Welcome back!
Hello and welcome to the last leg of your journey. This is the end of your journey and will add to your experience. Some of this time will be spent getting from Kyoto to Nara and on the last day going back to the airport. This will cover crucial elements and activities that you will need. Please read about the historical significance of Nara, Nara Park and Osaka. Please keep in mind this travel guide is designed to be budget friendly while giving you the most historically significant and authentic experience.
This page will cover the following:
- What to expect upon arrival and how to get around?
- Where to stay?
- Day 11 -Arrival To Nara
- Day 12- Nara Park
- Day 13- Day trip to Osaka
- Day 14– Going home
All references and external links can be found at the bottom of the page in the full citation
(harvard) . On the top of each section of writing all sources used are also mentioned. All other sources used, are hyper-linked to the source directly. Image sources are listed at the bottom.
What to expect?
I have used the following to write the below. All other sources are directly hyperlinked. Please go to bottom of page to see full citation. The website http://factsanddetails.com/japan/cat25/sub168/item977.html , https://www.theinvisibletourist.com/3-days-in-osaka-itinerary-nara-day-trip/ and https://www.jnto.go.jp/ph/spot-activity/kansai/nara/nara-city/ and https://www.britannica.com/event/Nara-period and https://www.ancient.eu/Nara_Period/
The Historical Significance and facts of Nara
Nara is a city that is even older than Kyoto and Tokyo. It was also once the capital city of Japan and covered far more distance than it does today. In 1998 it had several sights officially declared UNESCO as World Heritage Sites that are now protected. Most of these comprise of temples and shrines and also the Nara Park that occupies over 502-hectares and the virgin Kasusayama Forest. The city is historically built and based on the Chinese capital model and its roots have some of the original sources of arts and literature. Nara has a small population in comparison to other cities of Japan, 360,310 people which was last recorded in 2015.
Nara is known to be on the most historical parts pf japan and features some of most “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”. This includes Todaiji, Kofukuji and Yakushiji. From this area incredible views of various mountains can be seen. This includes Mount Ikoma and Mount Shigi. IT also has one of the oldest wooden buildings in the world – Ikaruga. It also has the Great Buddha called Daibatsue located at Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga-Taisha Shrine.
How to get there from Kyoto?
Nara is a quick 35-45 minute train ride from Kyoto. The quickest way which you’ll reach there is through the bullet train system Shinkansen bullet train. You can use the JR train line from Kyoto station directly to Nara. The total cost is $10 each way. If you wanted to even do a day trip from Kyoto, it would be quite possible. Having the JR pass if used every day consecutively can be quite useful
Be sure to have a map upon arrival.
Where to stay?
Sources for this section have been hyperlinked to the direct source. Full citation can be found at the bottom of the page.
The best place to stay would be near the Nara station and city centre. You will be surrounded by 5 world heritage sites as well as the Buddha statue. I’ve listed some options below from hostelworld.com.au that I personally would stay at
- HARUYA Naramachi is the fist good option only located about 2.2 km from the city centre and is an 8 minute walk from the station. The cost of this place is $40-$50 AUD per night
- Guesthouse Naramachi is also a great option for those of you on a low budget located 5 minutes from the Naramachi Area, 15 minutes from the deer park and costs about $33-$40 AUD
- Guesthouse Tamura this one has a superb rating and is also only 2.7km from the city centre, which is walking distance. It will cost you about $33 per night to stay here if you book in advance.
Day 11– Arrival to Nara
Sources for this section have been hyperlinked to the direct source. Full citation can be found at the bottom of the page.
Hello and welcome to the last 4 days of your trip. Today you should have checked out of your accomodation had a nice breakfast or lunch and caught the train from Kyoto to Nara. This shouldn’t take you more than an hour. Once you reach take a rest, check into your new accomodation and explore the local streets of Nara.
