This is a suggested itinerary for a day trip to Nara from Namba. Take the train to Nara and then take a bus to Todaiji Temple. (You can also walk or rent a bicycle.) Afterwards, walk to Kasuga Taisha Shrine to pay respects at the "Imperial Palace". Then continue walking to Kofukuji Temple before walking back to Kintetsu Nara Station.

Since I am staying in Namba, I recommend the following travel method.
For those who use KTP or buy tickets by trip, it is recommended to take the Kintetsu Nara Line because it is closer to Todaiji Temple.


For those using the JR PASS, please take the JR Yamatoji Line.


Let's take a look at the map of Nara City first. There are many places to visit. If you want to visit all of them, it will probably take a whole day.

The area I will recommend for walking is within the circle. It takes half a day to walk around.

The first time I used the KTP (Kansai Thru Pass : http://www.surutto.com/tickets/kansai_thru_english.html )
I took the train from Osaka-Namba Station to Kintetsu Nara Station and used the card to take the free bus to the entrance of Todaiji Temple. After that, it was just a circular walk until I got back to the station. The route I used is shown on the map.

Take the bus and get off at the entrance of Todaiji Temple. After the bus turns right at the temple entrance, you can get off. Many people get off here.
On the way to the temple, there are shops and deer waiting to snatch snacks. Be careful with your belongings. They even tried to snatch the map with their mouths (probably thinking it was a snack).

Continue walking straight ahead until you reach the Great South Gate (Nandai-mon): http://www.todaiji.or.jp/english/map01.html

Let's take a picture with the sign first. " World Heritage Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara Todai-ji "

Great South Gate (Nandai-mon)

"Two Kings of Tōdai-ji"

As I walked through the door, I saw the fawn standing there waiting for me again.

Let's take a quick look at its history. "This temple was burned down twice during the war and has been restored."

Entrance to the temple

To enter, please walk to the left. Admission fee is 500 yen for adults and 300 yen for elementary school students. Come and see it.

This temple is very large and beautiful. As soon as you walk in, you can feel its grandeur. "The Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsu-den)"

Wait for a few people and take pictures first (if you go during the tour, it's guaranteed to be full of people)

Here is an additional link: http://www.todaiji.or.jp/english/map02.html

Let's wash our hands. Does anyone want to drink? I don't dare to try.

The door is so big, I can't capture it all in one shot.

The Great Buddha Vairocana (Daibutsu)

Has anyone tried crawling through it yet?

Is this a model of a temple? I don't see the real pagoda outside.

There is also a souvenir shop inside The Great Buddha Hall. Stop by!

What is this? Does anyone know? Please tell me.

The Octagonal Lantern is located in front of The Great Buddha Hall.

Let's walk back out of the temple and go somewhere else. Before we leave, let's take another picture of The Great Buddha Hall.

Come out at the exit and walk to the red Ooi pole. We will walk up the hill this way. Get ready to walk only.

This is a map showing the location where this photo was taken.

Walk straight up the hill until you reach the end, you will find this shrine.

The map shows the Tamukeyama Hachimangu shrine. Let's go inside.

Here is an additional link: http://japan08.blogspot.com/2011/01/day-9-part-5-nara-tamukeyama-hachimangu.html

On the left is Hokkedo (Sangatsudo) Hall: http://www.todaiji.or.jp/english/map04.html

What is on the right hand side ???

Walk to the right, taking pictures as you go, until you reach the bathroom area. There will be a shop with a vending machine selling drinks. Have a drink to recharge your energy before continuing.

Walking up the hill on the right hand side will be restaurants and shops. On the left hand side is a grassy hill with lots of deer.

This one sneaked in to sleep in front of the door to escape the heat.

During my last visit, there was a deer race where people threw snacks and the deer ran to compete for them.

We have walked 750 meters from Todaiji Temple to the sign. We have 400 meters left to reach Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

Walking down the slope, the sides are neatly terraced, looking very tidy. No overgrowth at all.

A short walk down the hill, you will find an intersection with a sign indicating that Kasuga Taisha Shrine is only 200 meters away. (It feels like less than 200 meters walking down.)

Just walk straight across the bridge.

After crossing the bridge, I took a picture of the path I had walked.

Walking around taking pictures, there are trees to shade the sun, not very hot

I have to climb the stairs again. I'm starting to get tired.

