Nara.
One-day trip to Nara, this city walk route is stunning|||I'm Xiaoyan, a traveler who quit my job to travel around the world. I originally planned to go to Kyoto to see the autumn leaves, but I was amazed by the maple leaves, deer, and temples in Nara. I couldn't help but exclaim countless times in one day: It's so beautiful and comfortable.
Nara is definitely worth spending a day city walking, and this route is highly recommended:
📍Kofuku-ji Temple → Yoshikien Garden → Nara National Museum → Todai-ji Temple → Mizutani Chaya → Kasuga-taisha Shrine → Mount Wakakusa
🚶 Must-visit attractions
1️⃣ Yoshikien Garden
🎫 Free
The most stunning garden on this one-day trip to Nara, with maple leaves and tea houses that look like scenes from a Japanese drama. The best part is that it's free for foreigners, and there are relatively fewer tourists.
2️⃣ Todai-ji Temple
🎫 JPY 800
One of the most historically significant temples in Japan, with a history of over 1,300 years. It's also the largest wooden structure, and seeing it in person is truly awe-inspiring.
3️⃣ Mount Wakakusa
🎫 JPY 150
Be sure to save the sunset for Mount Wakakusa, where you can feed the deer and watch the sunset. You can easily take stunning photos (be careful with your valuables and bags, as the deer might snatch them away 🥲).
4️⃣ Nara National Museum
🎫 JPY 700
Definitely worth a visit, with two massive wooden statues of Nio guardians that left a lasting impression on me. There are also other rare wooden Buddha statues that are absolutely beautiful.
5️⃣ Kofuku-ji Temple
🎫 JPY 500
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most influential temples in Japan. The five-story pagoda is currently under renovation, but you can still admire it from the outside.
6️⃣ Kasuga-taisha Shrine
🎫 JPY 500
Take a leisurely stroll to Kasuga-taisha Shrine, where you'll encounter deer along the way. You can feed the deer while exploring. The nearby Mizutani Chaya will look even more beautiful in a week when the maple leaves turn red.
🚇 My transportation tips
➡️ Depart from Osaka in the morning, take the Kintetsu Nara Line to Kintetsu Nara Station, and start your day of city walking.
⬅️ After watching the sunset at Mount Wakakusa in the evening, walk back 300 meters to find a bus that goes directly to Kintetsu Nara Station. You can use a Suica or ICOCA card, board from the back door, and exit from the front door.
After exploring, you can head to the area near Nara Subway Station, where there are plenty of delicious food options.
Honestly, Nara is underrated. With deer everywhere and breathtaking maple leaves, spending just half a day in such a healing place is really not enough.