Suggested Nara Full Day Walk

The following is a full-day model course for average-paced travelers that covers the major attractions in Nara on foot over about five kilometers. Add an additional kilometer if you start at JR Nara Station instead of Kintetsu Nara Station.

Start

Start at Kintetsu Nara Station

Walk

5-10 minutes

Central Golden Hall

Kofukuji Temple's main hall 20 minutes

The Central Golden Hall is the main hall of Kofukuji Temple. It was destroyed in a fire about 300 years ago, and the current building is a reconstruction that was opened to the public in 2018 after years of reconstruction.

Eastern Golden Hall

Kofukuji Temple's eastern hall 20 minutes

The Eastern Golden Hall dates back to 1415 and houses a large statue of the Yakushi Buddha. Kofukuji's famous five-storied pagoda stands right beside.

National Treasure Museum

Museum showcasing the temple's art collection 45 minutes

The National Treasure Museum exhibits part of the temple's great art collection and is an absolute must-see for lovers of Buddhist art.

Walk

5 minutes

Nara National Museum

One of only four national museums in Japan 60-90 minutes

The Nara National Museum primarily displays Japanese Buddhist art, including temporary exhibitions. There are two wings to the museum, and they are connected by an underground corridor.

Walk

10 minutes

Nandaimon Gate

Massive gate along the approach to Todaiji 5 minutes

Nandaimon Gate is a large gate that stands at the entrance of Todaiji Temple. The two Nio Guardian King statues that flank the center path are also designated national treasures together with the gate.

Daibutsuden Hall

Todaiji Temple's main hall 45 minutes

Todaiji is one of Japan's most famous temples and a landmark of Nara. Its main hall, the Daibutsuden Hall, is the world's largest wooden building and houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha.

Walk

10 minutes

Approach to Nigatsudo

Scenic walkway 10 minutes

The scenic approach along the hill east of the Daibutsuden Hall is a quiet and picturesque street that leads to Nigatsudo Hall

Nigatsudo Hall

Temple hall with nice views from its balcony 20 minutes

The Nigatsudo Hall stands on a small hill east of the Daibutsuden Hall. Nice views of Nara can be enjoyed from its balcony. The hall is the site of the spectacular Omizutori ceremonies, held every March.

Walk

20 minutes

Kasuga Taisha

Nara's most celebrated Shinto shrine 60 minutes

Kasuga Taisha was established at the same time as the capital and is dedicated to the deity responsible for the protection of the city. The paid inner area of the shrine offers visitors a closer look at the inner buildings.

Return to train station by bus

15 minutes

Finish

Questions? Ask in our forum.

Budget:

- Guest House Oku
  Budget-friendly
  
  A 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, Guest House Oku is located a 15-minute walk from JR Nara station. Guest House Oku features a total of 3 guest rooms and free WiFi throughout the property. All rooms come with air conditioning. A toilet and shower is available for guests. You will find luggage storage space at the property. Kofuku-ji is 900 metres from Guest House Oku, while Todaiji Temple is 1.4 km away. Kansai International Airport is a 95-minute limousine bus ride away. A shared shower and toilet are available for guests
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- Hilo Hostel
  Mid-range
  
  Located less than 1 km from Nara Station, Hilo Hostel provides rooms with air conditioning in Nara. This 3-star hostel offers a shared kitchen, luggage storage space and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is set 18 km from Iwafune Shrine. Higashiosaka Hanazono Rugby Stadium is 21 km from the hostel, while Nippon Christ Kyodan Shijonawate Church is 22 km away. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 53 km from Hilo Hostel.
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- Mountain Home Lodge in Deer Park
  Budget-friendly
  
  Mountain Home Lodge in Deer Park is situated in the Nara Park district of Nara, 3.3 km from Nara Station and 20 km from Iwafune Shrine. Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the property. There is a private bathroom with bidet in some units, along with free toiletries, a hairdryer and slippers. If you would like to discover the area, hiking is possible in the surroundings. Higashiosaka Hanazono Rugby Stadium is 23 km from the lodge, while Nippon Christ Kyodan Shijonawate Church is 25 km from the property. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 55 km from Mountain Home Lodge in Deer Park.
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- NARA Visitor Center and Inn
  Budget-friendly
  
