Nara Park One Day Course Todaiji Kasuga Taisha and Deer

If it is your first trip to Nara, the Nara Park area is the place to start walking. Three World Heritage sites stand within easy strolling distance: Todaiji with its famous Great Buddha, Kasuga Taisha lined with vermilion lanterns, and Kofukuji with its soaring five story pagoda. Meeting the friendly wild deer along the way, this classic course lets you explore the heart of the ancient capital over a full day.

Course Route

9:00 Start at Kintetsu Nara Station Leave by the east exit, pass through the Higashimuki shopping street and head east toward Kofukuji.

9:15 Kofukuji (Five Story Pagoda and National Treasure Museum) Admire the five story pagoda, a symbol of Nara, and visit the museum known for its Ashura statue. About 45 minutes.

10:15 Nara Park and the deer Walk into the wide grassy park. Buy deer crackers and the deer may even bow to you. Take photos as you continue east.

11:00 Todaiji (Great Buddha Hall and Nandaimon Gate) After the powerful guardian statues at the Nandaimon Gate, enter the Great Buddha Hall. The bronze Buddha is about 15 meters tall and truly impressive. About one hour.

12:15 Lunch near Todaiji and Kasuga Taisha Try a Nara style lunch such as kettle rice or tea gruel at a restaurant along the approach.

13:30 Kasuga Taisha This World Heritage shrine glows with vermilion halls and countless lanterns. Walk through the forested approach from the first gate to the main hall. About 50 minutes.

14:30 Sasayaki no Komichi path and Wakakusa foot Stroll a quiet path among the trees, and depending on the season enjoy a view of the city from the base of Mount Wakakusa.

15:30 View from Nigatsudo Hall Head to Nigatsudo at Todaiji. From its stage style veranda the Nara basin spreads out, and the evening light is wonderful.

16:30 Return to Kintetsu Nara Station Walk the gentle downhill road back to the station and finish the day with some souvenir shopping.

Highlights

The biggest highlight is the Great Buddha at Todaiji. Seen inside one of the worlds largest wooden buildings, its scale is far beyond what photos convey. Do not miss the vermilion corridors and lanterns of Kasuga Taisha or the five story pagoda of Kofukuji. The roughly 1300 wild deer are unique to Nara Park. They are a protected natural treasure, so treat them gently.

Access and Tips

The hub is Kintetsu Nara Station. Todaiji is about a 20 minute walk and Kasuga Taisha about 30 minutes, so the main sights are all walkable. If you tire, use the city loop bus. Many temples close admission in the 16:00 hour, so plan Todaiji in the morning and Kasuga Taisha in the afternoon. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

A Quick Tip

Deer will approach if they see any food other than crackers, so be careful with paper bags and pamphlets. Arriving at Todaiji early lets you view the Great Buddha calmly before the tour groups arrive.