Exploring Japan’s Heritage and Scenic Beauty from Osaka
Osaka makes an ideal base for day trips to some of Japan’s most enchanting destinations. Two of my absolute favourite spots for a one-day (or two-day!) adventure are Nara, home to ancient temples and friendly deer, and Uji, renowned for its matcha and picturesque riverside scenery.
This itinerary combines history, nature, and relaxation, offering a day packed with unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re looking to meet Nara’s famous deer, marvel at ancient temples, or enjoy a tranquil boat ride or hike along the Uji River, this guide has everything you need, including travel tips, costs, and insider recommendations. If you’ve been asking yourself ‘Can I visit Nara and Uji in one day?’, I’m here to tell you yes, you absolutely can.
Feed Sacred Deer in Nara
Start your day early to make the most of your visit. Catch the Kintetsu Limited Express from Osaka-Namba Station to Kintetsu-Nara Station. This 40-minute journey costs ¥1,070 (£6) one way and offers a faster and more convenient option for reaching Nara. Alternatively, take the JR Yamatoji Line from Osaka Station to Nara Station, which takes about 50 minutes and costs ¥800 (£4.50).
Nara Park is a sprawling 502-hectare area that is home to over 1,000 free-roaming Sika deer. These deer are considered sacred messengers of the gods in Shinto belief, and they are now a symbol of Nara. To get to Nara Park from the train station, I recommend walking approximately 20 minutes along Sanjo dori Street which has a variety of souvenir and convenience stores en route. A chance to experience the famous mochi pounding at Nakatanidou en route is another reason to walk.
Alternatively, you can hop on a local bus with unlimited rides throughout the day for just ¥600 (£3) and ¥300 (£1.50) for children. There are three pass options to choose from, each covering different areas, check out the map areas here. The one-day pass is best if you’re tight on time and want to see the main sights of the park.
If you would like to spend more time in Nara, you can also book a bus tour in advance using Nara Kotsu Bus. They offer English speaking tours of the park, with visits to temples, shrines and Mt. Wakakusa for ¥11,000 (£57).
Once in the park, you will spot vendors selling crackers at stalls for ¥200 (£1). As delicious as they look, these are not for you to eat… they are shika senbei (deer crackers) which you offer to the deers as snacks. Be prepared—the deer will bow politely to you in exchange for them, but some can be quite persistent, so keep your own snacks secure! If a deer pesters you, hold up your hands to show them that you have no food to offer & they will then walk away.
Next, visit Todai-ji Temple, one of Japan’s most famous landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is home to the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), a 15-metre-tall bronze statue housed in the world’s largest wooden building, the Daibutsuden. Entry costs ¥600 (£3.50) for adults. Take your time to admire the intricate architecture and the peaceful atmosphere of the temple grounds.
After visiting Todai-ji, walk through the park to reach Kasuga Taisha Shrine, another UNESCO site. This Shinto shrine is renowned for its hundreds of stone and bronze lanterns, which create a mystical atmosphere. Entry to the inner area of the shrine costs ¥500 (£3), but you can also enjoy the scenic outer grounds for free.
For those who enjoy hiking, the nearby Mount Wakakusa offers a short climb with panoramic views of Nara and the surrounding countryside.
Lunch in Nara
Nara has plenty of excellent options if you’re feeling pekish. Try kaki-no-ha sushi, a type of pressed sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves, or enjoy a bowl of kitsune udon, a noodle soup topped with sweetened fried tofu. Restaurants around Nara Park often offer set meals for ¥1,000–¥1,500 (£6–£8). For a quick bite, grab some street food from the stalls near the park, including freshly grilled mochi and taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries filled with red bean paste). For something sweet, a personal favourite of mine is the mochi fruit from Ben Zai Ten, located halfway along Sanjo Dori Street on return to the station. Here you can try the soft and delicious, vegan fruit mochi. The strawberry is my favourite!
Next Stop – Uji!
Uji is closer to Nara than you may think. From Nara, take the JR Nara Line to Uji Station. This 40-minute ride costs ¥620 (£3.50). Uji is a dramatic riverside town steeped in history and famous for producing Japan’s finest matcha green tea. If you were looking for a place to try it, Uji is the perfect location to do so.
From the station, take a leisurely stroll down Omotesando Street, Uji’s main shopping and dining area. Here, you’ll find numerous tea houses and shops where you can sample and purchase high-quality matcha products. Treat yourself to matcha ice cream, cakes, or even matcha soba noodles. Many shops offer free tastings of green tea, so you can learn about the different grades and flavours.
For a more immersive experience, book a tea ceremony session at one of the local tea houses, where you can learn about the traditional preparation and significance of matcha. Prices for matcha treats range from ¥300–¥800 (£1.50–£4.50), while a tea ceremony may cost around ¥1,500 (£8.50).
At the end of Omotesando Street, you will be near the must visit Byodoin Temple, a stunning example of Buddhist architecture and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple’s Phoenix Hall is so iconic that it’s featured on the back of the ¥10 coin. Admission costs ¥600 (£3.50) and includes access to a museum displaying treasures from the temple’s history.
Start to wind down your day with a serene boat ride along the Uji River. These rides provide stunning views of the river’s lush surroundings, historic bridges, and traditional houses. Tickets for a 30-minute boat ride cost approximately ¥1,500 (£8.50) per person. Uji is beautiful regardless of the weather. In summer it has a serene, calming atmosphere while in winter the mountains make for a dramatic landscape as shown in the photos below.
There is majestic wildlife in Uji. Grey Herons can be spotted all year round and during the summer months (late June to mid-September), you may be lucky enough to witness ukai, a centuries-old method of cormorant fishing. This traditional fishing technique, performed at night using trained birds, is a fascinating spectacle unique to Uji. The herons that we saw reminded us of Hayao Miyazaki’s 2023 film,The Boy and the Heron.
If you prefer to stay on land, enjoy a riverside walk along the Asigiri Bridge and consider a visit the Tale of Genji Museum, which celebrates Uji’s connection to Japan’s famous literary classic, The Tale of Genji. Alternatively, or if you still have time, you can also visit Daikichiyama fuchi Park and its observation deck to enjoy the sunset before heading back to Osaka.
From Uji Station, take the JR Nara Line back to Osaka. The journey takes about 50 minutes and costs ¥800 (£4.50). Aim to catch a train by 7:00 PM to arrive in Osaka in time to enjoy a relaxed evening in the city or explore its lively dining scene.
Was visiting Nara and Uji worth it?
Perfect for nature lovers, Nara and Uji are must visit destinations in my opinion. Each providing unique and serene landscapes within easy reach of Osaka, they take you away from the concrete jungle and allow you to reconnect with nature.
Trip extension idea: If you have more than a day, or don’t need to head back toward Osaka, I recommend extend your adventures by taking the train from Uji toward Kyoto, being sure to stop at the famous and popular Fushimi Inari along the way. Within this itinerary you could also consider stay overnight in Nara at one of the local deer hostels located in the heart of the park for an immersive experience. We recently stayed at The Deer Park Inn for a very reasonable price and deer came to greet us in the garden!
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