Introducing Nara
Japan’s first real capital, Nara is one of the most rewarding destinations in the country. If you’ve got a day or two to spare after visiting Kyoto, we strongly recommend a trip down to this compact collection of interesting and historically significant sites.
Advertisement
Like Kyoto, Nara is uninspiring at first glance, but careful inspection will reveal the rich history and hidden beauty of the city. Indeed, with eight Unesco World Heritage sites, Nara is second only to Kyoto as a repository of Japan’s cultural legacy.
Nara is so small that it’s quite possible to pack the most worthwhile sights into one full day. Of course, it’s preferable to spend at least two days here if you can. Those with time to spare should allow a day for Nara-kōen and another day for the sights in western and southwestern Nara. If you only have one day available for Nara, spend it walking around Nara-kōen.
Last updated: Mar 2, 2009
Tips & articles
-
Travel in Japan one year after the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
12 March 2012
One year after Japan’s heartbreaking triple-disaster, the country still has a lot more reconstruction ahead of it and some psychological...
-
World’s best festivals: Yamayaki
23 November 2010
This is an excerpt from Lonely Planet’s A Year of Festivals.Location: Mt Wakakusa-yama,...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
-
RE: End of Summer, 14 days in Japan
by bamse 31 May 2012
+Kanazawa, Nagoya or Kyoto, Osaka. Maybe a day in Tokyo.+ "Nagoya or Kyoto" is a bit of a strange choice as they are very different and…
-
RE: Itinerary for 28 days in Japan
by wateenmooiedag 31 May 2012
I was in Nikko a month ago. Indeed a few buildings are being renovated. However it is a big complex with a lot of buildings so there is…
-
Do I need to book accommodation in advance?? Traveling in July
by 19Roscoe 29 May 2012
Hi there I'm going to Japan for four weeks in July. I've read mixed things about how busy it will be (i know it's kind of the low season…
In our shop
Bags feeling light?
Coffee table looking bare?
Get your guidebooks, travel goods, even individual chapters, right here.
Advertisement
