Kansai · western Japan
Nara
Japan's first capital: giant bronze Buddha, open parkland, and deer that bow for biscuits.
Best seasonOctober–November, and April
How long to stay1 day
AreaKansai · western Japan
Why go
- Todai-ji holds the Great Buddha — fifteen metres of bronze in the largest wooden hall you will walk into.
- The deer in Nara Park are wild but used to people, and they genuinely bow when you hold a cracker.
- Kasuga Taisha's stone lanterns along a cedar path, quiet even on a busy day.
- It is small enough to see properly in a day, which makes it a good break from the big cities.
Practical notes
- Deer will take anything from an open bag, including maps and tickets. Close your bag.
- Buy deer crackers only from the official stalls — other food makes them ill.
- Everything worth seeing is walkable from Kintetsu Nara station.
Getting there
About 45 minutes from Kyoto or Osaka by train. Easy as a day trip from either.