▲“Deer in Nara Park/Ukimido” from PIXTA
Kyoto and Nara Sightseeing Guide: 2 days 1 night Model Itinerary to Enjoy Your Holiday
Kyoto and Nara, where Japanese history and culture come alive. Historic buildings and beautiful gardens are dotted throughout the city, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery of each
season.
In this article, we will introduce a model itinerary that allows you to enjoy Kyoto and Nara in 2 days and 1 night.
Nara
- Nara
- Kyoto
- Historic buildings
- Model itinerary
- 2 days 1 Night
Update day：2024/08/06
Destination of this trip
- Day 1
- Day 2
DAY1
Tour around famous sightseeing spots in Nara
-
START
Start at Kintetsu Nara Station
1 Kintetsu Nara Station
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![[#Nara] Gyoki Bosatsu statue 02 in front of Kintetsu Nara Station](../article/img/017/img-02.webp)
▲From PIXTA “[#Nara] Gyoki Bosatsu statue 02 in front of Kintetsu Nara Station”
This model itinerary starts from Kintetsu Nara Station. There are also coin lockers inside the station, so you can leave your luggage there.
10 minutes walk -
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Arrival！
Seasonal scenery and interaction with deer
2 Nara Park
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▲From PIXTA “Nara Park Ukimido in full bloom with autumn leaves”
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![[Nara Prefecture] Deer and autumn leaves - Nara Park in](../article/img/017/img-04.webp)
▲From PIXTA "[Nara Prefecture] Deer and autumn leaves - Nara Park in"
Nara Park, where Japanese history and nature are in harmony, is a must-visit. There are many historical buildings within the park, including Todaiji Temple and Kofukuji Temple.
Additionally, research shows that there are approximately 1,200 free-roaming deer living in the park. Although you need to be careful how you interact with the deer in Nara Park, as feeding them is prohibited except with deer crackers, the scenery of wild deer in harmony with nature and historical buildings will make your sightseeing in Nara and Kyoto more exciting.Nara Park
- Address
- Kasugano-cho, Nara-shi, Nara 630-8212
- Access
-
10 minutes walk from Kintetsu Nara Station
20 minutes walk from JR Nara Station - Business Hours
- Open 24 hours a day, all year round
- Fee
- Free inside the precincts
- Parking
- Prefectural parking lots available around Nara Park Click here for details
1 minute walk -
-
Arrival！
Visit a shrine where you can feel the breath of history and culture
3 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
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▲From PIXTA, "Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Chumon and Corridor, Nara City, Nara"
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▲ From PIXTA "Kasuga Taisha Shrine Naishiden"
Kasuga Taisha Shrine is Japan's oldest shrine located in Nara Park. The main shrine is a beautiful building that still retains the architectural style of the Nara period, and is of great historical value. The main hall is famous for its Kasuga-zukuri (Heike-zukuri) construction, which is designated as a national treasure and is an important cultural property.
Additionally, the Kasuga Taisha Shrine National Treasure Hall within the shrine grounds houses and displays about 350 national treasures and 2,500 important cultural properties.Kasuga Taisha Shrine
- Address
- 160 Kasugano Cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 630-8212
- Access
-
・From JR Yamato Line/Kintetsu Nara Line "Nara Station", take the Nara Kotsu Bus (bound for Kasuga Taisha Honden) for about 15 minutes, and get off at "Kasuga Taisha Honden".
・Nara Kotsu bus (outer city loop) normally about 13 minutes, get off at "Kasuga Taisha Omotesando", then walk 10 minutes - Business Hours
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[Gohonsha (Omiya) Worship Area]
March to October: 6:30A.M.～5:30P.M.
November to February 7:00A.M.～5:00P.M.
*Amulets, charms, and Goshuin (temple stamps) are available at 9:00 a.m. all year round.A.M.~until gate closes
[Special Worship at Gohonden (Main Shrine)]
9:00A.M.～4:00P.M.
*Time may change depending on festival arrangements.
*Please check the website as the shrine may be closed for certain festivals.
[Meoto Daikokusha Shrine]
9:00A.M.～4:30P.M.
*Reception for the Kasuga Five Great Dragon Gods Tour and Wakamiya Jyugosha Tour is up until 3:00.P.M.
[Gokito Prayer Hall]
9:00A.M.～4:00P.M.(Reception for Mizutani Nine Shrines Tour is up until 3:30.P.M.)
【National Treasure Hall】
10:00A.M.～5:00P.M.(Admission is up until 4:30P.M.)
【Manyo Botanical Garden】
9:00A.M.～4:30P.M.(Admission is up until 4:00P.M)
・June to March/Closed on Tuesdays (open on holidays, etc.)
