6 Fun & Exciting Things to do in Nara, Japan

Planning a trip to Nara? Get ready for an unforgettable trip.

This historic city is famous for its free-roaming deer, towering temples, and lantern-lined shrines, but what we love most is how much culture and charm you can experience in just a single visit. From the massive Great Buddha at Todai-ji to the peaceful streets of Naramachi, every corner has a story to tell.

We’ve spent time exploring Nara and had such a great time seeing the famous deer, wandering temple grounds, and trying unique cultural experiences like sushi-making and tea ceremonies. To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve pulled together our favorite tours that highlight the very best of the city. So if you’re looking for inspiration on what to do in Nara, let’s dive right in!

Things to do in Nara, Japan

1. Explore Nara on two wheels

Exploring Nara on foot can be exhausting, especially when you’re trying to cover all the top sights in just one day. That’s why this small-group bike tour is such a game-changer. Instead of battling long walks or confusing transport, you’ll hop on a bike and breeze between shrines, temples, and parks with ease.

From the very first stop at Nara Park, we were already having fun feeding the friendly deer that roam freely throughout the park. With our guide, Jerome, leading the way, everything felt easy and relaxed. He took the time to adjust our bikes to fit perfectly, provided helmets, and kept us cool with bottled water on a hot day. It made the whole ride not just comfortable, but genuinely enjoyable.

The route itself was filled with variety. One moment we were standing before the towering Namdaimon Gate, and the next we were stepping inside Todai-ji, the largest wooden structure in the world, home to a giant bronze Buddha that left us speechless. 

A visit to Kasuga Taisha, with its endless rows of lanterns, felt magical, while Sagi Pond gave us the perfect peaceful ending (and a great photo spot!). We even stopped at a traditional cutlery shop, where you can buy handcrafted knives and have them engraved on the spot.

This ride wasn’t strenuous at all—it felt more like a casual roll through history with friends. It’s the perfect way to experience Nara’s charm without the stress, and one tour you’ll remember long after you leave!

2. Stroll through historic streets and temples on a walking tour

Trying to see Nara’s highlights on your own can feel overwhelming—you don’t want to miss the famous spots, but you also crave those tucked-away gems most tourists never find. That’s why this small-group half-day walking tour was one of our favorite ways to explore the city. It blends the big landmarks with hidden corners and gives you the full Nara experience in just a few hours.

With our guide, Yuuki, leading the way, we felt completely at ease. Yuuki was not only knowledgeable but also made the entire experience engaging and fun, sharing fascinating stories that brought each stop to life. 

The tour began at Kofuku-ji Temple, where the iconic five-story pagoda towers over the city. From there, we walked through the Namdaimon Gate and into Todai-ji, home to the massive Great Buddha that never fails to impress. Lunch was another highlight, enjoyed in a traditional old town before heading to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a UNESCO site lined with hundreds of stone and bronze lanterns.

We continued through the tranquil Kasugayama Primeval Forest, stopping to greet Nara’s beloved deer, before ending in Naramachi. Wandering through its preserved townhouses offered a fascinating glimpse into the everyday lives of merchants centuries ago.

This tour truly has it all: history, culture, nature, and fun. It’s our top pick in Nara, and we’re not the only ones who loved it. Check out the five-star reviews here and see why travelers consistently rate this walking tour as the best in the city!

3. Learn the art of sushi making

Dining out for sushi in Japan is incredible, but there’s something special about learning how to make it yourself. That’s why this hands-on sushi-making class is such a standout experience. You don’t just eat, you create, and in the process, you get a deeper connection to Japanese culture!

From the moment you step in, you get the feeling that this isn’t your average cooking class. You get the chance to dress in traditional Japanese attire, which instantly sets the tone. The instructor, Okashi, makes the entire class engaging and fun, guiding you through each step with patience and plenty of laughter. 

Even if you’re a complete beginner, Okashi makes everyone feel completely comfortable. The class covers the full process—perfectly seasoning sushi rice, grating fresh wasabi, slicing sushi-grade fish, and finally shaping nigiri like a pro. Have fun choosing your own toppings and flavors to personalize the sushi, and then the best part – eating it!

The experience wraps up with a lighthearted graduation ceremony, complete with a certificate of completion and souvenir photos to remember the day. More than just a class, this is an unforgettable cultural experience that gives you skills to take home with you!

Related Read: Wondering how to plan your days? We have the best Nara itinerary that covers exactly how to spend one or two days here!

4. Enjoy a private tea ceremony

Amid the hustle of sightseeing, it’s easy to forget to slow down and simply enjoy the moment. That’s why this private Japanese tea experience is such a special part of any trip to Nara. Set inside a beautifully renovated traditional house, it’s equal parts cultural immersion and pure relaxation.

Our guide, Mike, was both kind and incredibly knowledgeable, making the experience feel welcoming from the start. He walked us through five different teas sourced right here in Nara prefecture, explaining their unique aromas and flavors. 

From roasted hojicha to bright and vibrant matcha, each sip felt like its own little story. Mike even offered giveaways and tips for exploring the city, which made the experience feel personal and thoughtful.

The highlight was getting hands-on with the matcha. Under Mike’s guidance, we learned the proper motions to whisk and prepare it ourselves. It was surprisingly calming, almost meditative, to focus on each step. Enjoying the finished bowl alongside seasonal wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) felt like the perfect harmony of flavors.

