Famous for the friendly deers, an early morning Nara day trip from Kyoto has become a must-have experience in Japan. But that’s not it. The prefecture offers a lot more than the free-roaming deers.

Like Kyoto, Nara was once the capital of Japan. In fact, it was the country’s first permanent capital. So, the prefecture is steeped in history. 

Ancient temples, shrines and grid pattern of the old town street make Nara stand out as the best day trip from Kyoto. And that’s not it. Nara also houses 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

With so much to do in Nara and less than 24 hours in hand, I know what can make or break your experience of the day trip to Nara from Kyoto. An ITINERARY!  

Let’s dive into the perfect Nara 1 day itinerary to make the most of your time in the prefecture. 

How to Arrive at Nara on a Day Trip from Kyoto

To arrive at Nara, board a train from Kyoto – you have two options:

• JR Nara Line – The rapid services on this line take 45 minutes to reach JR Nara station from Kyoto and cost around 720 yen (covered by JR Pass). 
• Kintetsu Kyoto Line – The Limited Express on this line takes 35 minutes to reach Nara and costs around 1,160 yen. But it is closer to must-visit destinations like Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple. And on a one-day trip, time is money, isn’t it?

Whichever option you pick, buy the tickets in advance to arrive at Nara as early as possible in the morning. Once you reach, grab breakfast at a nearby cafe or 7/11 to fuel up and explore Nara in a day on your solo travel. 

The Best Things-To-Do in a One-Day Nara Trip from Kyoto with Time-Stamps 

Start with Kofuku-ji Temple at 9 AM 

Kofuku-ji is the best place to start with your Nara one-day itinerary. Unlike other shrines and temples, Kofuku-ji is less crowded. 

And it has plenty to offer – Buddhist temple halls, the second tallest five-storied Pagoda (under renovation until 2031) in Japan and the National Museum. One of the 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites for a reason. 

It is right near the entrance of Nara Park. Kofuku-ji Temple is a 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station through Higashimuki shopping street and Sanjo Dori Street.

Although there’s free entrance to the temple grounds, the halls and museum require an entrance fee.

• Eastern Golden Hall – 300 yen (Temporarily Closed)
• Central Golden Hall – 500 yen
• National Treasure Museum – 700 yen

However, from April 2025 onwards, you can explore all three at 1600 yen. 

Next, Meet and Greet with 1,400 Sika Deer of Nara Park at 10 AM

You must have heard deers bow at you in Nara Park, right? If you want to greet the deers as the Japanese do, buy the shika senbei (deer crackers) for 200 yen. Feed them, and you’ll witness one of the highlights of your Japan trip.

During the up-close encounter with Sika Deers, keep in mind the deer etiquette:

• DO NOT tease
• DON’T feed them human food
• Lookout for head bumps (sometimes, they get excited and aggressive)

Apart from that, the nature, heritage and Nara National Museum of Art make Nara Park one of the must-visit places in Nara. 

If 10 AM seems too crowded, visit the park right before sunset. The crowd is minimal, and it’s the best way to end your Nara day trip from Kyoto.

Head to Kasuga Taisha Shrine at 11:30 AM 

A gradual walk towards the east of the Nara Park will lead you to Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

It is known for its dramatic stone and bronze lanterns, traditional architecture, intricate cravings, vermillion gates, and mystical forest. Once done in the shrine, take a detour!

Yes, there’s a path to Manyo Botanical Garden. A perfect nature escape in spring. 

Now, Grab Lunch in Nara at 12:30 PM 

After walking for hours, it’s time to eat – here are some things to eat in Nara on your day trip –

• Authentic Udon – Thick and chewy noodles in broth
• Somen Noodles – Light wheat flour noodles
• Kakinoha-zushi – Persimmon leaf sushi
• Chagayu – Green tea rice porridge
• Narazuke – Japanese pickles made with sake lees
• Kakigori – Shaved ice 

Stop to Watch a Famous Tradition in Nara – Mochi Making at 1:30 PM

Your Nara day trip from Kyoto is incomplete without watching how mochi (a Japanese rice cake) is made. And, the most famous place to watch it in Nara is Nakatanidou Mochi Shop.

Mochi pounding is a glimpse into the traditional culinary culture of Japan. You get to experience it and taste it fresh as well. 

The best part? It doesn’t take much time. Artisans are known for their incredible speed and technique to pound mochi.

Explore Todai-ji Temple at 2 PM

Post lunch and mochi-making session, Todai-ji Temple is a red-hot tourist spot in Nara. Entirely made out of wood, the massive structure and the 15m Great Buddha-Daibutsu are awe-inspiring. 

One of the coolest parts of this temple is the wooden pillar with a hole at the base. Legend has it, that if you can squeeze through it, you’ll be granted enlightenment in your next life. A must-try!

Entrance – 800 yen

Gear Up for the Best View of Nara from Nigatsu-do Hall at 3 PM 

An extension of Todai-ji Temple, Nigatsu-do Hall perched on the hillside of Mount Wakakusa gives you the best view of Nara – if you can make it up the stairs.

Despite Todai-ji Temple’s popularity, this part is not crowded. It’s a breath of fresh air. You can sit back and enjoy free drinks overlooking the sunset (and call it a day)!

End Your One-Day Nara Trip with Naramachi – Old Town Nara at 4 PM 

If you still have energy left, finish this one-day solo adventure in Nara with Naramachi – the former merchant district. 

Explore the machiyas – townhouses, boutiques, shops, and narrow alleys. The town will take you back to the Edo and Meiji Periods.

As you walk through, keep an eye on the local craft to get your hands on unique souvenirs. 

Is Nara Day Trip from Kyoto Worth It?

Yes, the Nara day trip from Kyoto is popular for a reason. In fact, if you have time, i would recommend even staying a night in the city. It is worth your time. Plus, staying a night in Nara will help you avoid the crowd at most of the places. 

So, to sum up my Nara 1 day itinerary from Kyoto, start early with Kofuku-ji Temple followed by Nara Park and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Take a lunch break and head to Todai-ji. And finish the day with Naramachi.

That way, you’ll cover most of the must-sees in Nara. But, obviously, tweak this itinerary as you wish to have one of the best experiences in the country as a solo traveller.