Nara Park is a massive park in Nara, Japan, where you can hang out with some the super friendly deer, they will give you a bow if you give them a cracker. You can buy them from a local stand throughout the park for 200Yen. Just hide them well from the deer or you will get chased down. We really liked walking around the park feeding a deer here & there & just admiring the temples, shrines & cherry blossoms.

Todaiji Temple in Nara is a must-visit spot in Nara. Home to a massive bronze statue of Buddha, this temple was once the most powerful in Japan, influencing even the capital's location. Don't miss the Nandaimon Gate with its fierce statues or the other smaller halls and sites within the temple complex.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara, Japan is a sacred spot. Built in 768, this shrine is not your average Shinto site—it actually honors four deities from different regions of Japan. With its vibrant vermilion paint, white walls, and thousands of stone lanterns, Kasuga Taisha is a photographer's dream. Don't miss the Manyo Botanical Garden with its wisteria blooms in spring. Oh, and keep an eye out for the deer roaming around Nara Park—they're believed to be messengers of the gods & they are there to great you nicely with a bow but will demand a cracker or two in return.
Definitely make your way here! One of our favorite Shrines we have visited for sure.

Kofukuji Temple, located in Nara, Japan, is a historic site with a rich cultural heritage. Built by the influential Fujiwara family over 1,300 years ago, this temple boasts impressive national treasure buildings like the five-story pagoda and the octagonal halls.

Kakinohasushi Hompo Tanaka is a popular sushi shop known for its traditional kakinohazushi, or persimmon leaf sushi. Which is a speciality to Nara. Definitely worth a try!

Nakatanidou in Nara City is famous for its high-speed mochi pounding, You can watch the mochitsuki performances where skilled workers churn out soft and chewy yomogi mochi at lightning speed. It's super impressive really! And then make sure to enjoy the delicious mochi dusted with kinako and filled with sweet red bean paste. We got one every time we passed the shop. ツ

Rokumei Coffee in Nara is the main store of Rokumei Coffee Co., known for their award-winning roasting techniques. They offer a variety of specialty coffees brewed by skilled baristas in a cozy atmosphere. Make sure you try a drip coffee.

Mount Wakakusa is a 342m-high grass-covered hill located in Nara, Japan. It offers stunning views of the city below & an epic sunset location.

It is home to a unique annual event called the Wakakusa Yamayaki, where the entire mountain is set on fire in January. This quirky tradition is said to have originated from a boundary dispute or as a way to scare off wild boars. The hill burns for about 30 minutes before a fireworks display lights up the sky, creating a spectacular sight that can be seen from all over Nara.

"麺屋 侍" is a popular ramen shop in Nara, known for its delicious mixed noodles and special fish broth ramen.
We ordered Mazesoba which was a new favorite after trying it there. Make sure you find the explanation how to properly eat it. Makes the experience even better. Let me tell you you get a few ingredients that have to be eaten in the right order.

SLOW HOUSE NARA is a cozy guesthouse located just a 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station. With private rooms equipped with showers and toilets, it offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect if you are looking to unwind. The shared kitchen, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary beverages add to the homey feel.

We absolutely LOVED it there & would go back if we are back in Nara. What we loved about Nara was that everything was within walking distance. It gave a good change to always having to take public transport to reach places.