Unique features of Naramachi include the coffee shops and shopping. Make a stop by Nara City Museum of Photography or Nara Park while you're exploring the area.
This ancient park invites you to mingle with sacred, bowing deer who roam freely among historic temples. Enjoy the serene landscape during cherry blossom season or autumn's vibrant foliage.
Todaiji Temple
9.2/10 (2,261 reviews)
Home to one of the world's largest wooden buildings and a towering 15-meter bronze Buddha statue. Wander through ancient halls as friendly sacred deer roam the surrounding Nara Park.
Heijo Palace
8.2/10 (93 reviews)
Step back in time at Heijō Palace, Japan's first permanent capital during the Nara period. Wander through meticulously reconstructed imperial structures while exploring the free museums showcasing ancient court life.
Kasuga Shrine
9.0/10 (660 reviews)
This ancient Shinto shrine captivates with thousands of stone and bronze lanterns along forested paths. Experience the spiritual ambiance among freely roaming deer, considered divine messengers in Japanese tradition.
Yakushi-ji Temple
9.0/10 (322 reviews)
This 7th-century temple houses the exquisite East Pagoda, Japan's only surviving original structure from the era. Explore the serene grounds to admire the bronze Yakushi Triad statues representing the Healing Buddha.
Sarusawa Pond Park
8.4/10 (285 reviews)
Sarusawa Pond mirrors the ancient five-story pagoda of Kofukuji Temple on its tranquil waters. Stroll along willow-lined paths at sunset to capture the most magical reflections.
Nara National Museum
8.6/10 (200 reviews)
This renowned sanctuary of Buddhist art houses nearly 100 ancient statues and treasures from the Nara period. Visit during autumn's Shosoin Exhibition to witness rare artefacts displayed only once yearly.
Saidai-ji
8.8/10 (35 reviews)
Established in 765, Saidai-ji Temple features impressive Edo-period architecture and a life-sized Shakyamuni Buddha statue. Experience the famous Ochamori ceremony where participants drink from unusually large tea bowls.
"The hotel is modern, clean with Bath. They have shuttle bus to the JR station departing from Marriott hotel next door, but they do not advertise that. So, we walked from JR station to the hotel in the heat for 30 min.
Breakfast and dinner is very expensive, but you can get just burger for good prize. There is a supermarket 5 min walk."
"Hotel is clean and well situated. Staff was friendly and helpful. We didn't know about the bag to put the towels and garbage outside but he got the system after seeing people leave theirs out in the hallway. Laundry was good."
"It was probably best choice I made as really close to Nara park with all deer that can be polite but scary at same time. Worth the experience. I want say the traditional style was amazing be prepared as all stairs . Amenities like private bath traditional style ice machine on fist floor and massage chairs. And when you check out want explore can leave luggage in massage chair room until ready go next destination. I high recommend and come back."
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
You can snap up a holiday package to this popular destination on Expedia. However, how much your holiday to Nara costs will depend on your hotel choice, length of stay and season.
What are the cheapest months to go to Nara?
December, January and February are the best times to search for cheap Nara holiday packages. Choosing to travel in less busy periods means you can generally find better prices on accommodation and flights.
How many days is enough for Nara?
Dedicate at least 2 days for your Nara holiday in order to enjoy everything that makes this place unique. Explore popular neighbourhoods, including Naramachi and Noboriōji. Then head to the major sights like Nara Prefectural Art Museum and Neiraku Art Museum. With a well-planned itinerary, you can keep busy with room for some rest and relaxation too. Want to venture beyond Nara? Consider fitting in a day trip or two.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Nara?
Whether you'd like to visit top attractions like Naramachi and Kasuga Shrine on your Nara holiday, or coming for its excellent nature, views and culture, there's something for everyone here. With so much to see and do, you'll quickly learn why so many visitors think Nara is a good holiday destination.
How to find the best Nara package deals?
