Nara City
Please note that the admission fees and hours of operation may not be correct.
Nara Park (奈良公園)
Nara Park is the main tourist spot in Nara as it is home to hundreds of roaming deer and is the location of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine).
Admission: Free for everyone at anytime
Access:
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5 minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station
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20 minute walk from Nara Station
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Bus
*Did you know that the deer in Nara are said to be sacred messengers of god? The reason is based on the legend of the thunder god, Takemikazuchi, who travelled to Nara on a white deer.
Todaiji Temple (東大寺)
Todaiji Temple is the largest wooden building in the world and contains one of the world's largest bronze Buddha statues. The statue was built under the command of Emperor Shomu in an attempt to bring peace to the Japanese people.
Admission: Museum ¥600 // Buddha Hall Joint Pass ¥1000
Opening Times:
April - October: 9:30am - 5:30pm
November - March: 9:30am - 5:00pm
Kasuga Taisha Shrine (春日大社)
Kasuga Taisha was built to protect the capital city in Nara. It is situated in a thick forest and is characterized by its beautiful vermillion-lacquered shrine with 2,000 stone lanterns and 1,000 hanging lights. The lanterns are lit during two festivals in early February and mid April.
Admission: Outer Area: Free // Inner Area: ¥500
Opening Times:
March - October: 6:30am - 5:30pm
November - February: 7:00am - 5:00pm
(inner area: 9:00am - 4:00pm)
Kofukuji Temple (興福寺)
Kofukuji Temple is easily recognised by its five-story pagoda surrounded by Sarusawa Pond. In the National Treasure Hall, you can see a collection of Buddhist art and sculptures, such as the Senju Kannon Goddess of Mercy with 1,000 arms, the Ashura statue, and Kongo Rikishi guardian deva statues.
Admission: Grounds: Free // Treasure Hall: ¥700
Eastern Golden Hall: ¥300 // Central Golden Hall: ¥500
Opening Times:
Grounds: Anytime
Halls: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Nara National Museum (奈良国立博物館)
This museum specializes in Japanese Buddhist art. The museum has both permanent, annual, and temporary exhibits. The permanent collections include a large number of National Treasures and other cultural properties such as Buddhist sculptures, paintings, scrolls, and ritual objects. The annual exhibit features the treasures from Todaiji Temple (8th century).
Admission: ¥700
*Admission for special exhibits may vary.
Opening Times:
(Monday - Thursday & Sunday) 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
(Fridays & Saturdays) 8:00 p.m.
*The opening times vary depending on season and what exhibits are being displayed.