Nara

Nara is perhaps Japan's friendliest and greenest city. The quiet town sits on the edge of a sprawling park providing a picture perfect backdrop for the magnificent temples and shrines including Todaiji, home of the huge Dai-butsu statue of Buddha.

“If beautiful pagodas and magnificent statues of Buddha enchant you, then Nara park is the perfect place to stroll between them”

Simon King, Director

Yet Nara wasn't always so peaceful and laid-back. The city's turbulent history began in the 700s when the city was founded under Tang Dynasty China. As the final destination on the Silk Road, Nara rapidly absorbed ideas form China, Central Asia and Persia becoming the grand diocese of Buddhism in Japan. Perhaps inevitably for a place of such religious importance, Nara was many times the victim of warring samurai clans and monk disputes with several great fires razing the city.

Today, the most famous tourist attraction is Todai-ji Temple; the world's largest wooden building which houses a mighty bronze daibutsu or giant Buddha statue. More than 2,600,000 people are believed to have helped build Todai-ji during Nara's brief 74 year reign as Japan's capital. The project nearly bankrupted Japan at the time, using most of the nation's bronze supply.

While the impressive Buddha casts a serene aura across the temple, a more amusing sight is just around the corner. One of the Great Hall's supporting posts has a hole through the base said to be the same size as one of the daibutsu's nostrils. According to legend, those who squeeze through the hole will be blessed with enlightment in their next life. A word of warning from experience though: Only the skinny should apply!

Regular sized people, please fear not. Visit any of Nara's shrines to make a prayer. After throwing a five yen coin in the altar box, ring the bell to wake the gods. Bow twice, clap your hands twice while thinking about your wish and then bow once more. Apparently more specific wishes are better than vague ones!

Nara's most infamous inhabitants are the 1,200 shika or deer, believed to be messengers of the gods. Today the deer are protected by city law and wander freely around Nara Park happily feeding on deer biscuits bought by tourists or brazenly interrupting family picnics! The deer have become Nara's symbol; even Hello Kitty models deer antlers on Nara souvenirs.

Experiences
Weather & Climate

Experiences in Nara

Nara offers a wealth of exciting experiences that will help you get beneath the surface of Japan's fascinating culture. See below for a few of our favourites

Sacred deer

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Weather in Nara

The Climate Guide for Nara, Japan is perfect for planning your holiday. Monthly weather averages give the best indication of what the weather is usually like for every month of the year including figures for temperature, rainfall and sunshine.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Max Daytime Temperature (°C)	8	8	12	18	23	26	30	31	27	21	16	10
Min Night-time Temperature (°C)	0	0	2	8	12	17	21	22	19	12	7	2
Hours of Sunshine (Daily)	4	4	5	6	6	5	5	6	5	5	4	4
Hours of Daylight (Daily)	10	11	12	13	14	14	14	13	12	11	10	10
Heat and Humidity Discomfort	None	None	None	None	None	Low	High	High	Low	None	None	None
Days with some Rainfall	19	19	20	17	15	18	19	17	18	14	14	15
Monthly Rainfall (mm)	43	60	103	123	135	212	206	120	186	109	66	33
UV Index (Maximum)	3	4	6	8	9	10	11	10	8	6	3	2

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Featured trips including Nara

Self-Guided Adventure

Wheelchair Accessible Golden Route (Classic)
- Tokyo
- Mount Fuji
- Kyoto
- Nara
- Osaka
- Tokyo
Welcome to one of the most wheelchair-friendly countries in the world. Explore Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and more on this exciting 10-night adventure.

10 nights: from US$5222 pp (call us to discuss your requirements) Read more >

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