Bagging a cheap Nara package deal is a breeze with Expedia. After you've entered your destination and preferred dates under our "Packages" tab, set your maximum budget, add a couple of filters and see what's available. You can personalise your search by "Popular locations," "Property type," "Guest rating" and more. Sort the results by "Price: low to high" to discover the most wallet-friendly Nara package deals. Want a simple trick to get the biggest savings? Be flexible with your departure dates and consider travelling on a weekday, when prices are often lower.
Is it cheaper to book a Nara holiday as a package?
You can enjoy significant savings on your next Nara getaway by booking a customised holiday package. Click on the "Package" heading, then enter your destination and travel dates to browse the best hotel prices and airfares. Bundle everything into a neat package and you can save hundreds of dollars. Consider adding a rental car and you may land a better deal.
When to book a holiday package to Nara?
If you've got your Nara travel dates finalized, book as soon as you can to score some unbeatable deals. With Expedia, you can typically reserve some flights up to a year in advance. Prefer spontaneous trips? Our last-minute deals are perfect for travelling on a whim.
How to plan a trip to Nara?
Pick your dates: The things you plan to do in Nara and your preferred season will help you decide when to get away.
Budget wisely: In addition to the price of your hotel, you'll need to factor in other expenses. These include transportation, food and flights. Also, put aside some extra funds for unexpected costs that may crop up during your trip to Nara.
Decide your trip length: Think about how much time you want to spend exploring Nara. Plan your days so you can get to all the attractions and activities you're interested in at a comfortable pace.
Bundle your bookings: With your travel dates in order, you can combine your hotels, car rental, flights and more into a tailored Nara holiday package.
Nara Family is the main shopping destination, offering a mix of business and entertainment vibes. If you're up for a drive, visit Kuzuha Mall, 22.5km away, for a broader selection of shops and family-friendly activities.
Recreation
Experience the energetic atmosphere at Yanmar Stadium Nagai, just 27.4km from Nara, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Enjoy the lush greens and outdoor vibes at G Park Shigaraki Golf Club, located 25.7km away. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the excitement at RACTAB Dome, merely 19.3km from Nara.
Adventure
The Yamanobe-no-michi Trail offers an exhilarating hiking experience with stunning outdoor scenery, located 17.7km from Nara. For a family-friendly adventure, take the Mt. Otokoyama Cable Car, situated 24.1km away, providing breathtaking views. Finally, enjoy the thrill of the HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel, located 27.4km from Nara.
Nightlife
Nara's nightlife is charming and tranquil, with quaint izakayas and pubs lining the streets near Naramachi. Enjoy a leisurely evening at local bars like Mame and Kintetsu Nara Station's eateries, where you can savour sake and traditional Japanese dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.
Find the best attractions in Nara
Nara is an excellent destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a blend of cultural experiences in a city setting. Key attractions include the Nara National Museum, Historic Nara, and the Nara City Museum, alongside the stunning Nara Park and its national treasures. Whether you're seeking temples, shrines, or urban parks, Nara has something for everyone to enjoy during their visit.
Saidai-ji: A remarkable temple steeped in history, Saidai-ji offers a serene atmosphere where visitors can immerse themselves in traditional Japanese culture. The temple's stunning architecture and tranquil gardens create a perfect backdrop for reflection and appreciation of Buddhist practices.
Mount Wakakusa: This urban park is an ideal spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts. With its gentle hiking trails and breathtaking views of Nara city, Mount Wakakusa is perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls, making it a lively destination for all ages.
Manyo Botanical Garden: A romantic and picturesque setting, Manyo Botanical Garden features diverse flora and tranquil paths. This family-friendly garden is perfect for leisurely walks, offering a peaceful retreat amid nature's beauty, ideal for creating cherished memories.
Best time to go to Nara
The best time to visit Nara can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Nara falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Nara falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.
Tips to save on your trip to Nara
Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Nara.
Consider traveling to Nara during the low season (January to February and September) for more affordable options.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.
* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.