. The Aoniyoshi train takes around 35 minutes and offers a stylish and comfortable way to reach Nara.

Additional day trip to Nara transport suggestion

If you wanted to take a day trip to Nara and Osaka from Kyoto, you could buy a Kintetsu ticket to Nara, and then another Kintetsu ticket to Osaka from Nara. On the way back, just book an Osaka Kyoto Japan Rail ticket! 

Note that even though the train rides are short, this will certainly make for a long sightseeing day. So I would only suggest this for families with older teens.

A fun day trip to Nara experience for the family

A day trip to Nara Japan offers a blend of cultural exploration and family-friendly activities that make it an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. From the charming and friendly deer of Nara Park, to the awe-inspiring temples and historic neighborhoods, a visit to Nara offers insights into the daily life and culture of ancient Japan. 

We really enjoyed our day trip to Nara, and we think you’ll like it too. Nara's blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and interactive experiences make it an ideal destination for families. And the city's accessible layout and well-preserved landmarks ensure a day filled with discovery and delight. 

Are you planning a trip to Japan? Make sure Nara is on your destination list!

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