I walked up the stairs and stopped to look at the deer as I went. I took the opportunity to rest and take some photos.


We're almost there! Let's take some pictures along the way.

After walking for a long time, the sign for Kasuga Taisha says to turn left and walk another 150 meters.

Turn left and walk inside.

You can walk along the fence to the front.

There is a flower bed in front, let's take a picture

There is a walkway on the side that leads inside. Those who wish to visit the Royal Palace must pay an entrance fee of 1,000 yen.

The Kasuga Grand Shrine, a World Heritage Site in Nara, is opening its doors to visitors for the first time in 140 years to allow them to pay their respects and admire the "Imperial Palace." Normally, only members of the royal family are allowed to enter. The "Imperial Palace" of the Kasuga Grand Shrine consists of four shrines lined up in a row, built with beautiful architecture and over 1,000 years old. The opening of the Imperial Palace for public viewing is scheduled from April 1 to May 31, 2015, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Those who wish to visit and pay their respects to the "Imperial Palace" will be charged an entrance fee of 1,000 yen.

At the entrance, there is a Honsha-Osugi tree, 23 meters tall with a circumference of 7.94 meters. It is over 1,000 years old.


Hundreds of lanterns are hung around the shrine.


Here's a glimpse of the atmosphere inside.


This text is already in English and does not require translation.

There are hundreds of lanterns here, everywhere you look.




The path to walk out is at the back.

Just follow this path and take pictures along the way.

Walk to admire the "Royal Pavilion". Photography is not allowed in this area.

The picture above is from: http://manager.co.th/Japan/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9580000027323


Map for walking tour from the website: http://www.kasugataisha.or.jp/guidance/main_sanctuary_en.html

Let's walk back outside

Let's take a look at the outside areas that are free to enter.

Nanmon Gate

Feel free to write your wishes here.


Exit through the Nanmon Gate, located on the south side.

When I came outside, I saw these kinds of pillars everywhere.

You can also walk to Shin-yakushiji Temple, which is only 850 meters away. I'm walking back to the train station.

After walking down for a while, there will be a point where you can stop to drink water. But I'll just use it to wash my hands.

To the Thoi I La pillar

This sign indicates that the Royal Palace is open for worship from April 1st to May 31st, from 8:30 AM to 4:45 PM.

World Heritage Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara Kasuga-Taisha


I crossed the street to the opposite side. I have to come and look at the sign.

Follow the signs and walk straight ahead. The train station is just a little further. Keep walking.

For those who cannot walk, please wait for the bus at the bus stop. Look at the signpost and you will see the bus stop sign.

Walk straight for less than 100 meters, and the Nara National Museum will be on your right.

We've arrived at Kofukuji Temple. Let's take a picture first. Is it too much to the left? I took it at an angle.

I'll go find some shade to take pictures first.

Let's take a break here. This spot is also great for taking photos. Hehe.

I can't walk anymore. I'm going to walk to Kintetsu Nara Station first.

Let's stop by the alley next door to find a place to eat before heading back.

We chose to eat at this restaurant. The food was average.

This is a picture of my lunch today.

After finishing my meal, I walked down the escalator to Kintetsu Nara Station.

Are you tired from walking yet? Let's go back to Osaka and continue our trip today.

Thank you. The next trip is a trip to the snow. Follow us at https://th.readme.me/p/3149

This review is part of the Snow Wall trip. Traveling by Airasia
Day 1 Arrive at Narita Airport at 19:00. We sent some of our luggage to Takayama and stayed at Narita Airport Resthouse tonight.
Day 2 We exchanged train tickets at Tokyo Station and took a bus from Shinjuku to stay and visit the castle Matsumoto
Day 3 We went to Japan Alpine early in the morning. We visited the dam and took the cable car to the snow wall all day, then went to sleep in Toyama
Day 4 In the morning, we visited Toyama Castle and in the afternoon we went to Hida Furukawa and in the evening we stayed and cycled around Takayama
Day 5 In the morning we went hiking at Kamikochi and then came back to ride and walk around Takayama
Day 6 We left early in the morning to walk around Shirakawako for half a day and in the afternoon we went to Kanazawa
We went to Higashi Chaya Districs and then to 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
Day 7 In the morning, we visited Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle and in the afternoon we traveled to Osaka
Day 8 In the morning, we visited Nara and in the afternoon we came back to visit Osaka Castle and Shopping at Minami (Namba) before returning tonight.


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