In the centuries since its time as Japan’s ancient capital, Nara has continued thriving as a living museum of time-honoured Japanese culture, architecture, craftsmanship, and more. The pinnacle of this lies in its numerous World Heritage Sites, like Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, and Kasugataisha Shrine, many of which are concentrated in the deer-filled Nara Park. Nara is also home to Horyuji Temple, believed to contain the world’s oldest wooden buildings, and Yakushiji Temple, praised by Fenollosa as “frozen music.” It is also the origin of other Japanese staples like sake (rice wine) and noh theatre.
Tucked in between Kyoto and Osaka in the central Kansai region, Nara can be easily visited on a day-trip or overnight stay from these two cities by train. It can also be reached from Tokyo in around 3 hours on the bullet train.
The best way for travellers to experience the full appeal of Nara is on a tour. Below, we’ll introduce you to 4 Nara tours that dive deep into its cultural wonders, including sake, ancient theatre, noh, cuisine, and more, through exclusive experiences. Read on to fill your Japan itinerary with authentic encounters unavailable to regular travellers!