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Nara in 5: Budget-Friendly Family Fun!

Discover ancient wonders and playful adventures in Nara, Japan – where family memories blossom.

19 July 2023

Nara, Japan offers a family-friendly trip filled with cultural and historical experiences. Explore the stunning Nara Park, where friendly deer roam freely and can be fed. Visit Todai-ji Temple, home to the world's largest bronze Buddha statue, and immerse your family in the fascinating history and spirituality of this ancient city.

Travel plan

• Begin your Nara adventure by checking into the whimsical Deer Hotel, where deer-shaped beds and antler chandeliers reign supreme.
• Have a divine breakfast at the charming Cafe Deer, where you can sip on coffee surrounded by majestic deer portraits.
• Immerse yourself in history at the stunning Todai-ji Temple, home to the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world, and marvel at the skill of ancient artisans.
• Stroll through Nara Park, where cheeky deer roam freely. Be prepared for some hilarious photo bombs and a potential "snack attack"!
• Treat your taste buds at Kakinoha Zushi, a local favorite sushi spot where salmon, mackerel, and sea bream are wrapped in fragrant persimmon leaves.

• Enjoy a tranquil morning at Yoshiki-en Garden, an oasis of serenity with its beautifully manicured landscapes and peaceful tea houses.
• Explore Isuien Garden, a masterpiece blending three distinct garden styles scenic, pond, and dry landscape – a true feast for the senses.
• Learn the art of Japanese tea ceremony at Yuraraku, where skilled tea masters create a captivating experience amidst traditional tatami floors.
• Lunch at Nakatanidou, where you can witness mind-boggling mochi pounding by speed-demon chefs, ensuring you a lively lunchtime show.
• Don't miss the splendid Kasuga Taisha Shrine, where a magical forest of stone lanterns creates an ethereal atmosphere.

• Experience the elegance of Naramachi, a historic district with preserved machiya houses dating back to the Edo period. Snap some envy-inducing photos!
• Dive into the world of traditional Japanese crafts at the Nara Crafts Gallery, where delicate lacquerware and intricate textiles will leave you spellbound.
• Relish a zen-filled lunch at Omoide Yokocho, a nostalgic alley lined with small eateries offering delicious street food like takoyaki and yakitori.
• Get artistic at Kofuku-ji National Treasure Museum, housing an extraordinary collection of ancient Buddhist statues and precious artifacts.
• Savor a unique dinner at Sanju Sangendo, a quirky restaurant serving kaiseki dishes inspired by the 1001 statues of Kannon in the adjacent temple.

• Embark on an unforgettable morning hike up Mount Wakakusa, where panoramic views of Nara reward your efforts. Spot the elusive yamayaki fire festival site!
• Head to Nara National Museum, a treasure trove of Buddhist art and artifacts, offering insight into the rich cultural heritage of Japan.
• Refuel with a delightful lunch at Hanayashiki Ukifune-en, a picturesque restaurant overlooking a tranquil pond adorned with floating lotus flowers.
• Experience a traditional Noh theater performance at Kondo, where talented actors bring mythical tales to life through haunting masks and graceful movements.
• Indulge in a special dinner at Tsunobunoyu Nakatatsuno, where you can savor Nara's famous yudofu (tofu hot pot) in a cozy, traditional setting.

• Start your day with a visit to Nara City Museum of Photography, showcasing captivating imagery that captures Nara's beauty in all its forms.
• Take a leisurely stroll along Sarusawa-ike Pond, known for its iconic vermilion bridge and serene atmosphere, greeting you with picture-perfect moments.
• Enjoy a final meal in Nara at the charming Kishu Toshiko, a local favorite serving up mouthwatering traditional kaiseki cuisine.
• Bid farewell to Nara Park's mischievous deer, but be sure to bring some deer-shaped souvenirs home – the ultimate quirky keepsake!
• Leave Nara with unforgettable memories, a heart full of deer-related anecdotes, and an intense desire to return to this magical city!