I thought I was a deer whisperer… until they started biting my pockets…apparently I resemble their favorite snack 🍘😂
If you’re dreaming of adorable deers and don’t mind a little chaos, Nara delivers! These bowing beauties come with a sprinkle of aggression and a serious case of post-snack fatigue.
Nara makes for the perfect day trip if you’re visiting Kyoto or Osaka! Easy to reach and easy to love!
Here’s what I did in a day in Nara, plus some tips and background info I really wish I knew before going!
What To Do In Nara?
Feeding the Famous Deer at Nara Park
Feeding the bowing sika deer was the highlight of my trip even though I was headbutted💥
You can buy deer crackers, called shika senbei, from vendors around the park. But there’s actually a proper technique to feeding them!
A random old man (deer sensei?) called me over and handed me what I think were acorns… then proceeded to demonstrate the pro method:
- Hold the cracker flat on your palm (show 🦌)
- Raise your hand above your head (with 🍘)
- Start bowing, the deer will bow back
- THEN offer the cracker
Pro tips:
- Walk deeper into Nara Park since the deer near the entrance are usually overfed and either too sleepy or too sassy 😅
- Avoid ones with antlers or ones with freshly cut antlers, they’re often more aggressive
Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Struggling in the love department? A visit to Kasuga Taisha Shrine might just bring a little luck. 💘✨
Famous for its 2000 stone lanterns, 1000 bronze hanging lanterns, and 12 smaller shrines along the path, Kasuga Taisha is not just stunning, it’s spiritually significant.
One of the shrines, Meoto Daikokusha, is dedicated to marriage and matchmaking. They say it brings good fortune in love… and guess what? We even stumbled upon a Japanese wedding/photoshoot while there…a sign? 👀
💴 Entry tip: The outer area is free to explore. The inner sanctuary requires a 700 yen ticket.
Todai-ji Temple
Also known as the Great Eastern Temple, Todai-ji is home to a massive 15-meter bronze Buddha (Daibutsu), housed in one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. 🛕✨
In the video, you’ll see me crawling through a hole in one of the wooden pillars. That hole? It’s the size of Buddha’s nostril!
Legend has it that if you can squeeze through, you’ll be granted enlightenment in your next life.
I honestly didn’t think I’d fit since my shoulders wouldn’t fit, until a kind Japanese man on the side cheered me on and showed me the trick:
- Stick one arm and your head in first
- Then wiggle your way through… and I DID IT!
- Don’t forget to bring a notebook if you’re collecting temple stamps (Goshuin) too!
Click here for opening hours and ticket fees!
Mochi Pounding at Nakatanidou
Blink and you’ll miss it, Nakatanidou’s famous mochi-pounding happens in seconds.
One person slams a wooden mallet into the mochi mix while the other fearlessly reaches in to flip it by hand… at insane speed. This is called mochitsuki. 🥣⚡
They’re famous for yomogi mochi (mugwort with red bean) that’s soft, chewy, and super fresh!!!
I missed the show, so here’s what you need to know:
- No fixed schedule, depends on mochi sales
- Weekends have frequent demos (~30min gap)
- Peak time: 12–3 PM (possibly more shows?)
- Closed on Tuesdays
Omakase at Hiraso
Nara Specialty: Kaki-no-ha Sushi 🍣🍂
This is a type of pressed sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves, usually paired with salmon or mackerel. Light, fragrant, and packed with tradition.
I just wanted sushi. Didn’t expect to wander into a small spot with an unexpectedly heartwarming omakase experience.
Despite the language barrier, the chef kindly explained each dish using his phone to translate. Eventually, the big boss (maybe the owner?) came out to cook and chat with us in English. They were so welcoming and even encouraged us to take videos while they freshly fried our tempura!
If you’re in Nara, don’t miss trying kaki-no-ha sushi, it’s one of the region’s most iconic bites. I felt full, belly and heart 🙂
Feeding the Famous Deer at Nara Park
Feeding the bowing sika deer was the highlight of my trip even though I was headbutted💥
You can buy deer crackers, called shika senbei, from vendors around the park. But there’s actually a proper technique to feeding them!
