Nara Deer & Great Buddha Day-Trip Pamphlet
Ten minutes from the station, a deer bows to you on the grass and you hand over a cracker. Look up at a 15-meter Buddha inside one of the world's largest wooden buildings, walk a shrine path lined with 3,000 moss-covered lanterns, and end among Edo-era merchant houses. One hour from Kyoto or Osaka.
Schedule for the day
Overview map showing how the stops relate to each other (straight lines only). For real walking directions, use the "directions" button on each step.
Nara Park (the deer)
10 minutes on foot from Kintetsu-Nara Station. About 1,200 deer roam free; buy shika senbei crackers (from $1.50) at the stalls. Hand crackers over quickly once shown, since teasing earns a nudge.
Todai-ji Great Buddha Hall
A 10-minute walk through the park. The bronze Buddha, consecrated in 752, is about 15 m tall inside a 57 m wide hall — among the largest wooden structures on earth. Admission $5.50.
Kasuga Taisha Shrine
15 minutes on foot along a path shared with deer. Founded in 768, its approach holds about 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns. Grounds are free; the inner corridor costs $5.
Naramachi
A 20-minute walk from the shrine. Latticed wooden townhouses from the Edo and Meiji periods line the lanes. Visit the Nakagawa Masashichi flagship store and the free Naramachi Nigiwai-no-Ie townhouse.
Police: 110 · Ambulance/Fire: 119 · English-language help: JNTO Japan Visitor Hotline, 050-3816-2787 (24/7, multilingual). Don't hesitate to call if you need help.
Tipping isn't customary in Japan — no need to add extra at checkout. Cashless payment is widely accepted, though smaller shops, shrines, and temples are sometimes cash-only. Tax-free shopping (with your passport) is available at participating stores.
Frequently asked questions
Are the Nara deer safe, and how should I feed them?
They're generally gentle, but teasing them with a cracker can earn a nudge — hand it over promptly. They'll also nibble paper bags and pamphlets, so watch your belongings.
Can I do Nara as a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka?
Yes, both are about an hour away by train, which is easily enough for a full day trip.
What payment methods do you accept, and can I get a refund?
We accept credit card payment via Square. Because this is digital content, purchases generally aren't refundable. If a duplicate charge or a technical fault prevents you from accessing it, contact support@wayfinderjp.com within 7 days of purchase for a full refund.