・April to May/Open every day
*As a general rule, the above times are the same, but they may change due to various events. - Fee
-
[Gohonsha (Omiya) Worship Area]
Free
[Special Worship at Gohonden (Main Shrine)]
500 JPY (700 JPY from October 1, 2024)
[Visiting the Five Great Dragon Gods of Kasuga]
1,200 JPY
【National Treasure Hall】
General: 500 JPY
University/High School Students: 300 JPY
Junior Students and Elementary School Students: 200 JPY
General Group: 400 JPY
*No group rates for university students or younger.
*Admission fees may vary depending on the planned exhibition or special exhibition.
*Groups must be 20 or more people.
【Manyo Botanical Garden】
Adult: 500 JPY
Children (junior high school students and younger): 200 JPY
Group (20 people or more) Adult: 400 JPY - Parking
-
Parking available for 100 cars including buses and cars
・Opening hours
March to October: 7:30A.M.～5:00P.M.
November to February: 7:30A.M.～4:00P.M.
6 minutes walk -
-
Arrival！
15 meter tall Buddha Statue
4 Todaiji Temple
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▲From PIXTA: "Great Buddha of Nara, Todaiji Temple, Great Buddha Statue"
Todaiji is a Buddhist temple that represents Japan. It is home to the Great Buddha Hall (a national treasure), the world's largest wooden structure, and you will be overwhelmed by its magnificent scale and architectural beauty made with ancient technology. Inside the Great Buddha Hall is a 15-meter-tall Great Buddha, which is revered as a symbol of the spirit of Buddhism.
Todaiji Temple
- Address
- 〒630-8587 406-1 Zoshicho, Nara City
- Access
-
・From Kintetsu Nara Station, walk east through Noborioji-cho for 20 minutes.
・Take the city bus from JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station and get off at "Todaiji Daibutsuden/Kasuga Taisha-mae" stop and walk 5 minutes. - Business Hours
-
[April to October]
Great Buddha Hall: 7:30A.M.～5:30P.M.
Hokke-do (Sangatsu-do)/Kaidan-in Kaidan-do: 8:30A.M.～4:00P.M.
Todaiji Museum: 9:30A.M.～5:30P.M.(Last admission 5:00P.M.)
[November to March]
Great Buddha Hall: 8:00A.M.～5:00P.M.
Hokke-do (Sangatsu-do)/Kaidan-in Kaidan-do: 8:30A.M.～4:00P.M.
Todaiji Museum: 9:30A.M.～5:30P.M.(Last admission 4:30P.M.) - Fee
-
Adults (university students and above), High School Students, Junior Students: 800 JPY
Elementary school students: 400 JPY - Parking
- Not available
- Nearby Parking Area
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GS Park Todaiji Nishidaimon Parking Lot (Paid)/6-1 Oshiage-cho, Nara City.
Additionally, the prefecture will open a free parking lot for tourists on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays during the spring and fall tourist seasons.
25 minutes walk -
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Arrival！
Stroll through the historic townscape
5 Naramachi Koshi-no-Ie
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▲“Nara City Naramachi Koshi-no-Ie (Gangoji-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture)” from PIXTA
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▲“Nara City Naramachi Koshi-no-Ie (Gangoji-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture)” from PIXTA
The Naramachi Koshi-no-Ie is a faithful reproduction of a traditional townhouse in Naramachi. You can also use it as a resting place while sightseeing while getting a feel for the lifestyle of old Nara.
Not only the exterior, but also the interior, where you can enjoy the Japanese-style room with tatami flooring and the view of the garden from the balcony.
In addition, traditional culture and performing arts appreciation events are held regularly.Naramachi Koshi-no-Ie
- Address
- 44 Gangojicho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 630-8332
- Access
-
・20 minutes walk from Kintetsu Nara Station
・10 minutes walk from JR Kyosuke Station
・From Kintetsu Nara Station or JR Nara Station, take the city bus (usually about 15 minutes) and get off at "Tanakachoi" and walk 2 minutes. - Business Hours
-
Closed: Monday(If that day is a holiday, the next day)
9:00A.M.～5:00P.M.
The day after a holiday (excluding when that day falls on a Sunday, Saturday, or holiday)
Year-end and New Year holidays (December 26, 2024 (Thursday) - January 5, 2025 (Sunday)) - Fee
- Free
- Parking
- Not available
12 minutes walk -
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Arrival！
National Treasure “Ashura Statue” is a must-see
6 Kofukuji Temple
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▲From PIXTA: "Kofukuji Temle Chukondo (Nara City, Nara Prefecture)"
Kofukuji Temple was built during the Nara period. Particularly famous is the five-storied pagoda, which has been designated as a Japanese national treasure. This tower is known for its elegant wooden structure and beautiful carvings, and is an important part of the Nara landscape.
