Are you thinking about visiting Nara, Japan? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Nara worth visiting?
Nara is worth visiting for one to two days so that you can explore everything that the city has to offer. Nara is loved by visitors for many reasons, and is routinely on national "best of" lists, including U.S. News Best Places to Visit in Japan. 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.
Ukimido Pavilion, Nara, Japan (©NARA TOURISM FEDERATION/©JNTO)
Reasons to Visit Nara
Museums
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.
Nightlife
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.
Hiking
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.
Shopping
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.
Food
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).
Historical Sights
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.
Authenticity
Nara has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Nara worth visiting in the Summer?
The weather in Nara is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 27°C (80°F). But it can get as warm as 31°C (88°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
The peak season for travel is summer in Nara, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat popular with travelers, and in the high season it's busier than usual.
The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. This is a great time of year to go hiking, wander through the museums, and admire the historic sights. Also, you can enjoy an evening out.
Summer Weather in Nara
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 27°C (80°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| August | 28°C (82°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| September | 24°C (74°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
Is Nara worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Nara. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during autumn, and temperatures hover around 17°C (63°F).
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to admire the wonderful scenery, browse around the old town, and browse through museums. Also, you can check out the hiking.
Autumn Weather in Nara
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| November | 12°C (53°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| December | 7°C (44°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
Is Nara worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Nara. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
The weather in Nara can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 4°C (40°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums, the cuisine, and the historic old town. Also, you'll be able to dance the night away.
Winter Weather in Nara
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 4°C (40°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| February | 5°C (40°F) | 60 mm (2.3 in) |
| March | 8°C (46°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
Is Nara worth visiting in the Spring?
Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during spring, and temperatures hover around 14°C (57°F).
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Nara, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
This is a great time of year to browse the shops, browse the museums, and admire the wonderful scenery. Also, you can experience the historic old town and the nightlife.
Spring Weather in Nara
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 14°C (57°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| May | 19°C (65°F) | 128 mm (5.1 in) |
| June | 23°C (73°F) | 214 mm (8.4 in) |
Related
What is Nara most famous for?
Nara is most famous for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer. The city is very popular for its museums, nightlife, hiking, and shopping. It's also known for food and historical sights. It is often described as historic, cultural, traditional, tranquil, and natural.
What is the most famous sight in Nara?
The most popular sight in Nara is Nara Park. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Nara on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Nara Park and other attractions here.
How touristy is Nara? Is it a popular city to visit?
Nara is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour: $236
- Nara Todaiji Lazy Bird Tour: $88
- Nara - Private Family Bike Tour: $198
- Eigo Tour - Walk in Nara City: $66
- A completely private tour to meet your favorite tea: $23
- Nara Custom Full Day Tour: $218
- Nara Full-day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $139
- Nara Half Day Trip Walking Tour: $79
How long should I spend in Nara?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Nara is one to two days. Since Nara has activities such as museums, nightlife, hiking, and shopping, many visit for up to two days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Nara? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Nara?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.