Nara Prefecture

Site of Japan's ancient capital, with the Great Buddha of Todai-ji, the deer of Nara Park, Horyu-ji and other historic sites.

Nara Prefecture lies inland on the Kii Peninsula in Japan's Kansai region on Honshu, and is one of the few prefectures without a coastline. In the 8th century Heijo-kyo was Japan's capital, and historic sites of ancient Nara such as Todai-ji, Kofuku-ji and Kasuga Taisha are World Heritage-listed, while herds of deer roam freely in Nara Park. Horyu-ji in Ikaruga is one of the world's oldest surviving wooden building complexes, and Mt. Yoshino in the south, famous for its cherry blossoms, is also part of the sacred sites of the Kii Mountain Range. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit. It is about 30 minutes to an hour from Kyoto or Osaka by Kintetsu or JR.

Destinations

• Nara
• Shirahama & Kumano Kodo

Itineraries

• Classic Kansai: Kyoto, Nara, Osaka & Himeji – A classic introductory Kansai route connecting Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Himeji by rail.
• Osaka First-Timer's Classics and a Day in Nara – Dotonbori at night, the deer park and ancient temples of Nara, and Osaka Castle and Shinsekai, covering the highlights…
• Japan Golden Route: Tokyo, Hakone, Kansai & Hiroshima – Travel west from Tokyo through Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, and Himeji to Hiroshima, returning to Osaka for departure.
• Kyoto In Depth: 5 Days with a Day Trip to Nara – Stay in Gion and Higashiyama for five days, exploring the north and east of the city, Ginkaku-ji and Arashiyama, with a…
• Kumano Kodo: Nakahechi, Hongu & Nachi – Hike the highlights of the World Heritage Nakahechi route, connecting the Kumano Sanzan while staying in hot spring and…
• Kii Peninsula Road Trip: Koyasan & Kumano Coast – A scenic drive around the Kii Peninsula, staying in temple lodgings and hot spring resorts, featuring the Kumano Sanzan…
• Deep Osaka: Old Streets, Museums and the Northern Suburbs – Nakanoshima, the old streets of Tenjin, Minoh and Expo Park in the north, Horyu-ji in Nara, plus Sumiyoshi Taisha and E…
• Osaka as Base: Kyoto, Nara and Mount Koya – Stay in Namba, take day trips to Kyoto and Nara, then spend one night in a Mount Koya temple lodging to experience morn…