Find Hotels in Nara, Japan

Great place for slowing down your busy pace and enjoy your life.

This is pretty much a huge archaeological site with some beautifully reconstrcted buildings and museums giving you a detailed understanding of how the palace site was used when Nara was the capital. It is not a busy as some of the other attractions, but a day on the site is certainly well worth the time.

Nara is has a low skyline so it's nice and refreshing if you're coming from the city. There is a lot to offer here and it is a bit of a hidden gem compared to other Japanese cities.

To hire a car you must have an international driving licence (because it has a Japanese translation of your documents) drivers licence and passport. There are wonderful nearby places to visit - like Asuka pronounced ASka. This is the capital of Japan before Nara. There is a primeval forest in Nara where hunting and tree felling was banned in the 3rd century - right up to now - it is untouched.

It's highly recommended for nature lovers. You even could pet deers if you want to at the park.

Most shops close early and can be quiet at night.

downside- historic streets are quiet mostly after 5pm, best time to roam around- morning to afternoon nice and well stock supermarket- Parket, for drinks, meals take away and snacks

I guess I did not know what to expect.

Atmosphere is very calm. I didn't encounter much by way of shopping. The most notable thing about Nara are the deer. They can be very cute and photogenic but be sure to keep your food, maps, and any potential grab-able/bite-able thing in check. The deer can be quite aggressive. One even nosed me down and tried to use his tongue to open my bag. The city itself is very small so biking may be the best way to go (I can't bike so...). Buses are not as frequent and easy as it would be in Kyoto or Osaka. Still, travel is easy enough. Don't panic if you suddenly find yourself amidst rice fields, especially near Heijo palace. Most notable attraction: Todaiji - Daibutsuden (don't forget to check the giant guards at the gates) Food and shops: One block west of the Kintetsunara station (across 7 eleven) is a covered street with lots of food and souvenir shops. Walk south along that road and you'll surely find your fix.

The Nara Park is full of fun with lovely deers.

The centrepiece is, of course, the Daibutsu, or Great Buddha, which rivals Mt Fuji and Kyoto's Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) as Japan's single most impressive sight. The Great Buddha is housed in Tōdai-ji, a soaring temple that presides over Nara-kōen, a park filled with other fascinating sights that lends itself to relaxed strolling amid the greenery and tame deer.

Parks/ small pond can be easily spotted so very nice for relaxing in the nature, or have fun with family. Bus are good for traveling around as most of the main attractions are nearby. Best idea would definitely be a bike. You can enjoy your own plan for on and off easily. There is only one onsen hotel in Nara, if you wish to enjoy onsen after an exciting day, remember to book the one.

Volunteer tour guides are available at the cultural sites. They speak English and they are free of charge. Go to the Tourist information center. They are quite helpful.

It is a small city with so much to see - beautiful temples, shrines, and gorgeous gardens. The tourist agency at the station were very helpful and offered us a fabulous volunteer guide, who was delightful and knowledgeable and helped us make the most of our short time in this lovely city. There were many lovely shops and restaurants and we would definitely like to return one day.