Kofukuji Temple also houses many cultural assets and Buddhist statues, allowing you to enjoy the exquisiteness of Buddhist art.Kofukuji Temple
- Address
- 48 Noboriojicho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 630-8213
- Access
-
・15 minutes walk from JR Nara Station
・5 minutes walk from Kintetsu Nara Station - Business Hours
- Open all year round 9:30A.M.〜5:00P.M. (Admission is up until 4:45P.M.)
- Fee
-
Adult/College Student: 700 JPY
High School/Junior Student: 600 JPY
Elementary School Student: 300 JPY - Parking
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Number of parking spaces
Ordinary car: maximum capacity 46 cars
Bus: maximum capacity 16 bus
Usage time: 9:00A.M.～5:00P.M.
- 3 minutes walk
- Kintetsu Nara Station
- 70 minutes by Kintetsu Kyoto Line Express
Kokusaikaikan Station3 minutes walk -
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Arrival！
Relax at Prince Hotel
H The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike
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▲From The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike Official Website
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▲From The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike Official Website
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▲From The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike Official Website
The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike is famous for its high-quality service. It is located in the quiet “Rakuhoku” area, surrounded by a rich natural environment. From the guest rooms arranged in a circle, you can enjoy the view of Mount Hiei and the nature of the northern part of Kyoto. The seasonal beauty of the Japanese garden on the grounds is also exceptional.
In addition, the hotel's restaurant serves dishes that make use of seasonal ingredients, and the fusion of Japanese and French cuisine is especially popular. Moreover, there are plenty of relaxation facilities such as hot springs and spas, providing guests with a relaxing experience both physically and mentally.The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike
- Address
- 1092-2 Iwakura Hataecho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto 606-0015
- Access
- 3 minutes walk from Kokusaikaikan Station
- Phone
- +81 75-712-1111
- Business Hours
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Check-in time: 3:00P.M.
Check-out time: 11:00A.M. - Parking
- 100 car park spaces
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DAY2
Enjoy the atmosphere of ancient Kyoto
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START
God of marriage and mysterious water fortune-telling
8 Kifune Shrine
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▲“Fresh green from Kyoto Kifune Shrine” from PIXTA
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▲ “Water fortune telling at Kifune Shrine (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture)” from PIXTA
Kifune Shrine is located on the banks of the clear Kibune River. Kifune Shrine is believed to be the god of water, and is especially known as the god of water's blessings and prayers for safety. The clear Kibune River flows through the grounds, and its sound and atmosphere provide a soothing and relaxing atmosphere to visitors.
In the summer, there are many restaurants where you can enjoy Kawadoko cuisine, where you can enjoy local cuisine made with local ingredients.Kifune Shrine
- Address
- 180 Kurama Kifunecho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto 601-1112
- Access
- From Eizan Electric Railway Kibuneguchi Station, take the Kyoto Bus (number 33) in front of Kibuneguchi Station, about 4 minutes before getting off at Kibune Station.
- Business Hours
- 6:00A.M.～6:00P.M.
- Fee
- Free
- Parking
- Main shrine (10 cars) Okumiya (15 cars)
About 20 minutes in normal traffic by bus -
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Arrival！
A shining world cultural heritage made of about 200,000 pieces of gold leaf
9 Kinkakuji Temple
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▲From PIXTA: "Kinkaku-ji Temple Shariden Kinkaku in Kita Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto"
Kinkaku-ji Temple is a beautiful temple that represents Japan and is located in the northern part of Kyoto City. The temple is characterized by a three-story tower that is entirely covered in gold leaf. In addition, the reflection on the surface of the water gives you a double sense of beauty.
Officially called Rokuonji, it was built in 1397 by Yoshimitsu Ashikaga. It has been designated as a national treasure as a historic building.
The gardens and surrounding nature are beautiful, and many tourists visit, especially during the autumn foliage season.Kinkakuji Temple
- Address
- 1 Kinkakuji-cho, Kita-Ward, Kyoto-City, Kyoto 603-8361
- Access
-
Normally about 20 minutes by car from JR Kyoto Station
19 minutes walk from Randen “Kitano Hakubaicho Station” - Business Hours
- 9:00A.M.～5:00P.M.
- Fee
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Adults (High school students and above): 500 JPY
Elementary and Junior Students: 300 JPY - Parking
-
Usage time: 8:40A.M. ～5:10P.M.
Capacity: 250 cars (total available parking spaces for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd parking spaces)
Normally about 30 minutes by taxi -
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Arrival！
Shorten your lifespan if you falling? ! Street full of Kyoto atmosphere
10 Sanneizaka (Sannenzaka)
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▲From PIXTA: “Yasaka Tower at Night “Kyoto Sightseeing””
Sanneizaka is a stone-paved slope that runs from Kyoto's Yasaka Shrine to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, where you can enjoy a landscape steeped in history and culture. The stone pavement blends in with the beautiful cityscape, and traditional teahouses and private houses line the slopes.