You can look at the following meals at tripadvisor to see some cheap eats for all you budget friendly travellers. Its a small and quiet down and thats how you should expect dining here to be. If you head to Naramachi Street which refers to the “old Nara” you will stumble across more traditional styled dining- especially bars
Day 12- Nara Park
I have used the following to write the below. All other sources are directly hyperlinked. Please go to bottom of page to see full citation. The website https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4103.html and https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4103.html and Journal artilcle Stone, L.A., 2011. The Japanese village and deer park. Studies in the History of Gardens & Designed Landscapes, 31(3), pp.216-227.
Visit Nara Park
Good morning to day 12 of your trip. Nara is infamous for its world heritage protected site called Nara Park. Nara park is only a short 20 minute walk from the JR Nara station or you can get a five minute train to Kintetsu Nara Station. This shouldn’t cost you much at all. The entry itself to the park is FREE so you’ll definitely be under budget on this day.
Nara park was formed in the 1880’s and is one of Japans and Naras biggest attractions. It is located next to the Todajj, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukujii as well as the Nara National Museum, incase if you finish your time at the park early and want something more to do. Nara is 502 hectares (1,240 acres) big and inclusive of the Tōdai-ji, Kōfuku-ji, and Kasuga Shrine which is located surrounding the park, the total area covered is 660 hectares (1,600 acres).
One of the most exciting things to see and do here is have an experience with the semi-wild deer at the park. The amount of deer is estimated to be 1200 and ring in thousands of tourists per year. You can feed the deer and even purchase deer snacks outside. Some of them are trained to bow to you when they want be fed. Just remember not to tease the deers. The wild deers overall are very tamed and arent overly aggressive. They are loved, worshipped and honored as they are believed to be messengers of God in Japan.
Below is a video of a travel bloggers experience here.
After this around the park you can visit the next few recommended Shrines and temples. These are either inside the park itself or are within walking distance.These surrounding sites include:
Todaoiji Temple – A world heritage site. It was created in the 8th century. It has a pedestal from the Edo Period for a large Buddha statue. It is known to be Nara’s largest statue and attracts a lot of tourism attraction. The entry fee is $7 AUD approximately.- sourced from https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4100.html
Kasuga Shrine
This temple is within the Nara Park itself and was establishing during the eighth century. As I mentioned before the Deer within the park are believed to messengers of god and are honoured. The shrine is one Japans national treasures. The entrance fee is about $7AUD- sourced from https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4102.html
Horyuji Temple-
This is the oldest wooden architecture that is also a recognised world heritage. It was established in 607 which makes it very old indeed. It was built and initiated by a group of members called the Buddha Prosperity. It has a five levelled pagoda and is also a Japanese icon. The entrance fee is $14 AUD if you choose to do this. The closest station is the JR Horyuji Station.- sourced from https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4104.html
Day 13- Osaka
On the 13th day you should most definitely take a day trip to Osaka. The quickest was to get to Osaka from Nara is by the bullet train using your JR Pass and would take about 30 minutes to 45 minutes each way.
About Osaka–
I have used the following to write the below. All other sources are directly hyperlinked. Please go to bottom of page to see full citation. The website https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2157.html , https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4107.html and https://www.webster.edu/study-abroad/programs/japan/osaka/facts.html and Journal article Edgington, D.W., 2000. City profile: Osaka. Cities, 17(4), pp.305-318.
Osaka is the third largest populated city of Japan with an estimated of 2.5million people living within the metropolitan area. It was also once upon a time the capital of Japan. It is a large contrast of Nara and is known for its nightlife, bright lights, markets and streets. It used about 3% of Japans total electricity power from the amount of vending machines the city has. It is estimated to have 5.5 million vending machines. It also has been referred to as “Japans Kitchen”. It is home to the worlds second largest Aquarium in the world, Osaka Castle and has its own Universal Studios. It has the first universal studios outside of the US. It also is known to have some of the most outgoing type of people from Japan and is very fun!
Once you reach Osaka there are three district that I would recommend checking out as they are the most central districts of Osaka. They are Kita, Minami and Central Osaka. Each of the following activities I am recommending are within these areas and not far from the JR Osaka station.