  The Nara Visitor Center and Inn is situated in the heart of Nara, just a 3-minute walk from Kofuku-ji Temple and Naramachi. The Todai-ji Temple and Deer Park are a 10-minute stroll away, while Nara Station on the Kintetsu Line is a 7-minute walk. JR Nara Station is 14-minutes away on foot. All guest rooms feature air conditioning and heating, and are equipped with a fridge and flat-screen TV. Japanese samue nightwear are available to all staying guests. Some units come equipped with an en suite bathroom with a shower, while some Japanese-style rooms come with an en suite shower. Japanese-style rooms feature tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. The property offers free WiFi access and a 24-hour front desk. Luggage storage is available. There is a public bath on site, where guests will find free toiletries and hairdryers. A coin launderette, a shared kitchen and free-use internet PCs are offered on site. The on-site tourist information desk offers information in English, Chinese and Korean. Services offered at the desk include transport and meal tickets at a discount, currency exchange, bike hire at a charge, cultural activities at an additional charge, such as Japanese calligraphy lessons, and tour arrangements. Some cultural activities such as origami folding are offered free of charge.
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- Yuzan Guesthouse
  Budget-friendly
  
  Conveniently located a 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station and a 8-minute walk from JR Nara Station, Yuzan Guest House Annex offers cosy accommodation with a shared kitchen. Free WiFi access is available throughout the property. Each room is simply decorated and comes with air conditioning and heating facilities. Guests can choose to stay in Japanese-style rooms featuring tatami (woven-straw) floor and futon bedding. Bathroom facilities are shared. At Guest House Yuzan Annex you will find a small garden, a terrace and a shared lounge. Free luggage storage is also available upon request. Guests can make a 10-minute stroll to the Nara Park, located in the city central area. Todaiji Temple and Heijo Palace are both a 10-minute drive away while Kansai International Airport can be reached with a 80-minute drive. Meals are not served on site.
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- Guesthouse Tamura
  Budget-friendly
  
  Renovating a Japanese-style private house with a 100-year history, Guesthouse Tamura offers an accommodation in Fushigazushi-cho, Nara. Kintetsu Nara Station is a 13-minute walk away, while Kasuga Taisha Shrine is a 20-minute stroll. Every room comes with a shared bathroom. Some rooms feature tatami (woven-straw) flooring and Japanese futon bedding. You will find luggage storage space at the property. Vegetarian meals can be offered upon request. Kofuku-ji is 8 minutes on foot from Guesthouse Tamura, while Nara Park is a 20-minute stroll away. Osaka Itami Airport is 38 km from the property.
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- SLOW HOUSE NARA
  Budget-friendly
  
  Featuring 2-star accommodation, SLOW HOUSE NARA is located in Nara, 1.3 km from Nara Station and 19 km from Iwafune Shrine. The 2-star guest house has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen and luggage storage space for guests. At the guest house, each room comes with a desk. At SLOW HOUSE NARA every room is equipped with bed linen and towels. Higashiosaka Hanazono Rugby Stadium is 22 km from the accommodation, while Nippon Christ Kyodan Shijonawate Church is 23 km away. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 54 km from SLOW HOUSE NARA.
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- Setre Naramachi
  Luxury
  
  Setre Naramachi features free bikes, garden, a shared lounge and terrace in Nara. With a restaurant, the 5-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is located 1.9 km from Nara Station. At the hotel, the rooms are equipped with a wardrobe. Each room comes with a kettle, while certain rooms include a balcony and others also offer mountain views. Guest rooms in Setre Naramachi are equipped with a flat-screen TV and free toiletries. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy an Asian breakfast. Staff speak English and Japanese at the reception. Iwafune Shrine is 19 km from Setre Naramachi, while Higashiosaka Hanazono Rugby Stadium is 23 km away. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 54 km from the hotel.
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- Hotel Rokune
  Mid-range
  
  Located in Nara, Hotel Rokune provides 3-star accommodation with private balconies. Featuring a terrace, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property is non-smoking and is set 700 metres from Nara Station. All units are equipped with a fridge, microwave, a kettle, a bidet, a hairdryer and a desk. At the hotel every room is equipped with bed linen and towels. Hotel Rokune offers 3-star accommodation with a hot tub. Iwafune Shrine is 17 km from the accommodation, while Higashiosaka Hanazono Rugby Stadium is 21 km away. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 52 km from Hotel Rokune.
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- The Deer Park Inn
  Budget-friendly
  
  Located within Nara Park, The Deer Park Inn offers free Wi-Fi throughout the property and a chance to feed the many deer roaming around the park. Kintesunara Train Station is an 8-minute taxi ride away. Rooms feature air conditioning/heating and free toiletries. Bathrooms and toilets are shared with other guests. Meals are not served on the property, but guests can use the communal kitchen to prepare their own meals. Luggage storage is available for free and a coin launderette is available at a surcharge. Kasuga Taisha Shrine is located a 7-minute walk away, while the Todaiji Temple is located within a 15-minute walk from the property. Guests can also take a 13-minute walk to access the Nara National Museum or a 17-minute walk to see the beautiful Isuien Garden.
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