Because this is a private session, there’s no rushing or waiting—you’ll have plenty of time to ask questions, chat with your host, and soak in the atmosphere. By the end, we not only left with new knowledge of Japanese tea but also a sense of connection to the culture that goes far beyond the cup. 

5. See Nara your way on a private guided tour

With so much to see in Nara, it’s easy to feel torn about how to spend your limited time. That’s why this private customizable tour is such a fantastic option—it lets you pick the sights that matter most to you, with a knowledgeable local guide leading the way.

We met our guide, Toshi, right at Nara Station and set off on foot, instantly feeling like we had a local friend showing us around. He was warm, attentive, and eager to tailor the experience to what we wanted most—whether that meant history, scenery, or hidden corners of the city. With the flexibility to choose three to four stops, we got to design a day that was exactly our style.

Some travelers head straight for the big highlights like Todai-ji Temple, where the towering Great Buddha leaves a lasting impression, and Nara Park, where deer roam freely. Others prefer to explore the lantern-lined paths of Kasuga Taisha Shrine, climb Mt. Wakakusa for sweeping city views, or wander through the preserved merchant district of Naramachi. 

The best part is that the choice is yours, and your guide makes every site come alive with stories and local insight. And because this is a private tour, there’s no rushing, no big groups, and plenty of chances to ask questions or linger where you’d like. 

We left feeling like we’d truly experienced Nara on our own terms. It’s no surprise this tour is one of Nara’s most highly rated—just scroll through the glowing five-star reviews here!

6. Visit the world-famous Nara Park

Exploring Nara Park on your own can feel daunting—there are so many temples, shrines, and, of course, the famous deer, that it’s hard to know where to start. That’s why this small-group walking tour is such a smart choice. With a knowledgeable local guide leading the way, you’ll get the stories, history, and context that bring each stop to life.

The guide, Nobuko, is absolutely wonderful—kind, patient, and full of fascinating insights. She explains the unique relationship between Nara’s deer and the city’s shrines, and if you’re lucky, she’ll even point out baby deer that can be hard to spot! 

The tour covers all the must-sees of Nara Park, starting with the serene paths of Kasuga Grand Shrine before heading to Todai-ji Temple to marvel at the massive Great Buddha. Walking between sites, there’s plenty of time to chat, snap photos, and feed the deer. Your guide might even surprise you with a stop at a hidden Japanese garden!

The experience wrapped up at Kofuku-ji Temple, home to the iconic five-storied pagoda, where Nobuko shared more about the history before sharing her favorite lunch stops and nearby sights so you can keep exploring on your own time. 

This tour is the perfect mix of learning and fun, with the added benefit of a warm local guide who makes Nara feel personal. It’s an experience you’ll carry with you long after the walk is over!

Where to Stay in Nara, Japan

Now that you’ve got your list of the best things to do in Nara, the next step is figuring out where to stay. The good news? Nara has something for everyone—whether you’re after a luxurious ryokan-style stay with a private onsen or a modern hotel just steps from the station.

Just keep in mind that hotels here can fill up quickly (especially during cherry blossom season and autumn), so it’s smart to book early. To help you out, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite places to stay in Nara, with options for every budget.

Hotel New Wakasa – $$$

Hotel New Wakasa is a stunning and luxurious hotel that won’t break the bank. Basically, it’s a total gem! The rooms are beautiful and well-laid out, with modern Japanese decor and soft, cozy lighting. Some rooms have private gardens or onsens, as well as a rooftop terrace with a communal onsen and amazing views of Mount Wakakusa, making it a standout stay in Nara.

Rooms cost between ¥26,000 and ¥130,000 per night ($175–$880 USD), depending on the dates and room category you choose. Check availability and book this luxury stay on Booking.com!

Onyado Nono Nara Natural Hot Spring – $$

Onyado Nono Nara Natural Hot Spring is a popular hotel with lots of traditional design touches like tatami flooring, yukata robes, and sliding doors, plus all the conveniences of a modern hotel. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from JR Nara Station, so we think that this place strikes a really good balance between practicality and cultural charm. There’s also a free bowl of late-night ramen—a very welcome perk!

Rates typically range from ¥14,000 to ¥47,000 ($95–$320 USD) per night, depending on the season. Head over to Booking.com to secure this stay!

Hotel Nikko Nara – $

Hotel Nikko Nara is directly connected to JR Nara Station, making it one of the most convenient places to stay in the city. It’s a full-service hotel with spacious rooms, an on-site restaurant, and even a wellness spa. Rooms are clean and well-equipped, and there are both Western and Japanese-style options available. It’s a solid upscale choice, particularly if you’re stopping in Nara as part of a longer Japan itinerary. 

Expect to pay between ¥13,000 and ¥30,000 ($90–$200 USD) per night for a room here. Browse room options for your travel dates on Booking.com!

For even more great accommodations, check out all of Nara’s hotels listed here!

Related Read: Still don’t see a hotel you like? We have a full where to stay in Nara guide that goes into more detail on the best areas and hotels for all budgets! Or for a more traditional stay, our list of Nara’s best ryokans is a must-read!

Thanks for reading!

Nara is one of those must-visit places in Japan for us! From the famous deer to the awe-inspiring temples, it’s well worth adding a stop here. This list covers the experiences in Nara that stood out for us and we hope you’re inspiried to add a couple of these to your trip!

If you’re in the midst of trip planning, have a look at all our Japan guides here! From itineraries to hotel recommendations and the best things to do in each place, consider us your personal travel guides! Here are a few related blogs to get you started:

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