Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Nara?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Nara?
Not sure how much time you'll need in Nara, Japan? Most people spend one to two days in Nara during their visit. After all, the natural city will let you tour the famous sights and museums, take a hike, take advantage of the local nightlife, and go shopping.
Nara is a beautiful city that is filled with temples and shrines. It's smaller than you might expect, and there are a large number of green spaces, parks, and gardens. The city has a long-running history, which is best explored through the many temples.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Nara? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Nara?
Three days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Nara, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. The museums and landmarks, the hiking, the nightlife, and the many shops on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Nara as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding areas.
How to spend 3 days in Nara
Don't miss Nara Park during your trip to Nara, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The town offers a serene and relaxed atmosphere at night. There are plenty of bars around town that are known for their friendly bartenders and you'll find many of the bars in Naramachi, which is the old town area.
Nara is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. Many of the sights are within walking distance of each other, so many visitors enjoy exploring on foot.
A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Nara, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. The city is filled with history. There are many ancient temples such as Tōdai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple, and Tōshōdai-ji Temple. You can also visit the Nara National Museum as well as the many parks and gardens.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Half-Day Private Guided Tour : Nara Imperial Palace ($95)
- 1 Day Walking Tour in Nara Palace Deer and Inkstick ($167)
You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. The cuisine is simple and traditional with its roots in the history of the area. Many residents start their morning with a simple rice porridge. The area is also known for its persimmon leaf sushi and miwa somen (a thin, chewy noodle).
A few tour suggestions include:
- Nara : Sake Tasting and Hopping Experience ($93)
- Full Day Nara E bike Tour and Osaka History Food Tour ($189)
The public transit in Nara is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots.
Known for it's hiking, Nara sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. The city is all about its surrounding nature. There are historic pilgrim routes that pass through the hills and mountains, taking you by sacred sights and ancient forests. In the area you'll find some of Japan's most ancient byways.
Nara is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The city is filled with green space, parks, and natural areas. You'll find deer roaming freely and tranquil lawns where you can relax.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Nara Half Day Trip Walking Tour ($78)
- Nara - Craft Beer, Sake & Food Walking Tour ($98)
- Nara Half Day Walking Tour ($138)
Is 4 days enough time in Nara?
Four days is more than enough time to see everything that Nara has to offer. After all, it's not such a huge city. Many visitors prefer to spend one to two days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the museums and landmarks, the hiking, the nightlife, and the many shops at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.
Ukimido Pavilion, Nara, Japan (©NARA TOURISM FEDERATION/©JNTO)
How to spend 4 days in Nara
Having 4 days in Nara will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.
Shopping in Nara is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. Sanjo-dori is the main street through town. This is where you'll find many souvenir shops that sell local items and traditional food. Mochiido Center Town is the oldest shopping arcade in town and it is filled with history.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 5 days enough time in Nara?
Five days is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Nara, as it's not as large as some other cities. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel. Tour the famous sights and museums, take a hike, take advantage of the local nightlife, and go shopping. You could also use Nara as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.
How to spend 5 days in Nara
With 5 days in Nara, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. Naramachi is the old town of Nara. This is the old merchant district and today you'll find several traditional residential buildings and warehouses that are open to the public.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Nara Half Day Trip Walking Tour ($78)
- Nara - Craft Beer, Sake & Food Walking Tour ($98)
- Nara Half Day Walking Tour ($138)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Nara, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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