Nara, the ancient capital of Japan, is a captivating destination just a stone’s throw away from bustling Osaka. We explored this historical gem on a 12-day Asia cruise on the Celebrity Millennium.
While we enjoyed many ports and experienced fantastic excursions, this was my favorite. We had an overnight in Osaka, and although our ship departed at 3 pm on the second day, we still had time to make a day trip to Nara to immerse ourselves in Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
The journey from Osaka cruise terminal to Nara is a breeze, taking just 50 minutes by train. This convenient mode of transportation, with two main railway options – the JR Yamatoji Line and the Kintetsu Nara Line, ensures a stress-free journey for visitors.
Both offer frequent services, providing flexibility for visitors planning their itinerary.
When time is of the essence, an arranged tour is the perfect solution. These tours, led by knowledgeable local guides, provide a deeper insight into the area’s history and culture, ensuring you make the most of your visit. We chose this option because of our early departure.
Planning Your Visit
Osaka to Nara is an easy and rewarding day trip. In the 12th century, it was Japan’s largest city, but today, it has 364,000 residents.
We’ll cover the ideal times to explore Nara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and how to get there from Osaka’s cruise port.
Best Time To Visit Nara
Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather for exploring Nara. Cherry blossoms bloom in late March to early April, creating stunning scenery. However, this is peak season and tends to attract more crowds.
Autumn foliage peaks in November, painting the city in vibrant reds and golds. Summer can be hot and humid, but it’s a great time to see lush greenery. Winter is cold but less crowded, with occasional light snowfall adding charm to historic sites.
We recommend visiting on weekdays to avoid crowds, especially during peak seasons. Early mornings are ideal for peaceful strolls through Nara Park and feeding the famous deer. The deer are hungrier earlier in the day and more likely to approach.
We visited in late September and found the male deer aggressive since it was mating season. Our guide suggested we feed the females and keep our distance from the males with and without antlers. We assumed many males had their antlers removed to prevent human injuries.
Transportation From Osaka Cruise Port
We suggest taking a train from Osaka’s cruise port to Nara if you have all day. The journey takes about one hour, and the cost is minimal. First, take a short taxi ride or shuttle bus to Osaka Station. From there, board the train to Nara Station.
Several options exist, including a Rapid Express train, but these generally cost more. Once in Nara, you will need additional transportation to go from one attraction to another.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi directly from the cruise port. Although, it’s more expensive and can take longer due to traffic.
Taking an organized tour provides drop-off and pick-up at each attraction. However, it does not allow flexibility in itinerary. Since we had a limited second day in Osaka, we chose a 6-hour tour, which took us to the places we wanted to see.
Our air-conditioned tour bus had complimentary Wi-Fi but no onboard washrooms. The ride each way took one hour, with the return trip getting us back to our ship 30 minutes before sailaway.
Top Attractions In Nara
Nara offers a wealth of cultural and historical attractions that showcase Japan’s rich heritage. From ancient temples to serene gardens, visitors can immerse themselves in the city’s fascinating past and natural beauty.
Nara Park And The Deer Experience
Nara Park is a sprawling green space covering over 500 hectares. Established in 1880, it is home to over 1,300 freely roaming Sika deer. Nara City has over 4,300 deer, considered sacred messengers of the gods in Shinto religion.
Each year, more deer congregate in Nara Park due to easy food from tourists.
The Nara Park deer are protected and have no natural predators. The majority of deer die from collisions with vehicles or consuming plastics from human snacks.
We purchased special crackers made from rice flour and water to feed the deer. Ten pieces cost 200 Yen. While deer are found in other areas of Nara, the crackers are only sold in the park.
Remember to bow to the deer before offering food – they often bow back!
The park’s lush landscapes include walking paths, ponds, and picturesque views of Nara’s iconic landmarks.
We recommend exploring the park early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience with the deer.
Kofukuji Temple
Kofukuji Temple, founded in 710, was once one of Nara’s powerful Seven Great Temples. Its iconic five-story pagoda, standing at 50 meters, is Japan’s second tallest. The temple complex includes several halls, each housing important Buddhist statues and artifacts.
Notable structures include:
- Central Golden Hall (rebuilt in 2018) is the most important part of the temple complex.
- Eastern Golden Hall features a large statue of Yakushi Buddha overall.
- Northern Octagonal Hall.
The temple’s on-site museum displays many of its treasures, including the famous Ashura statue, a masterpiece of Japanese Buddhist art.
Isuien Japanese Garden
Isuien is a stunning example of traditional Japanese landscape design that integrates art with nature. The garden, created in the 17th century, is divided into two sections: a front and a rear plot.
The front grounds feature a central pond surrounded by carefully manicured trees and shrubs. The rear garden, added in 1899, employs shakkei (borrowed scenery) techniques and incorporates distant mountains into its design.
A tea house overlooks the pond, allowing visitors to enjoy matcha while enjoying the garden’s beauty. The garden changes with the seasons, making it worth visiting year-round.
