Q1. What is the best way to explore Nara?

Most of Nara's main attractions are located within Nara Park and are easily accessible on foot. For sites further afield, the local bus network is efficient.

Q2. Do I need a visa to visit Nara in Japan?

Many nationalities can enter Japan for up to 90 days for tourism without a visa. However, it's essential to check the latest visa requirements for your specific passport before traveling.

Q3. Are the deer in Nara safe to approach?

Yes, the deer are generally very gentle and accustomed to people. However, they are still wild animals. It’s best to be calm and respectful, especially during fawning (spring) and mating (autumn) seasons.

Q4. Can I customize my Nara tour package with Regency Holidays?

Yes, Regency Holidays specializes in creating personalized travel experiences. We can adjust itineraries, upgrade hotels, or add specific activities to your Nara tour package to suit your interests and budget.

Q5. What kind of food is Nara known for?

Nara is famous for several unique dishes, including persimmon leaf sushi (Kakinoha-zushi), tea-flavored rice porridge (Chagayu), and traditional pickles (Narazuke). It’s a great destination for food lovers.

Explore Japanese culture with Nara Tour Packages from Regency Holidays

Discover the Highlights of Nara with Our Nara Tour Packages

Nara offers a unique window into the soul of traditional Japan. While modern life buzzes at its edges, the peaceful environment and history remain the core of the city. Let’s discover what makes it a key part of many Japan tour packages:

World Heritage Sites: Nara boasts an incredible eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, including historic temples, shrines, and the vast Kasugayama Primeval Forest.
The Famous Nara Deer: Roaming freely in Nara Park, the sika deer are considered sacred messengers of the gods. They are remarkably tame and will even bow for a special deer cracker!
Awe-Inspiring Monuments: Stand in the presence of the Daibutsu, the 15-meter-tall Great Buddha statue housed in Todai-ji Temple, one of the world's largest wooden buildings.
Compact and Walkable: Most of Nara's main attractions are concentrated in and around Nara Park, making it an easy and delightful city to explore on foot.

What makes Nara truly stand out is its atmosphere. This Japanese city is less crowded and more laid-back than its neighbours, Kyoto and Osaka, offering a more intimate and tranquil travel experience. It’s the perfect place to slow down, breathe, and connect with Japan's profound history.

Travel with Regency Holidays: Your Ideal Nara Tour Packages

At Regency Holidays, we believe in creating more than just a trip, we curate experiences. Our Nara holiday packages are designed to give you a seamless and enriching journey.

Package Inclusions

Comfortable accommodation in hotels of your choice
Hassle-free transportation for sightseeing
Expert local guides to share Nara's stories
Pre-planned itineraries covering all major sights
Entrance fees to temples and attractions

Types of Nara Tour Packages

Luxury Packages: Indulge in 5-star hotels and private guided tours
Honeymoon Packages: Romantic getaways with special inclusions for couples
Family Packages: Fun and engaging itineraries suitable for all ages
Cultural Immersion Tours: Deep dive into Nara’s history, art, and spirituality

With Regency Holidays, you also get personalized support. We can customize your tour to match your interests, whether you are a foodie eager to explore local cuisine or a history enthusiast wanting to see every temple.

How to Reach Nara

By Air: Nara does not have its own airport, but it is easily accessible from major international gateways. You can fly to airports in Osaka Bay and Itami, which are served regularly by airlines like Japan Airlines (JAL), All Nippon Airways (ANA), and numerous other international carriers.

Major Airports Serving Nara

Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Osaka International Airport (ITM)

From Kansai Airport, you can take a direct limousine bus to Nara (approx. 90 minutes). From both airports, you can also take trains via Osaka or Kyoto. A Japan Rail Pass can be very convenient.

Best Time to Visit Nara

Peak Season (March-May & October-November)

Weather: Mild and pleasant spring and autumn weather
Events: Uneme Festival (Cherry Blossom season), Plum Blossom Festivals

Shoulder Season (June-September)

Weather: Hot and humid with downpours
Events: Nara Lantern Festival, Tanabata (Star Festival), Ryosanji Temple Goho Festival

Off-Season (December-February)

Weather: Cold and crisp, with occasional light snow
Events: Wakakusa Yamayaki, Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri, Setsubun Mantoro lantern festival, Oni Fest (Demon Festival)

Other Information to Know About Nara

Currency Used in Nara: Japanese Yen (JPY)
Languages Spoken in Nara: Japanese (Official), English
Time Zone in Nara: Japan Standard Time (JST) UTC +9

Top Places to Visit in Nara

Nara is a treasure trove of historical and cultural landmarks, primarily centered around the expansive Nara Park. Listed below are the top places to visit in Nara for an enriching holiday experience:

1. Todai-ji Temple

Todai-ji Temple is home to the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), an iconic sight and a marvel of ancient engineering.

2. Nara Park

Located in the heart of the city, Nara Park is a popular attraction in Nara. It is where you can interact with over 1,200 wild sika deer.

3. Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Kasuga Taisha Shrine is a famous Shinto shrine known for its thousands of bronze and stone lanterns.

4. Kofuku-ji Temple

Kofuku-ji Temple is Japan's second tallest pagoda, featuring five stunning storeys that beautifully reflect in the Sarusawa Pond.

5. Isuien Garden

Isuien Garden is a stunning Japanese garden with borrowed scenery from Mount Wakakusa and Todai-ji Temple.

6. Yoshikien Garden

Yoshikien Garden is a lovely, and often free for foreign tourists, garden with a pond, moss garden, and tea ceremony flower garden.

7. Naramachi

Naramachi is the former merchant district with preserved traditional wooden townhouses, now home to cafes, shops, and small museums.

8. Toshodai-ji Temple

Toshodai-ji Temple is a serene and historically significant temple founded in the 8th century by a Chinese monk.

9. Yakushi-ji Temple

Yakushi-ji Temple is known for its beautiful, symmetrically laid-out twin pagodas and healing Buddha statues.

10. Heijo Palace Site

The vast grounds of the original Imperial Palace from when Nara was the capital, offering a sense of the city's grand scale.

10 Must-Do Activities in Nara

Feed the bowing deer in Nara Park
Climb the Nigatsu-do Hall for panoramic views of the city
Try your hand at Japanese calligraphy (shodo)
Rent a kimono or yukata and stroll through the historic streets
Visit a sake brewery for a tasting session
Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony
Hike up Mount Wakakusa for spectacular city views, especially at sunset
Explore the lantern-lit paths of Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Sample mochi from Nakatanidou, famous for its high-speed mochi pounding
Squeeze through the hole in the pillar at Todai-ji Temple, said to grant enlightenment

Popular Hotels to Stay in Nara

Nara Hotel
JW Marriott Hotel Nara
Hotel Nikko Nara
Shisui, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nara
Noborioji Hotel Nara
Piazza Hotel Nara
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nara
Hotel Pagoda
Kotonoyado Musashino
Kasuga Hotel

Hotels Near Kansai Airport (KIX)

Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport
First Cabin Kansai Airport
Kansai Airport Washington Hotel
Star Gate Hotel Kansai Airport
The Premium Hotel in Rinku

Top Restaurants in Nara

Vegetarian Restaurants

Kuriya
Mellow Cafe
Onwa
Pamba
Wakakusa Curry

Non-Vegetarian Restaurants

Maguro Koya
Kamaiki
Sakura Burger
Edogawa Naramachi
Kizuna

Best Cuisines to Try in Nara

Kakinoha-zushi (Sushi wrapped in a persimmon leaf)
Miwa Somen (Very thin noodles, served hot or cold)
Narazuke (Vegetables pickled in sake lees, a local delicacy)
Chagayu (A simple and comforting tea-flavored rice porridge)
Kuzu Mochi (A sweet, jelly-like confection made from arrowroot starch)
Yamato Tea (Locally grown green tea)
Asuka Nabe (A hot pot dish with chicken and vegetables in a special milk-based broth)
Katsudon (A popular bowl of rice topped with a deep-fried pork cutlet, egg, and condiments)
Manju (A sweet bun filled with red bean paste, often shaped like a deer)
Yuba (Tofu skin, served in various forms, from fresh to fried)

Top Things to Buy in Nara

Deer-themed souvenirs (cookies, toys, stationery)
Narazuke pickles
Akahada-yaki pottery, a local style of ceramics
Nara Fude (calligraphy brushes)
Articles made from deer horn
Local Sake
Ittobori (carved wooden dolls)
Hand-woven textiles from Naramachi
Kakinoha-zushi to-go boxes
Good luck charms (omamori) from the temples and shrines

Top Places for Shopping in Nara

Higashimuki Shopping Street
Mochiidono Center Gai
Naramachi
Vierra Nara
Sanjo Dori Street
Konishi Sakuradori Street
Small shops around Kofuku-ji Temple
Todaiji Monzen Yume Kaze Plaza
The souvenir shops within the major temples
Local markets for fresh produce and crafts

Experience Nightlife in Nara

While Nara is quieter at night than Osaka or Kyoto, it has a charming and intimate nightlife scene focused on cozy bars and traditional pubs. Here’s a list of the top venues that you must explore for an ultimate nightlife experience in Nara:

Liquid
Savant
Lamp Bar
Cotton Club
Flying Stag
Naramachi Brewery
LBK Craft
M's Bar
Night Space G7
Bar PENTHOUSE

Travel Tips for Your Nara Trip

Wear comfortable shoes you will do a lot of walking
Buy a pack of 'shika senbei' (deer crackers) to feed the deer but be prepared for their enthusiastic attention
Always carry some cash as smaller shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases like "Arigato" (Thank you) and "Sumimasen" (Excuse me)
Be respectful at temples and shrines follow the rules for photography and behavior
A Japan Rail Pass can be cost-effective if you plan to visit other cities
Stay connected with a pocket Wi-Fi device or a local SIM card
Try to visit popular spots like Todai-ji early in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds