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Tourist Information of Nara

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Nara Prefecture is a place where the atmosphere of an ancient capital lingers, with world heritage sites and national treasures scattered throughout, as well as plenty of beautiful cherry blossom viewing spots. Don't miss the Naramachi area where you can enjoy interacting with wild deer in Nara Park and traditional townhouses. You can also enjoy gourmet food such as the Ichimoku Senbon Sakura in Yoshino Mountain and Ayaka Ramen.

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Tourist Areas in Nara See more

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Nara City, Tenri, Horyuji
奈良県
4.5
When it comes to Nara, it is famous as the location of Heijo-kyo, the center of Kansai, and the place where Japan's politics began. There are many important cultural properties due to its historical significance, making it a city full of historical charm. There are many sightseeing spots where you can relax and enjoy, such as Todai-ji Temple, "Nara Park" famous for its deer, and Horyu-ji Temple, the world's oldest wooden building built by Prince Shotoku. It is an area with many historical sites and cultural properties, so you won't have trouble walking around. Tenri is the headquarters of Tenrikyo, and is said to be Japan's largest religious city because there are many religious facilities. It is also an area that cannot be missed by those who love ancient tombs.
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Asuka, Kashihara
奈良県
4.3
Asuka, a small village, flourished as the center of politics, economy, and culture in Japan in the past. It is the site of the Asuka Palace, and the remnants of its glory 1,400 years ago, hidden in the peaceful countryside, stir the romanticism of visitors. The "Ishibutai Kofun" is Japan's largest ancient tomb, with a horizontal stone chamber made of huge stones. Looking up from inside, you will be amazed at the structure of the stone chamber, which was built with giant stones. The current "Kashihara Shrine" is located in the place where the first Emperor Jimmu established the capital, and the vast grounds have a calm atmosphere that makes you feel like time is flowing endlessly. The large ema (votive horse tablets) with the theme of the Chinese zodiac are a popular spot for commemorative photos.
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Yoshino, Tenkawa Village, Totsukawa
奈良県
4.1
This area is rich in greenery and water, making nature the main attraction for tourists. In Yoshino Town, there is the "Eternal Scenery Yoshino no Michi," which was certified as the first "forest therapy" in Nara Prefecture. In Tenkawa Village, you can enjoy fishing in the clear streams and skiing on the powder snow slopes in the winter. Totsukawa Village has a suspension bridge made of wire, where you can enjoy a thrilling walk in the air. There are also hot springs, so you can relax and heal your tired body after a day of activities. It's a fun place for families, couples, and friends alike!

Popular Spots in Nara Prefecture See more

Nara Prefecture has a variety of tourist destinations, including the world heritage site "Todai-ji Temple," the nature-rich "Mitaki Valley," and the thrilling "Godaimatsu Cave." In addition, the "Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park," where you can enjoy a panoramic view from the mountaintop, and the "Kintetsu Ikoma Cable," which was first operated as a commercial cable car, are also popular. You can enjoy beautiful scenery that blends history and nature. もっとみる
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Todai-ji
奈良県
Todai-ji is a temple where you can meet Nara's Great Buddha, which was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1998 as one of Nara's cultural assets. You can stroll through the vast, green grounds and visit many architectural treasures of cultural importance.
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Kintetsu Ikoma Cable Car
奈良県
In 1918, it became the first cable car in Japan to be operated as a commercial service. There are four designs popular among children: a dog (Buru), a cat (Mike), a cake (Sweet), and an organ (Doremi). Let's find your favorite cable car!
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Kimpusen Temple
奈良県
This is the symbol of Mount Yoshino, which is said to have been opened by En no Gyoja. It is a wooden ancient building with a large roof that is 34 meters high and 36 meters square. It is a power spot that is said to be effective for academic achievement and job hunting, and you can raise your luck!
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Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park
奈良県
An amusement park located on the top of Mt. Ikoma. It is located at an altitude of 642m and offers a beautiful night view. There is also a hiking course to the summit, so you can take a break at the amusement park while hiking.
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Godaimatsu Cave
奈良県
The stalactite cave that is said to have been discovered by Akai Godaimatsu Sen at his own expense. It has a depth of over 80 meters, and the stalactites range from 20-30 cm to 3-4 meters, with the largest column, the "Great Golden Pillar," reaching 8 meters. You can enjoy the attraction feeling by going up on a monorail!
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Mitara Valley
奈良県
There is a hiking course in Mitara Valley, where you can enjoy hiking! You can walk along the promenade upstream of the river and when you come out onto the road, it is called "Mitara". Climbing the stairs and crossing the long suspension bridge, you can enjoy the large rocks, clear river, and waterfalls up close!

