Is Nara Worth Visiting? 3 Reasons to Add (or Skip) Nara on Your Japan Itinerary
Planning a trip to Japan can feel overwhelming—especially if it’s your first time. With thousands of shrines, temples, parks, and iconic cities to explore, deciding where to spend your precious vacation days is no easy task. One destination many travelers debate is Nara, a city famous for its bowing deer, ancient temples, and easy access from Kyoto and Osaka.
So… should you include Nara on your Japan itinerary?
Let’s go through three compelling reasons people love visiting Nara—and some honest things you should know before you go.
1. Nara Is Easy to Reach From Kyoto & Osaka
One of the biggest reasons travelers consider Nara is how convenient and accessible it is.
From Kyoto: About 1 hour by train
From Osaka: About 45 minutes by train
JR Pass: Fully covered by a Japan Rail Pass or most JR regional passes
This makes Nara one of the easiest day trips in the Kansai region. If you’re already staying in Kyoto or Osaka, visiting Nara won’t take much effort or extra cost.
Why this matters:
When your itinerary is already packed, being able to squeeze in a half-day or full-day trip without extra transfers or complicated transportation can make all the difference.
2. Meet the Famous Bowing Deer of Nara Park
Nara is home to roughly 1,200 free-roaming deer that live in and around the enormous Nara Park, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. They’ve become famous online for their adorable “bowing”—a behavior they often perform in exchange for food.
Here’s what to know before you go:
Where the Deer Are
After you arrive at Nara Station, expect around a 30-minute walk to the main area of Nara Park.
How the Bowing Works
If you bow to a deer, sometimes they bow back… but usually not unless you have food.
You can buy deer crackers (150 yen) from local vendors. The moment the deer realize you have them—well, get ready.
Cute… but Also Aggressive
This is the part many guides gloss over. The deer may bow politely, but they can also:
Bite at your clothes
Head-butt you
Swarm you if they see crackers
Knock over small children
They are adorable, but definitely not shy!
3. Visit the Great Buddha (Todai-ji Daibutsu)
If you imagine serene temples, giant gates, and deep history, Todai-ji Temple is the highlight of Nara.
Walking to the Temple
From the park entrance, it’s about a 30-minute walk through the park to Todai-ji—but the route feels like stepping back in time.
The Great Buddha
Inside this massive wooden building (one of the largest wooden structures on Earth!) sits the 15-meter-tall Great Buddha, or Daibutsu.
Standing in front of it feels spiritual, peaceful, and awe-inspiring—at least when it’s not packed with visitors.
Crowds
Like many popular sites in Japan, Todai-ji can get extremely busy. Even on what locals consider a “quiet day,” it was crowded enough that lingering to enjoy the peaceful energy was difficult.
Things to Know Before You Visit Nara
Before deciding whether Nara deserves a spot on your itinerary, here are a few important considerations:
✔ The Deer Are More Aggressive Than You Expect
Funny, cute, and photogenic—but they can be bold to the point of scary. If you have kids or don’t enjoy animals up in your personal space, this may be a drawback.
✔ There’s a Lot of Walking
Like many cities in Japan, Nara involves long distances between attractions. Wear comfortable shoes and plan for several hours on your feet.
✔ Crowds Can Impact the Experience
Even on a slower day, the main areas felt very busy. On peak tourist days, it can be overwhelming.
Is One Day Enough in Nara?
Yes.
A single day is more than enough to see the main highlights:
Nara Park
The deer
Todai-ji Temple
The Great Buddha
If you’re efficient, even a half day is possible.
My Honest Recommendation: Should You Visit Nara?
While Nara is absolutely beautiful and full of history, I personally wish we had skipped it on this trip and spent an extra day in Kyoto instead. The crowds and aggressive deer made the experience less enjoyable than expected.
That said—if Nara is a bucket-list item for you or you’re already nearby, it’s an easy and worthwhile day trip.
Final Thoughts
Nara is a unique destination with ancient temples, iconic deer, and a deep connection to early Japanese history. Whether you decide to include it in your itinerary depends on your travel style, pace, and priorities.
I hope this guide helps you decide if Nara is worth visiting on your Japan trip!
