A walk in Nara

Deer park and Tōdai-ji

奈良公園と東大寺

Best at 8 am · Lantern festivals in February and August

5.3 km, about 3 h, 7 stops from Kintetsu-Nara Station. Every stop with its Japanese name and what to look for.

Start Kintetsu-Nara Station

Kōfuku-ji興福寺
Its five-storey pagoda is under a repair cover until about 2034. The grounds stay open.
Nara Park deer奈良公園
About 1,400 wild deer. Feed only the official crackers, then show your empty hands.
Nandaimon東大寺南大門
A 25 m gate from 1203, guarded by two wooden figures over 8 m tall.
Daibutsuden東大寺大仏殿
Hall of the Great Buddha, among the largest wooden buildings in the world. Opens 8 am.
Nigatsu-dō東大寺二月堂
A hillside hall rebuilt in 1669. Its balcony looks out over the city.
Kasuga Taisha春日大社
About 3,000 lanterns line the paths. All are lit for festivals in February and August.
First torii of Kasuga Taisha春日大社一之鳥居
Walk down the lantern-lined approach to the first torii, back at the edge of town.

Paths can be steep or slippery, and places close or change their hours. Check before you go.

Plan the rest

Sources

Our summary of the sources below, checked Nov 9, 2026