Osaka Castle
I have used the following to write the below. All other sources are directly hyperlinked. Please go to bottom of page to see full citation. The website https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4000.html and Journal article Edgington, D.W., 2000. City profile: Osaka. Cities, 17(4), pp.305-318.
This is directly outside the station. The castle was created in Entrance $10 AUD which isn’t as pricey as other activities such as going to the Aquarium or Universal Studio and is more culturally significant. The construction began in 1583 but was destroyed 13 years later. The castle was supposed to the centre of Japan underneath the Toyotomi Rule. At the time it was the biggest castle. It was again destroyed in 1615 and rebuilt in the 1920’s. The tower was struck by lightening in 1665 and had burnt down. In 1931, years later the construction began again for the tower and surprisingly the castle survive the wars. The tower has been modernised on the inside and outside with elevators. Inside is the museum which is informative about the history of the castle and its rulers through different periods.
It is extremely beautiful during the cherry blossom season and its surrounding features include the Nishinomaru Garden that features plum and cherry trees and tea houses. It’s a stunning view in the cherry blossom season around April and the castle park occupies 2 square kilometres. https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4000.html
Kita District– After visiting the castle head over to the Kita District for a meal. Kita district is a business and busy area. It is futuristic and has lots of towers. It is recommended to go after noon to ensure to beat the crazy rush and to get a good bite. You should head to the Umeda Sky Building which has a “floating garden” observation deck and a basement-level if you have time that is. Sourced from- https://insideosaka.com/osaka-1-day-itinerary/
Minami District – From Osaka station you want to now get to the Shinsaibashi Station. It is an electric area with neon lights, colourful people and entertainment. It has great arcades, vending machines and department stores. You should head to the Tokyi Hands Department Store. It specialises as a hobbiest and gadget store of the world. one of the coolest all-around hobby and gadget shops in the world. – Sourced from https://insideosaka.com/osaka-1-day-itinerary/
Dotomburi Area– Dotombori (dining/entertainment/shopping district)
Named for the Dotombori Canal that runs through the middle of it, Dotombori is the colorful and crowded entertainment district located mostly on the east side of Midosuji. The Dotombori Arcade runs parallel to the canal on the south side and it’s lined with some of Osaka’s most famous and largest restaurants.- sourced from https://insideosaka.com/minami-area/ and https://insideosaka.com/osaka-1-day-itinerary/
Where to eat!
Sources for this section have been hyperlinked to the direct source. Full citation can be found at the bottom of the page.
If you manage to stay here till the evening time be sure to check out some of these blogs for a great night life experience and place to eat that is relatively cheap! Be sure to try street food through out the day too!
- The Poor Traveler – Osaka Edition
- Trip Advisor– Top Cheap eats
- TsunaguJapan– 29 Cheap Eats
Day 14- Time to go home
Sources for this section have been hyperlinked to the direct source. Full citation can be found at the bottom of the page.
Today is your last day! I would recommend packing your bags and checking out early. The best airport to leave to get home to Australia would be Osaka Kansai International Airport. It will take anywhere from one or two hours. It is advisable to go as early as possible to have a few hours to check in all your luggage. Rome2Rio is an excellent website to see timings, routes for bus services and trains as well as costs and bookings. It should not cost you more than $30 AUD to do so.
Sample Intenerary – Day 11-14
Please Keep in mind the below is an estimate based on Feb 2020 prices for April 1st-15th 2020 and are subject to change. Please check websites for updated prices. This is for Australian AUD. This is the cost price for the Cherry Blossom Season.
- The total for day 1-5-10= $2502.66 .
- The total for day 6-10= $937
- The total for 11-14=$515
- So far in the budget Total= $3954.66
Thank you all!
Thank you all for looking at this budget friendly intenerary! I hope you have all been encouraged to travel and learn about Japan in a historically significant way. I hope you now know how to fully immerse yourself to get a cultural experience!
Ad a travel guide expert I understand how daunting it can be organising and knowing how to travel! Hopefully this has broken down the trip for you, educated and prepared you for a safe journey ahead. Please feel free to leave any questions at the bottom of the page or contact me. Thank you and safe travels.
