Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
We turned our travel day from Kyoto to Osaka into a memorable day trip to Nara, one of Japan’s most historic cities. Nara is often known for its friendly deer, but this stop offered much more than that.
Our day started by shipping our luggage from Kyoto to Osaka, allowing us to explore hands-free. We took the 8:55 am Limited Express Vista train from Kyoto, arriving in Nara at 9:30 am. Reserved seating was easy to purchase, and the total cost came to 1,280 yen per person, just over $8 USD.
While on the train, I tried a self-cooking steak bento, which heated itself right at my seat.
Once we arrived, we were immediately greeted by bowing deer outside Nara Station. Our first stop was Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to the Great Buddha and the largest wooden building in the world. Afterward, we walked to Nigatsu-do Hall, an annex of Todai-ji, offering beautiful views over Nara city.
We also stopped to feed the deer using biscuits sold throughout the park for 200 yen.
Later in the day, we visited Kasugataisha Shrine, famous for its 3,000+ stone and bronze lanterns. The self-guided route includes a dark room where lanterns are lit, creating a quiet and atmospheric experience.
In the afternoon, we continued on to Osaka via the Rapid Express Kobe-Sannomiya train. Our luggage arrived at our Osaka hotel right as we checked in, making this travel day smooth from start to finish.
If you are planning a trip to Japan, Nara makes an easy and rewarding stop between Kyoto and Osaka.
If you’re planning a Japan trip, check out my other Japan travel videos covering Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.
Japan playlist - youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2vlFWOHEKMjkYqQW__R6dEQ-yvs0hGri
#NaraJapan #NaraDayTrip #VisitNara #JapanTravel #KyotoToNara #JapanItinerary #TodaiJi #KasugaTaisha #JapanTemples #NaraDeer #OsakaTravel #JapanByTrain #UNESCOWorldHeritage #JapanVlog #TravelJapan
We turned our travel day from Kyoto to Osaka into a memorable day trip to Nara, one of Japan’s most historic cities. Nara is often known for its friendly deer, but this stop offered much more than that.
Our day started by shipping our luggage from Kyoto to Osaka, allowing us to explore hands-free. We took the 8:55 am Limited Express Vista train from Kyoto, arriving in Nara at 9:30 am. Reserved seating was easy to purchase, and the total cost came to 1,280 yen per person, just over $8 USD.
While on the train, I tried a self-cooking steak bento, which heated itself right at my seat.
Once we arrived, we were immediately greeted by bowing deer outside Nara Station. Our first stop was Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to the Great Buddha and the largest wooden building in the world. Afterward, we walked to Nigatsu-do Hall, an annex of Todai-ji, offering beautiful views over Nara city.
We also stopped to feed the deer using biscuits sold throughout the park for 200 yen.
Later in the day, we visited Kasugataisha Shrine, famous for its 3,000+ stone and bronze lanterns. The self-guided route includes a dark room where lanterns are lit, creating a quiet and atmospheric experience.
In the afternoon, we continued on to Osaka via the Rapid Express Kobe-Sannomiya train. Our luggage arrived at our Osaka hotel right as we checked in, making this travel day smooth from start to finish.
If you are planning a trip to Japan, Nara makes an easy and rewarding stop between Kyoto and Osaka.
If you’re planning a Japan trip, check out my other Japan travel videos covering Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.
Japan playlist - youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2vlFWOHEKMjkYqQW__R6dEQ-yvs0hGri
#NaraJapan #NaraDayTrip #VisitNara #JapanTravel #KyotoToNara #JapanItinerary #TodaiJi #KasugaTaisha #JapanTemples #NaraDeer #OsakaTravel #JapanByTrain #UNESCOWorldHeritage #JapanVlog #TravelJapan