Spots with Historical Buildings

Nara Prefecture is the birthplace of the ancient Yamato government and is home to numerous historical buildings such as the world heritage sites of Kasuga Grand Shrine and Horyu-ji Temple. At the Ishibutai Kofun, you can feel the power of the massive stones. Additionally, at An'yu-in (Asuka-dera), you can experience a 1400-year history. All of these are unique tourist spots in Nara Prefecture that captivate visitors. もっとみる
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No.1
Horyu-ji
奈良県
As one of the Buddhist buildings in the Horyu-ji area, which boasts many national treasures and important cultural properties, it has been registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site. It is said to be the world's oldest wooden structure. Why does it last so long with wood!? Please visit and feel the power of Horyu-ji.
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No.2
Kasuga-taisha Shrine
奈良県
This is a world heritage shrine with a long history of about 1,300 years. It was built to pray for the protection of Heijo-kyo and the prosperity of the people. It was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. In addition to the historic buildings, you can also enjoy power spots with rich nature and matchmaking benefits!
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No.3
Ishibutai Kofun
奈良県
There are various theories about the person buried in the "Ishibutai Kofun", but the leading candidate is Soga no Umako. Originally a keyhole-shaped mound, the earthen part has been lost and the stone chamber is now exposed. Please come inside and feel the power of the huge stones for yourself.
No.4
Yakushiji
奈良県
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No.5
Kashihara Shrine
奈良県
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No.6
Aguiin (Asukadera)
奈良県
The first authentic Buddhist temple in Japan, founded by Soga no Umako. Asukadera is a spot where you can feel the depth of its 1400-year history. The face of the Asuka Daibutsu, with its almond-shaped eyes and long face, is said to look gentle from the left and stern from the right.

Spots to Enjoy Culture

Nara Prefecture is a place where history and culture come alive. Visit the world heritage sites of Todai-ji Temple and Horyu-ji Temple to experience Buddhist art, or take a tour of traditional machiya (townhouses) in the Naramachi area. At the "Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Asuka Historical Museum," you can also immerse yourself in the ambiance of the Asuka period through crafts and exhibits. もっとみる
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Kitra Kofun Wall Painting Experience Center Four Gods Hall
奈良県
No.2
Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties Asuka Historical Museum
奈良県
No.3
Nihon Ookami statue
奈良県
No.4
Inukai Man'yō Memorial Museum
奈良県
No.5
Takamatsu-zuka Kofun Museum
奈良県
No.6
Kitakyushu Museum of Art
奈良県

Recommended Spots in Spring

In spring, Nara Prefecture is a season where fresh greenery and cherry blossoms bloom beautifully. At "Nara Park," a World Heritage Site, you can interact with deer, natural monuments, and explore historical buildings. At "Forest Park Kaminoyama," you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing and stargazing in addition to azaleas. Additionally, at "Byobu Iwa Koen," you can fully enjoy a stroll surrounded by colorful flowers! もっとみる
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No.1
Nara Park
奈良県
This is a world heritage park where you can interact with natural treasures, the deer. There are many historic buildings on the vast grounds, such as Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga-taisha Shrine, and Kofuku-ji Temple, which is famous for its five-story pagoda. While interacting with the deer, please enjoy seeing the temples and shrines that are proud of the world at a leisurely pace!
No.2
Katsuragi Plateau
奈良県
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No.3
Tanihara Suspension Bridge
奈良県
No.4
Byobuiwa Park
奈良県
No.5
Forest Park Kanno Mountain
奈良県
No.6
Take no Tateishi
奈良県

Recommended Summer Spots

In Nara Prefecture during the summer, we recommend forest bathing on the Omine Okugake Road and playing in the water at the Yamato River Fureai Plaza. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking views from the aerial village while feeling the cool breeze. Additionally, you can also enjoy exhilarating sports at the Segawa Observation Park and Ground Golf Course. Spend a wonderful summer vacation in the nature-rich Nara Prefecture! もっとみる
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Hasegawa Observatory Park and Ground Golf Course
奈良県
No.2
Omine Okugake Road
奈良県
No.3
Kuuchuu no Mura
奈良県
No.4
Hakomoto-kan "Konya"
奈良県
No.5
Yamato River Fureai Square
奈良県

Popular Hotels in Nara Prefecture See more

Accommodations in Nara Prefecture are attractive for their calm atmosphere that evokes the ambiance of the ancient capital, as well as delicious cuisine utilizing local ingredients. You can also enjoy relaxation with hot springs. Additionally, the natural and historical views visible from the hotels provide healing for travelers. In particular, at "Kasuga Hotel," you can enjoy the view from the garden open-air bath, and at "Mikasa," you can experience the unique sight of deer playing in the garden, both of which are unique experiences that can only be found in Nara! もっとみる
Mikasa Ryokan
3.5
¥25,131~/person
Hotel Nikko Nara
4
¥8,401~/person
Kasuga Hotel
3.5
¥19,504~/person
Kamenoi Hotel Yamato Heguri
4
¥10,465~/person
Kamenoi Hotel Nara
3
¥18,084~/person
Grand Mercure Nara Kashihara
4
¥8,430~/person

