Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Deer, Temples & Tips for First-Time Visitors

Last updated · 29 June 2026

The Deer of Nara Park

Introduction

If you're visiting Kyoto for the first time, Nara is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips you can add to your itinerary. Located less than an hour away by train, it's best known for its free-roaming deer, historic temples and peaceful parks, making it a completely different experience from Kyoto.

Most people, myself included, first become interested in Nara because of the famous deer. But once I arrived, I quickly realised Nara had much more to offer than just its famous deer. During my visit, I watched the famous mochi-pounding show, wandered through a traditional Japanese garden, explored Todai-ji Temple and spent time with the deer in different parts of Nara Park.

If you're following my Kyoto 3-Day Itinerary, this is the exact route I'd recommend for your day trip to Nara, along with a few practical tips I wish I'd known before visiting.

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Watch the Famous Mochi-Pounding Show at Nakatanidou

Nakatanidou is a small shop in Nara best known for its freshly made yomogi mochi and the famous mochi-pounding show that regularly attracts crowds of visitors. It's one of the city's most popular food stops and an easy place to visit before making your way towards Nara Park.

Staff performing the mochi-pounding show at Nakatanidou in Nara, Japan — The famous mochi-pounding show

Freshly made yomogi mochi at Nakatanidou in Nara, Japan — Freshly made yomogi mochi

This was my first stop after arriving in Nara. Since I got there quite early, I asked the staff when the next show would take place rather than relying on a schedule I had found online. One thing I quickly learned is not to arrive exactly at the time you're given. I got there about ten minutes early and ended up being lucky because the show started sooner than expected. I also tried the freshly made mochi afterwards and loved it. Even if you're only spending half a day in Nara, I think it's a fun way to start your visit.

Walk Through Yoshikien Garden

Yoshikien Garden is a traditional Japanese garden just a short walk from Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple. Divided into three distinct sections—a pond garden, a moss garden and a tea ceremony garden—it offers a quieter side of Nara before you reach the busiest attractions.

A traditional Japanese garden with ponds and seasonal landscapes at Yoshikien Garden in Nara, Japan — The peaceful Yoshikien Garden

I stopped here on my way to Nara Park and was surprised by how peaceful it felt. If you enjoy Japanese gardens, I'd definitely make time for this stop.

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Todai-ji is one of Japan's most important Buddhist temples and one of Nara's most iconic landmarks. It's best known for the Great Buddha Hall, home to one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world.

Deer roaming outside Todai-ji Temple in Nara, Japan — Deer outside Todai-ji

Todai-ji Temple, one of Japan's most important Buddhist temples, in Nara, Japan — Todai-ji Temple

This was also where I finally found deer crackers after several stalls I'd passed earlier had already sold out. If you're planning to feed the deer, it's worth checking the stalls around the temple if the first ones you come across are out of stock.

Feed the Deer in Nara Park

Nara Park is home to hundreds of free-roaming deer, making it one of Japan's most unique attractions.

A deer performing the famous bow in Nara Park, Japan — The famous Nara deer bow

A deer resting by the pond in Nara Park, Japan — A deer by the pond in Nara Park

One thing I learned very quickly was to keep the deer crackers inside my bag until I was ready to use them. If you keep them in your hands, it usually doesn't take long before several deer start making their way towards you. I also found that the deer became much calmer the further I walked away from the busiest areas. If you have the time, I'd recommend wandering a little deeper into the park before feeding them.

Useful Tips for Visiting Nara

Arrive early to avoid the biggest crowds.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll probably walk more than you expect.
Keep some cash with you if you plan to buy deer crackers or local snacks.
Keep the deer crackers inside your bag until you're ready to feed the deer.
Show your empty palms once you've run out of crackers. The deer usually understand and move on.
Allow at least half a day to explore Nara at a relaxed pace.

Places to Eat Near Nara Park

If you're looking for somewhere to eat or take a break during your visit, these are a few places I'd recommend. You'll find all of them along or close to this route.

Nakatanidou – Fresh yomogi mochi and the famous mochi-pounding show
Omitsu – Traditional okonomiyaki
Daibutsu Ichigo – Popular for strawberry desserts and sweet treats
CONCE Cafe – Coffee and homemade desserts
Gyumabushi Miyama – Wagyu beef specialties

FAQ

1. Is Nara Worth Visiting from Kyoto?

Yes, especially if it's your first trip to Japan. Between the free-roaming deer, Todai-ji Temple, traditional gardens and local food, Nara feels completely different from Kyoto and is one of the easiest day trips you can take.

2. How Long Do You Need in Nara?

For the route in this guide, I'd recommend allowing at least half a day. If you plan to visit Todai-ji, spend more time in the gardens or simply explore Nara Park at a slower pace, a full day is well worth it.

3. How Do You Get to Nara from Kyoto?

Getting to Nara is really easy. It's less than an hour from Kyoto by train, making it one of the simplest day trips you can take. Once you arrive, most of the main attractions, including Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple, are within walking distance of each other.

Throughout my trip to Japan, Google Maps made planning every train journey incredibly easy, and I found it surprisingly accurate for navigating both Kyoto and Nara.

4. Can You Visit Nara and Fushimi Inari on the Same Day?

Yes, and many people combine them into the same day. I'd recommend starting early with Fushimi Inari so you can enjoy it before the biggest crowds arrive, then heading to Nara afterwards.

5. Where Can You Buy Deer Crackers in Nara?

Deer crackers are sold at stalls throughout Nara Park and around Todai-ji Temple. If one stall has sold out, don't worry—keep walking and you'll usually find another one nearby with stock available.

6. Do the Deer in Nara Bite?

Some deer can become a little pushy when they know you have food. During my visit, I never felt uncomfortable, but I'd recommend keeping the crackers inside your bag until you're ready to feed them and showing your empty palms once you've run out.

7. Do Nara Deer Really Bow?

Yes. Many of the deer in Nara have learned to bow before receiving deer crackers, making it one of the city's most memorable experiences. If you're planning to feed them, there's a good chance you'll experience the famous bow for yourself.

✦ Before you go

If you only have half a day, you'll still have enough time to experience what makes Nara so special. But if I could give you one piece of advice, it would be not to rush. Some of my favourite moments came from simply wandering through the gardens and quieter parts of Nara Park rather than rushing from one attraction to the next.

Before your trip, don't forget to save the interactive map so you can easily follow this route once you're in Nara. Have an amazing trip, and I hope Nara becomes one of your favourite day trips from Kyoto too.