A random old man (deer sensei?) called me over and handed me what I think were acorns… then proceeded to demonstrate the pro method:
- Hold the cracker flat on your palm (show 🦌)
- Raise your hand above your head (with 🍘)
- Start bowing, the deer will bow back
- THEN offer the cracker
Pro tips:
- Walk deeper into Nara Park since the deer near the entrance are usually overfed and either too sleepy or too sassy 😅
- Avoid ones with antlers or ones with freshly cut antlers, they’re often more aggressive
Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Struggling in the love department? A visit to Kasuga Taisha Shrine might just bring a little luck. 💘✨
Famous for its 2000 stone lanterns, 1000 bronze hanging lanterns, and 12 smaller shrines along the path, Kasuga Taisha is not just stunning, it’s spiritually significant.
One of the shrines, Meoto Daikokusha, is dedicated to marriage and matchmaking. They say it brings good fortune in love… and guess what? We even stumbled upon a Japanese wedding/photoshoot while there…a sign? 👀
💴 Entry tip: The outer area is free to explore. The inner sanctuary requires a 700 yen ticket.
Todai-ji Temple
Also known as the Great Eastern Temple, Todai-ji is home to a massive 15-meter bronze Buddha (Daibutsu), housed in one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. 🛕✨
In the video, you’ll see me crawling through a hole in one of the wooden pillars. That hole? It’s the size of Buddha’s nostril!
Legend has it that if you can squeeze through, you’ll be granted enlightenment in your next life.
I honestly didn’t think I’d fit since my shoulders wouldn’t fit, until a kind Japanese man on the side cheered me on and showed me the trick:
- Stick one arm and your head in first
- Then wiggle your way through… and I DID IT!
- Don’t forget to bring a notebook if you’re collecting temple stamps (Goshuin) too!
- Click here for opening hours and ticket fees!
Mochi Pounding at Nakatanidou
Blink and you’ll miss it, Nakatanidou’s famous mochi-pounding happens in seconds.
One person slams a wooden mallet into the mochi mix while the other fearlessly reaches in to flip it by hand… at insane speed. This is called mochitsuki. 🥣⚡
They’re famous for yomogi mochi (mugwort with red bean) that’s soft, chewy, and super fresh!!!
I missed the show, so here’s what you need to know:
- No fixed schedule, depends on mochi sales
- Weekends have frequent demos (~30min gap)
- Peak time: 12–3 PM (possibly more shows?)
- Closed on Tuesdays
Omakase at Hiraso
Nara Specialty: Kaki-no-ha Sushi 🍣🍂
This is a type of pressed sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves, usually paired with salmon or mackerel. Light, fragrant, and packed with tradition.
I just wanted sushi. Didn’t expect to wander into a small spot with an unexpectedly heartwarming omakase experience.
Despite the language barrier, the chef kindly explained each dish using his phone to translate. Eventually, the big boss (maybe the owner?) came out to cook and chat with us in English. They were so welcoming and even encouraged us to take videos while they freshly fried our tempura!
If you’re in Nara, don’t miss trying kaki-no-ha sushi, it’s one of the region’s most iconic bites. I felt full, belly and heart 🙂
How To Get Around Nara?
Bus, train, walk!
Get your IC cards filled up and be prepared to explore on food majority of the time! Google Maps is your best friend 🙂
Is It Worth Going To Nara?
90% worth going for a day trip! The 10% is for those who are scared of deer and is a foodie who wants to go to Kobe for Kobe beef (aka my travel buddies). Genuinely bowing deer is a unique experience you won’t find elsewhere so you need to go!! If you’re skipping Kyoto and only going to Osaka, a day trip in Nara is pretty good because you’ll get a taste of its history and temples along the way. I highly encourage you visit if you can! Have fun!
