Cycling Nara
Nara 奈良
Overview
Nara is often portrayed as the older, smaller, and more laid back sister to Kyoto. The city was Japan's first imperial capital, from 710 - 784 CE. (From that point on, Kyoto was the capital for more than a millenium until 1868.)
More compact and older still than ancient Kyoto, Nara at times seems to suffer from a bit of a Kyoto complex. It is well worth a visit though.
Moreover, on a bike, most if not all of Nara proper can be seen in one day.
The city is small enough that it is not really necessary to break it into small quadrants, as is necessary in Kyoto.
However, if one were to do so, two come to mind: Nara Park and Naramachi.
Nara Park is home to Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Grand Shrine, the Nara National Museum, and lots of deer (which are technically wild but quite tame; they will pester you to feed them).
The second area is Naramachi, which is an atmospheric area with many older homes and villas and small museums. Nara seems to have avoided much of the post-War destruction Kyoto inflicted upon itself. As a result, the cityscape here is better preserved.
Getting to the Starting Point
A good place to start is either JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station, as they are where many tourists will first arrive. For those feeling very fit, it is possible to ride from Kyoto to Nara in about four hours.
Directions
Use the map below or a free one available at one of the many tourist information centers.
Traffic is not too much of a problem, though the area in front of the Prefectural government building can get busy at certain times of the day.
Total Riding Time
One day for the sites listed on the map.
Places of Interest
Todaiji Temple
Todaiji Temple was constructed in 752 C.E. and is the largest wooden building in the world. It houses the Daibutsu (Big Buddha), which is Japan's largest bronze statue.
6:30 to 17:30 (7:00 to 16:30 from November through March)
Closed: No closing days
Admission: Free (outer area), 500 yen (inner area)
Isuien Gardens
Isuien Gardens are spread over roughy 145,000 square feet, and feature a pagoda and lake. The meaning is "garden founded on water."
9:30 to 16:00
Closed: Tuesdays, New Year holidays, Obon holidays
Admission: 650 yen
Kofukuji Temple
Kofukuji was first built in 730 C.E., and its five-story pagoda is a landmark.
9:00 to 17:00 (Treasure House and Eastern Golden Hall)
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 600 yen (Treasure House), 300 yen (Eastern Golden Hall)
Kasuga Shrine
Kasuga Grand Shrine was established by the Fujiwara clan in the 8th century C.E. To get you there you walk through the forests in Nara Park.
6:30 to 17:30 (7:00 to 16:30 from November through March)
Closed: No closing days
Admission: Free (outer area), 500 yen (inner area)
Gangoji Temple
Gangoji Temple was first built in Asuka village in Nara Prefecture in 593 C.E. It moved to its current location in 718.
0742 23 1377
Admission: 500 yen
Nara National Museum
Open 9:30 - 5 pm. Closed Mondays.
Admission: 500 yen
Nara Hotel
A fantastic old pile of a hotel built in 1909. It sits atop a bluff that overlooks the city. It has hosted Albert Einstein, Audrey Hepburn, Joe DiMaggio, and of course the Emperor. The tea room overlooks the large pond.
0742 26 3300
Bike Rental
Nara Rental Cycle
0742 24 8111
Map
Nara Sites
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