Todaiji Temple
When I first saw Todaiji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, it took my breath away. Its massive size is picture-postcard perfect and has its share of roaming deer. The temple is home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue.
The Daibutsu (Great Buddha) stands 15 meters tall and weighs 500 tons. The statue is housed in the Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall), one of the largest wooden structures in the world.
When taking a selfie, we were told not to turn our backs on the Buddha because it was disrespectful. Instead, we could take a photo turned to the side to show our respect.
At the temple, we:
- Walked through the massive Nandaimon Gate.
- Viewed two massive guardians in the Daibutsuden.
- Explored the surrounding temple grounds and saw its deer (which were everywhere).
The temple’s scale and historical significance make it a must-visit attraction in Nara. Of all the temples we saw on our port days, this one was my favorite due to its size and dominance.
Nara National Museum
The Nara National Museum, established in 1889, houses an extensive collection of Buddhist art and historical artifacts. The museum is divided into two main buildings: the Original Building and the New Building.
Each hosts rotating exhibitions showcasing different aspects of Japanese art and culture.
Key features include:
- Permanent exhibitions of Buddhist sculptures.
- Notable exhibitions of national treasures.
- Interactive displays explaining Buddhist iconography.
The museum’s location near Nara Park makes it easy to include in a day of sightseeing. Its architecture harmoniously blends with the serene surroundings of the nearby park.
Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Kasuga Taisha, founded in 768 CE, is Nara’s most celebrated Shinto shrine. The shrine path, known for its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns, creates a magical atmosphere, especially when lit during festivals.
The shrine’s vibrant vermilion and white structures stood against Mount Kasuga’s forested backdrop. We found this shrine less crowded than others we visited.
We particularly liked the stone lanterns that lined the forested pathways. I found one black lantern, but don’t know of its significance.
Visitors can:
- Observe traditional Shinto rituals.
- Explore the botanical garden within the shrine grounds.
- Walk on forested pathways and see some of its 3,000 lanterns. See if you can find the black lantern.
The shrine’s annual Mantoro Festival, when all lanterns are lit, offers a breathtaking spectacle not to be missed.
Cultural Significance
Nara holds immense cultural importance as Japan’s first permanent capital. Its heritage and traditions continue to shape Japanese culture today.
Nara’s Historical Impact
Nara served as Japan’s imperial capital from 710 to 794 CE, known as the Nara period. This era saw significant developments in Japanese arts, architecture, and Buddhism. The city became a center of learning and cultural exchange.
Nara also played a crucial role in developing Japanese literature and poetry. The Man’yoshu, Japan’s oldest poetry anthology, was compiled here in the 8th century.
Japan’s oldest and most revered Buddhist temples were established in Nara during this time. Todaiji Temple, home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue, exemplifies Nara’s cultural legacy.
Cultural Festivals And Events
The ancient city’s rich history is celebrated through various festivals and events throughout the year. The Omizutori, held annually in March at Todaiji Temple, is one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist festivals. It features a spectacular fire ceremony performed for over 1,250 years.
The Nara Tokae Lantern Festival illuminates the city each August, creating a magical atmosphere around its historic sites. Thousands of candles light up Nara Park and its surroundings.
In October, the Shosoin Exhibition showcases rare treasures from the 8th century. This event offers a unique glimpse into Japan’s imperial past and attracts history enthusiasts nationwide.
Practical Information
The city offers a variety of dining options and shopping experiences for visitors.
Eating Out In Nara
Nara’s culinary scene blends traditional Japanese flavors with local specialties. Many restaurants near Nara Park serve kakinoha-zushi, a local delicacy of persimmon leaf-wrapped sushi.
Try the street food stalls offering mochi and grilled rice balls for a quick bite. These make perfect snacks while exploring the city.
Vegetarians will find options at Buddhist temple restaurants serving shojin ryori, a meat-free cuisine. These meals often include tofu, seasonal vegetables, and rice.
We recommend trying the local sake, as Nara is known for its rice wine production. Many restaurants offer sake tasting menus to sample different varieties.
Shopping And Souvenirs
Nara, Japan, is famous for its historical temples, free-roaming deer, and unique shopping experiences. From traditional crafts to modern boutiques, the city offers a diverse range of shopping spots that cater to everyone.
The Higashimuki Shopping Street and Shimomikado Shopping Street further south are great places to start. The streets are lined with shops selling local specialties and souvenirs.
Popular souvenirs include:
- Deer-themed items (keychains, plush toys).
- Narazuke pickles.
- Kakinoha-zushi kits.
- Local sake and wine.
For unique gifts, visit the Nara Craft Museum shop. It sells handmade items like pottery, textiles, and woodwork crafted by local artisans.
Famous districts like Naramachi and Sanjo-dori are lined with charming shops that showcase the artistry of local artisans. Many of these shops are housed in preserved machiya townhouses.
With our fabulous day in Nara over, we boarded our ship and headed to our next port of call, Hiroshima.