Parul Chatterjee
Phone: 1300 JAPAUS Email:JapanAustraliaTravel@TravelGuides.com.au
By: Parul Chatterjee
sources of Academic journal articles, websites and books used:
1. WEBSITE Webster.edu. (2020). Facts About Osaka | Webster University. [online] Available at: https://www.webster.edu/study-abroad/programs/japan/osaka/facts.html [Accessed 25 Jan. 2020].
2. WEBSITE Encyclopedia Britannica. (2020). Nara period | Japanese history. [online] Available at: https://www.britannica.com/event/Nara-period [Accessed 26 Jan. 2020].
3. WEBSITE– Cartwright, M. and Cartwright, M. (2020). Nara Period. [online] Ancient History Encyclopedia. Available at: https://www.ancient.eu/Nara_Period/ [Accessed 26 Jan. 2020].
4. JOURNAL ARTICLE– Stone, L.A., 2011. The Japanese village and deer park. Studies in the History of Gardens & Designed Landscapes, 31(3), pp.216-227.
5. JOURNAL ARTICLE Edgington, D.W., 2000. City profile: Osaka. Cities, 17(4), pp.305-318.
sources of websites used:
1. (JNTO), J. (2020). Nara City at Nara | Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). [online] Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). Available at: https://www.jnto.go.jp/ph/spot-activity/kansai/nara/nara-city/ [Accessed 25 Jan. 2020].
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5. Hostelworld. (2020). Guesthouse Naramachi, Nara – 2020 Prices & Reviews – Hostelworld. [online] Available at: https://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/Guesthouse-Naramachi/Nara/40043?dateFrom=2020-04-04&dateTo=2020-04-07&number_of_guests=2&sc_pos=2 [Accessed 25 Jan. 2020].
6. Tripadvisor.com.au. (2020). THE 10 BEST Cheap Eats in Nara – TripAdvisor. [online] Available at: https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Restaurants-g298198-zfp16-Nara_Nara_Prefecture_Kinki.html [Accessed 25 Jan. 2020].
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9. Japan-guide.com. (2020). Nara Travel: Access, Transportation and Orientation. [online] Available at: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4107.html [Accessed 25 Jan. 2020].
10. Japan-guide.com. (2020). Osaka Travel: Osaka Castle (Osakajo). [online] Available at: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4000.html [Accessed 25 Jan. 2020].
11. Rowthorn, w. (2020). Osaka 1-Day Itinerary – Inside Osaka. [online] Inside Osaka. Available at: https://insideosaka.com/osaka-1-day-itinerary/ [Accessed 25 Jan. 2020].
12. Anon, (2020). [online] Available at: https://insideosaka.com/minami-areac [Accessed 25 Jan. 2020].
13. The Poor Traveler Itinerary Blog. (2020). WHERE TO EAT CHEAP IN OSAKA | The Poor Traveler Itinerary Blog. [online] Available at: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/03/best-restaurants-in-osaka/ [Accessed 25 Jan. 2020].
14. Tsunagujapan.com. (2020). 29 Cheap and Delicious Restaurants in Osaka. [online] Available at: https://www.tsunagujapan.com/30-cheap-and-delicious-restaurants-in-osaka/ [Accessed 25 Jan. 2020].
16. Tripadvisor.com.au. (2020). THE 10 BEST Cheap Eats in Osaka – TripAdvisor. [online] Available at: https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Restaurants-g298566-zfp16-Osaka_Osaka_Prefecture_Kinki.html [Accessed 25 Jan. 2020].
15. Ltd, r. (2020). Nara to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) – 9 ways to travel via train, bus, and taxi. [online] Rome2rio. Available at: https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Nara/Osaka-Kansai-Airport-KIX [Accessed 25 Jan. 2020].
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source of videos used:
1. https://youtu.be/BqGUEHwooAc
Phone: 1300 JAPAUS Email:JapanAustraliaTravel@TravelGuides.com.au
Website by Travel Guide Parul Chatterjee 
