Magical day trip to nara
Bowing Deer, Beautiful Gardens, and Ancient Temples
During our recent trip to Japan, we decided to take a day trip from Kyoto to Nara, and it turned out to be one of the most unforgettable days of our adventure. Nara is only a 50-minute train ride from Kyoto, and if you're coming from Osaka, it’s even quicker—just 30 minutes! Whether you're in Kyoto or Osaka, Nara is an easy and essential day trip to experience the magic of Japan's history, nature, and adorable deer.
Bowing deer, Nara
Our favourite part of the day? Meeting Nara’s famous bowing deer! As soon as we entered Nara Park, we were greeted by these lovely creatures. You can buy special deer crackers from vendors scattered around the park for just 50p a packet—such a bargain! We ended up going through five bags because we loved feeding them so much. The deer have learned to bow to you as a thank you for the food, and it's the cutest thing to experience. They’re friendly and gentle, especially at the entrance of the park, though we noticed the ones further back at the park weren’t as keen on people—definitely stick to the front if you want the more social deer!
After spending time with the deer, we headed to Todaiji Temple, home to the iconic Great Buddha. This giant bronze statue is one of Japan's most famous landmarks, and seeing it in person was awe-inspiring. My partner even got a little emotional—it was a really moving experience to see something so ancient and grand in such a peaceful setting.
Todaiji Temple, Nara
Before the temple, we stumbled upon Yoshikien Garden by accident, and what a find! This traditional Japanese garden is like stepping into a painting of old Japan, with beautifully manicured landscapes, serene ponds, and moss-covered stones. It was exactly how I imagined traditional Japan to look and felt like a quiet escape from the bustling park.
Our next stop was the stunning Kasuga-taisha Shrine, a tranquil Shinto shrine nestled in the forest. The path leading to the shrine is lined with hundreds of stone lanterns, creating a magical, almost mystical atmosphere. It’s a peaceful walk, and the shrine itself is absolutely breathtaking.
We wrapped up our day with a delicious matcha ice cream before catching the train back to Kyoto for dinner. It was the perfect end to an amazing day, filled with beautiful scenery, history, and some of the cutest wildlife we’ve ever encountered.
Matcha Icecream, Nara
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, a visit to Nara is an absolute must. Whether it’s for the bowing deer, the ancient temples, or just the serene beauty of the parks and gardens, Nara is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Top Tips for Nara:
Bring extra coins for the deer crackers—you’ll definitely want more than one bag!
Visit Yoshikien Garden for a peaceful escape.
Spend time exploring the temples and shrines, especially Todaiji Temple and Kasuga-taisha Shrine.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the park and gardens.
Don’t forget to try the matcha ice cream!
Nara truly offers a magical blend of culture, nature, and charm that makes it a must-visit destination in Japan!
Bowing deer, Nara