Things to Do in Nara-shi

There are 2 attractions in Nara-shi. Tōdai-ji, massive nara temple housing the great buddha, is the most popular.

1

Tōdai-ji

Massive Nara temple housing the Great Buddha

Temple

2

Universal Studios Japan

Large theme park with film-themed rides in Osaka

Amusement Park

3

Nara National Museum

Museum focusing on Japanese Buddhist art and artifacts

Museum

4

Hōryū-ji Temple

Ancient temple complex containing some of oldest wooden buildings

Religious Site

5

Enryaku-ji Temple

Historic Tendai monastery complex on Mount Hiei

Religious Site

6

Kōfuku-ji

Historic Buddhist temple in Nara with famous pagoda

Temple

7

Yakushi-ji Temple

Ancient Buddhist temple in Nara with iconic pagoda

Temple

8

Kasuga-taisha

Shinto shrine in Nara famous for lanterns

Shrine

9

Fujiwara-kyō

Ruins of an ancient capital near Nara.

Area

10

Heijō Palace

Nara-era imperial palace site and archaeological park

Palace

11

Nara Park

Large park in Nara with freely roaming deer

Park

12

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Large Osaka aquarium featuring Pacific marine ecosystems

Museum

13

Asuka, Yamato

Historic Asuka region, early Japanese capital with tumuli

Archaeological Site

14

Mii-dera Temple

Large Buddhist temple complex near Lake Biwa, historic shrine

Religious Site

15

Mount Kongō

Granite peak and pilgrimage site near Osaka

Mountain

16

Tōshōdai-ji

8th-century Buddhist temple with classical Nara architecture

Temple

17

Gangō-ji Temple

Ancient Buddhist temple in Nara's historic precinct

Religious Site

18

Mount Wakakusa

Grass-covered hill in Nara, site of annual burn

Mountain

19

Miho Museum

Museum in Shiga with architecture by I.M. Pei

Museum

20

Hokki-ji Temple

Ancient Buddhist temple in Nara with famous bronze Buddha

Religious Site

21

Kimpusen-ji Temple

Buddhist temple on Mount Yoshino, notable wooden architecture

Religious Site

22

Mount Ikoma

Forested mountain between Nara and Osaka, temple sites

Mountain

23

Yoshino Mikumari Shrine

Shinto shrine in Yoshino with sacred waterfalls and rituals

Religious Site

24

Mount Miwa

Sacred Shinto mountain housing ancient Omiwa shrine

Mountain

25

Takamatsuzuka Tomb

Ancient burial mound with colorful Asuka-period wall paintings

Tomb

26

Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area

Early Buddhist temple complex with original wooden architecture.

Historical Site

27

Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara

Ancient Japanese capital with monumental temples and Buddha

Historical Site