Nara Traveler Essentials
- Safety rating
- 9.4/10
- Best time to visit
- Spring and autumn are ideal, with cherry blossoms or fiery maples framing the temples.
- Population
- 0.4M
Overview
Nara, Japan's first permanent capital, is a tranquil city where free-roaming deer wander among ancient temples and vast parkland. It holds some of the country's oldest and grandest wooden structures, including the colossal Great Buddha of Todai-ji. Its compact scale makes it a perfect day trip steeped in history.
Getting around
The main sights cluster in walkable Nara Park, with buses linking outlying temples.
Local etiquette
Bow politely to the deer for crackers but don't tease them, and maintain temple decorum throughout the park.
Safety
Nara is very safe, though the bowing deer can be pushy around food, so handle deer crackers carefully.