Nara-shi

This is your travel guide for Nara-shi

1 : Visit Todai-ji Temple [2 hrs]

Todai-ji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses the Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden), which is the largest wooden building in the world. Inside the hall, you can see a colossal bronze statue of Buddha Vairocana. The temple complex also includes a beautiful garden and the Nigatsu-do Hall, offering breathtaking views of Nara City.

2 : Explore Nara Park [2 hrs]

Nara Park is famous for its free-roaming deer that are considered a symbol of the city. You can feed the friendly deer special crackers called “shika senbei” available for purchase in the park. The park is also home to many temples and shrines including Kasuga Taisha and Kofuku-ji. Don’t miss the picturesque ponds and walking trails.

3 : Discover Horyu-ji Temple [3 hrs]

Horyu-ji Temple is one of the oldest and most significant Buddhist temples in Japan. It consists of several pagodas and halls, showcasing exquisite wooden architecture and ancient Buddhist artifacts. The temple’s treasure house holds important cultural assets including statues, scrolls, and scriptures dating back over a thousand years.

4 : Stroll around Isuien Garden [1 hr]

Isuien Garden is a traditional Japanese garden divided into two parts, a front garden, and a rear garden. The front garden features a pond, teahouse, and stone lanterns, while the rear garden offers a peaceful retreat with walking paths and a variety of seasonal flowers and plants. Enjoy the tranquility and beauty of this hidden gem.

5 : Visit Yoshiki-en Garden [1 hr]

Yoshiki-en Garden is a peaceful oasis in the heart of Nara City, known for its exquisite landscaping and traditional tea houses. The garden has three distinct sections representing different styles of Japanese gardening – a pond garden, a moss garden, and a tea ceremony garden. Take a leisurely stroll and appreciate the harmony between nature and architecture.

Background Info

Weather

Nara-shi experiences a temperate climate with hot and humid summers, mild winters, and moderate rainfall throughout the year. Summer temperatures average around 30°C (86°F) while winter temperatures can drop to around 5°C (41°F). The city receives most of its rainfall during the rainy season from June to July and typhoons are common in late summer.

Language

The local language spoken in Nara, Japan is Japanese. English is not widely spoken, so it’s helpful to learn some basic Japanese phrases or carry a translation guide while visiting.

Cost Of Living

The cost of living in Nara, Japan is relatively high compared to other cities in Japan. Accommodation, transportation, and dining out can be expensive, but there are also budget-friendly options available, especially in terms of street food and public transportation. Overall, Nara offers a mix of luxury and affordable experiences for visitors.