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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

Hotels around Nara

Top rated in Nara
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 shared 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.
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    • SETRE Naramachi ƒZƒgƒŒ ‚È‚ç‚Ü‚¿
      Luxury
      SETRE Naramachi ƒZƒgƒŒ ‚È‚ç‚Ü‚¿ features free bikes, garden, a shared lounge and terrace in Nara. Featuring a 24-hour front desk, this property also provides guests with a restaurant. The property is non-smoking and is located 1.9 km from Nara Station. At the hotel, the rooms are equipped with a wardrobe. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with a bidet and free toiletries, guest rooms at SETRE Naramachi ƒZƒgƒŒ ‚È‚ç‚Ü‚¿ have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and certain rooms include a balcony. At the accommodation each room comes with bed linen and towels. Iwafune Shrine is 19 km from SETRE Naramachi ƒZƒgƒŒ ‚È‚ç‚Ü‚¿, while Higashiosaka Hanazono Rugby Stadium is 23 km away. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 54 km from the hotel.
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    • Guesthouse Naramachi
      Budget-friendly
      The 100-year old Guesthouse Naramachi offers simple Japanese-style accommodation just a 5-minute walk from JR Kyobate Train Station. The property is completely non-smoking. It offers massages, bicycle rental and free Wi-Fi throughout. The World Heritage registered Nara Park is a 10-minute walk away. Guests at Naramachi can choose a private room with tatami (woven-straw) flooring and Japanese futon beds. All rooms are air-conditioned, and bathrooms and toilets are shared. Bath towels, washclothes and Yukata robes can be rented. JR Nara Train Station is a 20-minute walk, and Kofuku-ji Temple is a pleasant 10-minute walk away through the traditional streets of Nara. Gangoji Temple and three public baths are available within a 5-minute walk. Various types of bicycles can be rented. A free-use kitchenette is provided, with a microwave, fridge and electric kettle. At time of booking, you must inform the hotel what time you plan to check in. If your check-in time changes, please update the hotel. Guests who require parking must inform the hotel at time of booking.
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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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    • 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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    • Tsukihitei
      Luxury
      Tsukihitei is located in the Kasugayama Primeval Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Each guest room has a Japanese-style decor and offer panoramic forest views, traditional tatami (woven-straw) floors, and shoji paper screens. All guest rooms are equipped with Japanese-style futon beds. The rooms have an en suite bathroom. Kasuga Taisha Shrine is 400 metres away from the property. Todaiji Temple is about a 10-minute walk away. Kintetsu Nara Train Station and JR Nara Train Station are both less than a 10-minute drive away. Japanese-style breakfast and a set meal course dinners are prepared by the Japanese chef using seasonal specialities.
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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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    • Hilo Hostel
      Mid-range
      Hilo Hostel is located in Nara, within less than 1 km of Nara Station and 18 km of Iwafune Shrine. The 3-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with a shared bathroom and free WiFi. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen, and luggage storage for guests. 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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    • 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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    • Onyado Nono Nara Natural Hot Spring
      Luxury
      Featuring natural hot spring baths on site, Onyado Nono Nara Natural Hot Spring is set in Nara, just a 3-minute walk from JR Nara Station. Free WiFi is available throughout the property, and private parking is available on site. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Kofuku-ji Temple is 15 minutes on foot. All rooms include a flat-screen TV and electric kettle in the room. Rooms have a private bathroom fitted with a bath or shower and bidet. For your comfort, you will find slippers, free toiletries and a hairdryer. Extras include a fridge and toothbrushes. There is a 24-hour front desk at the property. Free luggage storage service is provided. Todaiji Temple is 10 minutes by car from Onyado Nono Nara Natural Hot Spring, while Nara Park is a 20-minute stroll from the property. Osaka Itami Airport is 37 km away.
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Experiences around Nara

Top rated in Nara