Sanneizaka is home to many historical buildings and cultural properties, making it a valuable spot where you can feel the atmosphere of good old Japan in Kyoto.Sanneizaka (Sannenzaka)
- Address
- 2-211 Shimizu, Higashiyama-Ward, Kyoto-City, Kyoto 605-0862
- Access
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・17 minutes walk from Keihan Gion Shijo Station Exit 6
・Take the city bus 206 from the central exit of JR Kyoto Station, about 16 minutes in normal times, get off at the Kiyomizu bus stop, and walk 7 minutes. - Parking
- Not available
4 minutes walk -
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Arrival！
Panoramic view of the city of Kyoto at an ancient temple that symbolizes Kyoto
11 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
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▲From PIXTA: "Kiyomizu-dera's three-storied pagoda and autumn leaves"
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▲From PIXTA: "Kiyomizu-dera stage and autumn leaves"
Kiyomizu-dera Temple is Japan's leading Buddhist temple. The main hall's “Shimizu Stage'', known as the ”Shimizu Stage'', is a wooden stage supported by a pedestal 13 meters high, and stands in a spectacular view surrounded by greenery on all sides. You can overlook the city of Kyoto and the surrounding nature, and the scenery is especially beautiful during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple is also known as a temple that enshrines the god of water, and the spring water “Shimizu'' that gushes out from the water is said to be beneficial for health and marriage. There is also a souvenir shop on the grounds.Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Address
- 1-294 Shimizu, Higashiyama-Ward, Kyoto-City, Kyoto 605-0862
- Access
- From JR Kyoto Station, take the Kyoto Municipal Transportation Bureau (city bus) 206 bound for Higashiyama Dori Kitaoji Bus Terminal, then take the 100 bound for Kiyomizu-dera Gion Ginkaku-ji, get off at Gojozaka, and walk 10 minutes.
- Business Hours
- 6:00A.M.～6:00P.M.
- Fee
-
Adults/High School Students: 400 JPY
Junior Students and elementary Students: 200 JPY - Parking
- Not available
- Nearby Parking Lot
- Kyoto City Municipal Parking Lot
10 minutes walk -
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Arrival！
Make a wish to the photogenic “Kukuri Zaru”
12 Yasaka Koshindo (Kongoji Zen Temple)
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▲From PIXTA: "Photo taken of Yasaka Koshindo in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City"
Yasaka Koshindo is famous for its colorful “kukurizaru'' fabrics that are sure to look great in photos. Kukurizaru is an amulet in the form of a monkey, with its arms and legs tied together, which means to resist greed. You can make a wish while tying the monkey.
Yasaka Koshindo (Kongoji Zen Temple)
- Address
- 390 Kanazono-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 605-0828
- Access
-
Get off at city bus "Higashiyama Yasui", 4 minutes walk
Get off at Keihan “Gion Shijo” station, 15 minutes walk - Business Hours
- 9:00A.M.～5:00P.M.
- Fee
- Free admission
- Parking
- Not available
- 3 minutes walk
-
Kiyomizu Michi/Kyoto City Bus
(About 17 minutes by bus at normal times)
Kyoto Station Mae5 minutes walk -
-
Arrival！
Don't forget to buy souvenirs before returning home
13 Kyoto Station
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▲From PIXTA: "Kyoto Station Central Exit"
Kyoto Station is known as the "Kyoto Station Building," which combines modern architectural design with historical value. There are plenty of shopping malls, restaurants, and cafes within the station, as well as a wide selection of local specialties and Kyoto souvenirs.
Kyoto Station
- Address
- 31-1 Kamatonocho, Higashishiokoji, Shimogyo-Ward, Kyoto-City, Kyoto 600-8215
-
Summary
The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike if you want to enjoy Kyoto and Nara
There are so many sightseeing spots in Kyoto and Nara that we cannot introduce them all.
This time, we introduced a model itinerary where you can enjoy historical buildings while traveling in Kyoto and Nara.
The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike is a great place to stay when touring Kyoto and Nara.
The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike offers a wide variety of plans, including Japanese afternoon tea using local ingredients unique to Kyoto and kaiseki cuisine served on a riverbed directly
above a clear stream.
Please visit The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike when sightseeing in Kyoto or Nara.
The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike
- Day 1
- Day 2
- *The photo is for illustrative purposes only. The actual content may differ.
- *The content may be subject to change.
Magnificent views await – Prince Hotels
Experience a spectacular view with all five senses
Guest rooms spanning breathtaking panorama views of nature.
Relaxing hot springs blanketed with stars at your fingertips.
Irresistible dinners amid enchanting night vistas.
Only Prince can offer such exclusive,
stunning experiences that will make your trip truly remarkable.
Discover Japan’s breathtaking beauty with unforgettable, priceless views.