TripSmithNara
A curated guide to Nara, Japan: 8 top sights, 8 standout places to eat, where to stay, and a sample itinerary.
What to see
- Nigatsu-do 4.6★ (3,400 reviews) · Tourist attraction
- Nara Park 4.6★ (75,000 reviews) · Tourist attraction
- Kasugataisha Shrine 4.5★ (15,000 reviews) · Tourist attraction
- Nara National Museum 4.4★ (5,400 reviews) · National museum
- Ukimido Pavilion 4.4★ (1,700 reviews) · Tourist attraction
- Isuien Garden and Neiraku Museum 4.5★ (1,300 reviews) · Tourist attraction
- Kofukuji Temple National Treasure Museum 4.5★ (1,100 reviews) · Museum
- Kohfuku-ji Temple National Treasure Museum 4.5★ (1,100 reviews) · Museum
Where to eat
- Gyumabushi Miyama 4.8★ (2,400 reviews) · Japanese
- ROKUMEI COFFEE CO. NARA 4.5★ (2,800 reviews) · Coffee shop
- CHAMI - Specialty Coffee Roaster - Nara, JAPAN 4.7★ (1,700 reviews) · Cafe
- Conce 4.8★ (1,300 reviews) · Cafe
- Maguro Koya 4.5★ (1,400 reviews) · Japanese
- Mizuya Chaya 4.7★ (1,200 reviews) · Japanese
- aka tombo coffee 4.9★ (547 reviews) · Coffee shop
- Nino 4.8★ (599 reviews) · Italian
Where to drink
- Infinity 5.0★ (361 reviews) · Bar
- Bar Garage 4.9★ (363 reviews) · Bar
- Cafe&Bar Garage 4.9★ (351 reviews) · Bar
- LAMP BAR 4.6★ (605 reviews) · Bar
- Ripple 5.0★ (128 reviews) · Bar
A sample 3-day shape
Day 1
- Morning: Nigatsu-do
- Afternoon: Nara National Museum
- Dinner: Gyumabushi Miyama
- Nightcap: Infinity
Day 2
- Morning: Nara Park
- Afternoon: Ukimido Pavilion
- Dinner: ROKUMEI COFFEE CO. NARA
- Nightcap: Bar Garage
Day 3
- Morning: Kasugataisha Shrine
- Afternoon: Isuien Garden and Neiraku Museum
- Dinner: CHAMI - Specialty Coffee Roaster - Nara, JAPAN
- Nightcap: Cafe&Bar Garage
This is a starting shape — plan your own Nara trip →
Frequently asked
How many days do you need in Nara?
With 20 notable sights and 20 standout eateries, 2–4 days covers the essentials at a relaxed pace.