What is Nara known for?

Nara is an important center of ancient Japanese culture. Nara city was Japan's capital from 710 to 784 and features some of the country's oldest Buddhist temples, including Horyuji Temple and Todaiji Temple. In the 8th century, Buddhism received state patronage in the hope that its teachings and rituals would protect the country. This led to a flourishing of Buddhism in Japan from this period but also created deep links between religion and political power. Ultimately, the Emperor's decision to …

Nara is an area in NARA, Japan.

What are the best places to visit in Nara?

WOW U lists 17 spots in Nara. Popular spots include Omiwa Jinja Shrine, Heijokyu Palace Site, Nara Koen Park, Yakushiji Temple, Todaiji Temple.

Can I book a guided tour in Nara?

Yes. WOW U lists activities in Nara hosted by Locals, the local guides who live in the area. You book, message your Locals host and pay on WOW U.

WOW U is a booking platform that connects travellers directly with local guides in Japan, called Locals. You book, message your Locals host and pay on WOW U, and every experience can be reviewed afterwards. More than 6,100 Locals are registered on WOW U. Reviews left by travellers average 4.7 out of 5.

Nara | WOW U

Spots in this area(17)

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History Beautiful Scenery Insta-worthy

Nara

Omiwa Jinja Shrine

No hall, no idol — the mountain itself is the god.

History

Nara

Heijokyu Palace Site

Where Japan's first wooden tablets were unearthed beneath an emperor's grid-pla…

History

Nara

Shigisan Shogosonji Temple

A war god appeared here at the tiger hour—and Shotoku Taishi won.

History

Nara

4.0(1)

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Three thousand lanterns glow twice a year in the sacred deer-filled forest.

History

Nara

5.0(1)

Nigatsudo Hall

Since 752 AD, monks have carried torches here every March at midnight.

History

Activities in Nara

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One-day tour of Asuka to explore an ancient Japanese culture

by Emi Matsuda

Nara

One-day tour of Asuka to explore an ancient Japanese culture

Approx. ¥60,000 / guest

My Timeless Masterpieces ~ Meet Fabulous Buddha Statues in Nara ~

by Miho Endo

Nara

My Timeless Masterpieces ~ Meet Fabulous Buddha Statues in Nara ~

Approx. ¥17,000 / guest

My Deer Park ~Nara Park 4-hour Walking Tour~

by Miho Endo

Nara

My Deer Park ~Nara Park 4-hour Walking Tour~

Approx. ¥22,000 / guest

Apparition d’une pyramide à Asuka (Nara)!

by Yoko Sakai

Nara

Apparition d’une pyramide à Asuka (Nara)!

Approx. ¥40,000 / guest

by Kachiko Sato

Nara

Nara Old Town Walking Tour in Kimono

Approx. ¥16,000 / guest

by Kachiko Sato

Nara

Nara Old Town Walking Tour

Approx. ¥6,000 / guest

by Kaori Kuzuhara

Nara

Highlights in Nara for 6 hours

Approx. ¥20,000 / guest

by Koji Matsuda

Nara

Half-day highlights tour of Nara

Approx. ¥8,000 / guest

Locals in NARA

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Licensed Guide

Japanese / English

NARA

Miyuki Okanishi

MusicMoviesHistory+5

Licensed Guide

Japanese / English

NARA

Kachiko Sato

HistorySakeCulture+4

Licensed Guide

Japanese / English

NARA

Miho Endo

HistoryCultureNature+1

Frequently asked questions

What is Nara known for?: Nara is an important center of ancient Japanese culture. Nara city was Japan's capital from 710 to 784 and features some of the country's oldest Buddhist temples, including Horyuji Temple and Todaiji Temple. In the 8th century, Buddhism received state patronage in the hope that its teachings and rituals would protect the country. This led to a flourishing of Buddhism in Japan from this period but also created deep links between religion and political power. Ultimately, the Emperor's decision to …
Where is Nara?: Nara is an area in NARA, Japan.
What are the best places to visit in Nara?: WOW U lists 17 spots in Nara. Popular spots include Omiwa Jinja Shrine, Heijokyu Palace Site, Nara Koen Park, Yakushiji Temple, Todaiji Temple.
Can I book a guided tour in Nara?: Yes. WOW U lists activities in Nara hosted by Locals, the local guides who live in the area. You book, message your Locals host and pay on WOW U.
What is WOW U?: WOW U is a booking platform that connects travellers directly with local guides in Japan, called Locals. You book, message your Locals host and pay on WOW U, and every experience can be reviewed afterwards. More than 6,100 Locals are registered on WOW U. Reviews left by travellers average 4.7 out of 5.