We had heard about Nara from a Japanese friend who was actually born there. He told us, “If you’re staying in Kyoto, you must spend at least one day in Nara.” And so we did—and it turned out to be one of the most peaceful and memorable days of our Japan trip.
Arriving in Nara
We took the train from Kyoto to Nara, a ride of less than an hour. The moment we arrived at Nara Station, we could already sense the calm atmosphere. Compared to the busy streets of Kyoto, Nara felt slower, softer, and more welcoming.
Only a few minutes after leaving the station on foot, we spotted our first deer. It felt surreal—these gentle animals just roaming freely in the city, blending perfectly with the locals and visitors.
How to Get to Nara from Kyoto or Osaka
Getting to Nara is very easy, which makes it such a great day trip.
From Kyoto:
We took the train from Kyoto Station and arrived in less than an hour. You can choose the JR Nara Line (covered by the JR Pass) or the Kintetsu Nara Line, which drops you off a bit closer to Nara Park.From Osaka:
If you’re coming from Osaka, the Kintetsu Nara Line is the fastest option (about 35–40 minutes from Osaka-Namba Station). The JR Yamatoji Line is another option, taking around 50 minutes from JR Osaka Station.
No matter where you’re staying, Nara is one of the easiest day trips you can make in Japan.
Arriving in Nara
The moment we arrived at Nara Station, we could already sense the calm atmosphere. Compared to the busy streets of Kyoto, Nara felt slower, softer, and more welcoming.
Only a few minutes after leaving the station on foot, we spotted our first deer. It felt surreal—these gentle animals just roaming freely in the city, blending perfectly with the locals and visitors.
First Impressions of Nara Park
As we walked further, we reached Nara Park, and it was even bigger than we expected. The park seemed endless, with wide green spaces, tall trees, and paths leading to temples and shrines. And of course, more deer!
The deer here are considered sacred, and they’re surprisingly polite—some even bow when you offer them crackers (shika senbei).
Social Media vs. Reality: A Deer Tip 🦌
We had seen so many cute deer photos online, but the reality can be a little different. At the entrance of the park, where most visitors stop first, the deer are used to being fed a lot—and they can get quite pushy. Some will nudge, pull on your clothes, or even nibble your bag if they think you’re hiding crackers.
If you want a calmer experience, we recommend walking a little deeper into the park. There you’ll find smaller groups of deer, fewer tourists, and a much more peaceful atmosphere for feeding them. It was in those quieter spots that we truly enjoyed interacting with the deer without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Nara’s Deer Take Priority 🚦
One of the funniest and most surprising moments of the day was when we saw cars stop in the middle of the street to let deer cross. The street runs right through the park, and the drivers didn’t hesitate for a second.
Our friend laughed and said, “In Nara, the life of a deer is more important than humans!” It was such a funny, charming, and uniquely Nara moment that we couldn’t stop smiling.
Standing in Awe at Todai-ji Temple
The highlight of our day was visiting Todai-ji Temple. From the moment we saw the massive wooden gate leading to the temple, we felt we were stepping into history.
Inside, we were greeted by the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), one of the largest bronze statues in the world. Standing before it, we felt small yet deeply moved. It was not just about the size of the statue, but also the calm energy of the hall.
A Walk to Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Later, we wandered along the forest path toward Kasuga Taisha Shrine. The way was lined with hundreds of moss-covered stone lanterns, which gave the place a mystical feel. It was quieter here, and we loved the contrast with the lively park.
Don’t Miss the Famous Mochi Show
One thing Nara is famous for—besides the deer—is its freshly pounded mochi. At Nakatanidou, a small shop near the station, you can watch the famous mochi-pounding show.
We arrived too late and unfortunately missed the live performance, but we still bought some freshly made mochi—and they were delicious: soft, chewy, and filled with sweet red bean paste.
👉 If you don’t want to miss the show, the pounding usually happens several times a day, typically around 10:30 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM (though the schedule can vary, and they sometimes add more shows on busy days). My advice: go early in the day, especially before or after visiting Todai-ji.
Even without the performance, eating that warm, just-made mochi was a highlight.
What Made the Trip Special
Knowing that a friend from Nara had personally recommended this trip made the experience even more meaningful. It felt like discovering a place not just as tourists, but with a small local connection.
We took our time, without rushing, just enjoying the nature, history, and calmness of the city.
Final Thoughts on Our Nara Day Trip
By the time we headed back to Kyoto, we felt refreshed. Nara was everything we had hoped for—peaceful, beautiful, and full of charm.
If you’re planning your trip to Japan, we highly recommend a day trip to Nara from Kyoto or Osaka. It’s an easy journey, but the memories you’ll make there—walking among deer, standing in front of the Great Buddha, strolling through ancient shrines, tasting fresh mochi, and watching cars politely stop for deer—will stay with you forever.