Hotels Enjoyable for Families with Children

Hotels in Nara Prefecture are safe even for families with children. At the nature-rich "Nosegawa Onsen Hotel Nosenogawa," you can take a stroll along the Kumano Kodo trail, while at "ANDO HOTEL Nara Wakakusayama," you can enjoy activities such as stargazing and fishing. At "Nara Kenko Land Nara Plaza Hotel," you can refresh yourself with a variety of hot springs. Please come and visit Nara Prefecture, where both parents and children can have fun! もっとみる
Nara Kenko Land Plaza Hotel
nara
3.5
¥8,940~/person
Hotel Nosegawa
nara
2.5
¥10,440~/person
ANDO HOTEL NaraWakakusayama～DLIGHT LIFE & HOTELS～
nara
3
¥42,570~/person
Nara Park Hotel
nara
3
¥7,112~/person
Nara Royal Hotel
nara
3.5
¥5,699~/person
Kanau
nara
2.5
¥17,329~/person

Hotels Famous for Hot Springs

Accommodation in Nara Prefecture is attractive for its ancient capital ambiance and hot springs. In particular, "Kawayu Onsen Gokinosho Hanaya Tokubei," a long-established inn where you can bathe 24 hours a day, offers a peaceful and relaxing hospitality experience. At "Sarusawa Pond Yoshidaya," you can enjoy a private bath while gazing at the quiet lakeside. Nara Prefecture's hotels will add even more enjoyment and color to your trip! もっとみる
Hotel Base Nara - Hostel
nara
2
¥2,200~/person
Wakasa Bettei
nara
3
¥19,450~/person
Nara Hotel
nara
4
¥23,443~/person
Sarusawaike Yoshidaya
nara
3.5
¥18,057~/person
Yado Hanaya Tokubei - Dorogawa-onsen Hot Spring
nara
3
¥13,200~/person
ゲストハウス奈良庵 B&B Nara An
nara
¥4,400~/person

Local Cuisine in Nara Prefecture

Nara Prefecture's local cuisine includes a variety of dishes such as kakinoha sushi, which originated from a land without the sea, amago dishes made from the deep mountains, and Miwa somen and Asuka nabe, which have been passed down since ancient times. These dishes feature flavors that highlight the ingredients and allow you to savor the deliciousness woven together with history. When you visit, be sure to give them a try. もっとみる
Kakinoha Sushi
Kakinoha Sushi is a famous local cuisine in Nara Prefecture, which is a pressed sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves, containing salted mackerel and vinegar rice. It is said to be a summer festival delicacy in landlocked Nara, where there is no sea. It is delicious even when grilled, and you can enjoy a more matured taste by letting it sit overnight.
Kuzu-kiri
Kuzu is a specialty product of Yoshino, and there are many shops along the approach to Yoshino mountain that serve kuzu mochi and kuzu yu. Among them, how about indulging in the luxury experience of dipping kuzu-kiri made from high-quality kuzu called "Yoshino Hon-kuzu" into black honey while it's still transparent and freshly made?
Amago Cuisine
If you go south from Yoshino in Nara Prefecture, you will enter a deep mountainous area of the Kii Mountains. Clear streams flow through the valleys, and Amago stream fishing is conducted. Amago is a river fish that feeds on algae and has a good aroma. When salt-grilled, you can enjoy a rich and savory flavor.
Asuka Nabe
It is a hot pot dish made by simmering chicken and vegetables in a broth and milk. It seems to have existed since the time when dairy products were introduced from China to Japan during the Asuka period, but at that time, milk was expensive and goat's milk was used instead. Yamato Nabe, which uses soy milk instead of milk, is also well known.
Miwa Somen
Miwa is said to be the birthplace of somen noodles, which were born from the revelation of the Oomiwa Shrine, the oldest shrine in Japan, about 1200 years ago. It is said that it spread throughout the country from people who visited there on their way to Ise. Miwa somen is characterized by its strong texture and the fact that it is not easily stretched even after boiling.
Tenri Ramen
It is a body-warming ramen with a soy sauce and pork bone soup base, with plenty of garlic and chili pepper added to the broth. Stir-fried Chinese cabbage, garlic chives, and pork belly are added to the soup. It is not only popular in Tenri, but also has expanded to various locations in Kansai region.