Nara Hidden Gems
Japan's first permanent capital — giant bronze Buddhas, the oldest wooden buildings on earth, and free-roaming deer in the middle of town.
4 spots
Climate & Best Season
A hot, humid basin in summer and cold in winter; the Yoshino mountains are cooler and see snow. Blossoms in April, foliage in November.
Famous For (Food)
- Kakinoha-zushi
- Miwa somen
- Narazuke pickles
- Kudzu sweets
Signature Sights
- Todaiji & Nara Park
- Kasuga Taisha
- Horyuji (UNESCO)
- Mt. Yoshino cherry blossoms
Nara Park — 1,200 Sacred Deer Roaming Free
Nara Park (奈良公園) is a 660-hectare park where over 1,200 wild sika deer roam freely among visitors, temples, and open mea…
Ukimido Pavilion — Floating Pavilion at Sunset
Ukimido (浮見堂, 'Floating Pavilion') is a hexagonal pavilion built on stilts over Sagi-ike Pond in Nara Park's southern ar…
Wakakusayama Hill — Panoramic Nara Views & Grass Burning
Wakakusayama (若草山, 'Young Grass Mountain') is a 342-meter grassy hill on Nara Park's eastern edge offering panoramic vie…
Nara Park Maple Viewing — Autumn Foliage & Deer
Nara Park transforms in autumn (mid-November to early December) when 2,000+ maple, ginkgo, and cherry trees turn vibrant…