Nara Travel Guide: Temples, Deer, and Wellness Retreats in Japan’s Ancient Capital
Discover timeless temples, sacred nature, and hot springs in Nara Prefecture.
Welcome back to our Hidden Gem Series, where we uncover Japan’s most inspiring yet often-overlooked destinations. Today, let’s head to Nara Prefecture—Japan’s first permanent capital, a land where history, spirituality, and nature blend seamlessly.
My first visit to Nara was during an elementary school field trip. I still remember being amazed by the calmness of its temples, the gentle presence of deer, and the feeling that time moved differently here. Nara has a stillness that restores the mind, and I hope you’ll sense that too as you read today’s guide.
P.S. Paid subscribers will receive a follow-up piece with culinary delights and some detailed wellness-focused itinerary for Nara including temple walks, hot spring stays, and mindful hiking routes.
Who Will Love Nara?
History Lovers – Home to some of Japan’s oldest and most important temples.
Nature Seekers – From sacred mountains to quiet ponds, nature is always close.
Wellness Travelers – Onsen, slow walks, and spiritual calm make it ideal for healing travel.
Top 7 Experiences in Nara
1. Tōdai-ji: Home of the Great Buddha 🛕
One of Japan’s most iconic temples, Tōdai-ji houses the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue inside an immense wooden hall. Standing before it is humbling, and the air inside feels charged with centuries of devotion. Don’t miss the “healing pillar” with a small hole said to bring blessings if you can pass through.
2. Nara Park: Deer and Harmony with Nature 🦌
At the heart of Nara lies this expansive park, home to over 1,000 free-roaming deer considered messengers of the gods. Feeding them shika-senbei (deer crackers) is fun, but what I cherish most is simply strolling at dawn or dusk, when the crowds fade and the park becomes a tranquil sanctuary.
3. Kasuga Taisha: Lanterns of Light and Prayer 🏮
This Shinto shrine is famous for its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns, glowing during special festivals. Walking along its mossy paths feels like stepping into a timeless ritual. The sacred forest surrounding the shrine enhances its meditative atmosphere—perfect for reflection.
4. Mt. Wakakusa: A Hill of Quiet Views 🌄
Just behind Nara Park, this grassy hill offers panoramic views of the city. A short hike (or gentle climb) rewards you with a peaceful space ideal for picnics, stretching, or simply sitting in silence. In winter, it hosts the famous Yamayaki fire festival, but year-round it offers restorative calm.
5. Yakushi-ji: Temple of Medicine and Healing 🩺
Dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of healing, this temple has long been a place where people prayed for health and longevity. Its symmetrical East and West Pagodas stand as symbols of balance. As a doctor, I find this temple especially moving—reminding us of the deep roots of wellness in Japanese culture.
6. Dorogawa Onsen: A Mountain Hot Spring Retreat ♨️
Hidden in the Omine mountains, Dorogawa Onsen is a quiet hot spring town with wooden ryokan, clear rivers, and a deep sense of tradition. After temple visits, soaking in these healing waters feels like pressing a reset button for body and soul.
7. Hōryū-ji: The World’s Oldest Wooden Temple 🌏
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Hōryū-ji is said to be the world’s oldest surviving wooden structure, built in the 7th century. Beyond its historical importance, the temple grounds radiate calm and spaciousness, inviting slow walking and mindful breathing.
Will You Add Nara to Your Wellness Journey?
Nara is more than temples—it’s where history, spirituality, and nature meet to restore balance. From feeding sacred deer to soaking in hidden hot springs or walking ancient temple paths, every experience here encourages you to slow down and reconnect.
For paid subscribers, I’ll be sharing an exclusive follow-up with culinary delights and some detailed wellness-focused itinerary for Nara. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading, this is the perfect time—you won’t want to miss it.
And if you’ve visited Nara before, I’d love to hear your experiences! I think many readers will enjoy learning from each other’s perspectives as well.
Also, if you’d like me to feature another prefecture (or a wellness theme like “best onsen towns”), let me know in the comments—I love hearing your ideas!
Unfortunately I only had time for a day trip to Nara but I'd love to go back and spend more time there to explore. It's a beautiful place.
Great overview of Nara... looking forward to visiting, especially Mt. Wakakusa, the peacefulness and quiet you describe is very compelling!