Midsize Woman

When you’re backpacking Japan, Nara usually shows up as a quick day trip from Kyoto or Osaka, tick off the deer, see the Great Buddha, and head back by sunset.

I almost did the same.

But I decided to stay two full days in Nara, and honestly, it was one of the best calls of my trip. Slower-paced, budget-friendly, and full of peaceful corners.

If you’re a backpacker looking to slow down, spend less, and see more, here’s how to make the most of 2 days in Nara without rushing through it like everyone else.

Getting to Nara from Osaka

If you’re coming from Osaka, getting to Nara is super easy and affordable, even without a JR Pass. You’ve got two main train routes, both under an hour, and both leaving frequently throughout the day.

1. JR Yamatoji Line (Covered by JR Pass)

• From: JR Osaka Station or Tennoji Station
• To: JR Nara Station
• Time: About 50 minutes from Osaka, 35 minutes from Tennoji
• Cost: ¥820 (free with JR Pass)
• Best for: If you already have a JR Pass or want to arrive near the city center

JR Nara Station is just a short walk or bike ride from most guesthouses, Nara Park, and food spots. It’s what I used smooth, cheap, and hassle-free.

2. Kintetsu Nara Line (Fastest Route)

• From: Osaka-Namba Station
• To: Kintetsu Nara Station
• Time: 35–40 minutes (Express)
• Cost: ¥570 (Local) / ~¥1,160 (Limited Express)
• Best for: Getting dropped off closest to Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple

If you’re heading straight to the deer or Todai-ji after arriving, Kintetsu Nara Station is more convenient, it’s just a 5-minute walk to the park entrance.

3. Backpacker Tip: Take the Kintetsu Rapid Express (¥570)

This was the option I picked. No reservation needed, cheap, fast, and super convenient if your first stop is the deer park or Todai-ji. Trains on both lines run every 10–15 minutes all day, no need to plan too far ahead.

Day 1 in Nara

I arrived in Nara around 2:00 PM, it dropped me right in the middle of town, walking distance to the old center and all the good stuff.

Sanjo Dori Street

As soon as you leave Kintetsu Nara Station, you’ll land on Sanjo Dori, one of the main walking streets leading toward Nara Park. It’s filled with casual food stalls, souvenir shops, and local bakeries, ideal for backpackers just getting into town.

What to eat on Sanjo Dori:

• Kakinoha-zushi – bite-sized sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves
• Mitarashi dango – grilled rice dumplings with sweet soy glaze
• Matcha soft serve – everywhere, and always worth it

I grabbed a few snacks, walked slowly down the street, and took it all in, the slower pace, no big crowds, and a totally different vibe from Osaka.

Accommodation Check-in: Hotel Base Nara

My accommodation for the night. This place is ideal for backpackers, affordable, clean, and in a great location close to both JR and Kintetsu Nara stations.

Hotel Base Nara – Quick Overview for Backpackers:

Feature	Details
Price	¥3,000–¥4,000 for a dorm bed / ¥6,000–¥8,000 for private rooms
Dorm Setup	Mixed and female dorms available; each bed has curtain, outlet, light, and locker
Bathrooms	Shared, clean, and well-maintained (outside the rooms)
Facilities	Coin laundry, shared kitchen, free Wi-Fi, small lounge
Extras	Luggage storage, bike rental available
Location	5–6 min walk from both JR and Kintetsu stations, easy walk to Nara Park

It’s a self-check-in style property, so don’t expect front desk staff 24/7 but everything was smooth. They email your check-in info and locker code in advance. Perfect if you want something affordable, clean, and low-key without the chaos of a party hostel.

Walk Around Nara: Sarusawa Pond & Naramachi

Sarusawa Pond is a small, tranquil pond that offers one of the most iconic views in Nara, the five-story pagoda of Kofuku-ji Temple reflected on the water.

If you arrive around golden hour (late afternoon to early evening), the soft light makes this a perfect spot to relax and snap some photos without the crowds. I sat on a bench, watched deer wander nearby, and just soaked in how different Nara felt from the busy cities I’d been in.

Naramachi: Old Town Charm

From Sarusawa Pond, it’s just a 10-minute walk to Naramachi, the old merchant district.

This area is filled with narrow alleys, traditional wooden townhouses (called machiya), small artisan shops, and quiet cafes. There aren’t big tourist crowds in the evening, which makes it ideal for wandering without pressure.

What I loved about Naramachi:

• The soft glow from paper lanterns lighting the streets
• Shops selling handmade crafts and local souvenirs
• Tiny sake bars and cozy soba noodle restaurants tucked into wooden buildings

Peaceful Night Walk

I walked back toward the hostel, passing through quiet streets where deer roam freely even at night. The city feels calm and safe, the perfect contrast to hectic urban centers.

Backpacker Tips for Evening Walks:

• Carry a small flashlight or use your phone light for some darker alleys
• Most shops and restaurants close by 8 or 9 pm, so grab dinner before then
• Don’t feed the deer after dark, they get restless and it’s discouraged
• If you want to grab snacks later, there are convenience stores near the station open late

Day 2 in Nara

Day two is when you really get to dive into what makes Nara special. It’s all about the deer-filled park, stunning temples, peaceful shrines, and ending the day with a gentle hike up Mt. Wakakusa for epic views.

Morning: Start at Nara Park

Wake up early and head straight to Nara Park, it’s just a short walk from your accommodation. This sprawling green space is famous for its free-roaming deer, considered sacred messengers in Shinto tradition. They’re friendly but cheeky and they know it!

Tip: Buy some deer crackers (“shika senbei”) from vendors around the park (¥150–¥300) and watch the deer bow before you feed them yes, they really bow back!

Instead of rushing to the big temples, I took it slow and explored the free shrines scattered around the park. These hidden gems felt like little secret spots, peaceful, surrounded by ancient trees, and perfect for moments of quiet reflection. No crowds, just soft rustling leaves and the gentle clatter of deer hooves.

Mt. Wakakusa: Jungle Walk

Mt. Wakakusa, a grassy hill just outside the main park. Unlike the rest of Nara Park, Mt. Wakakusa requires a small entrance fee (around ¥150–¥200) to access the hiking trails and summit.

The hike itself was easy but beautiful. The path winds through dense forest, shaded by tall trees, giving it a jungle-like vibe that felt like stepping into a secret world away from tourists. I loved the mix of peaceful woodland and the sudden bursts of open grassy slopes near the top.

At the summit, the payoff was worth every step, a breathtaking 360-degree view of Nara city and the surrounding mountains, stretching as far as the eye can see. I sat there for a while, snacking and soaking it all in, feeling like I had the whole city laid out just for me.

If you time it right, sunset from the top is magical soft light painting the city gold.

Backpacker Tips for Day 2:

• Bring water and some snacks, shops are limited once you start the Mt. Wakakusa trail
• Wear good walking shoes, the trail has some uneven parts but is mostly gentle
• Carry some cash for the entrance fee to Mt. Wakakusa and small shrine donations
• Don’t rush, take your time to enjoy the free shrines and peaceful park moments
• Be respectful to the deer, don’t chase or feed them outside designated cracker areas

Final Thoughts

Spending two full days in Nara was one of the best decisions of my trip in Japan. It gave me space to slow down, explore corners most tourists miss, and actually connect with the place.

I wandered through peaceful streets, shared snacks with bowing deer, stood beneath thousand-year-old trees, and watched the sun set over the mountains from the peak of Mt. Wakakusa. It didn’t feel rushed, it felt like a pause, a deep breath between the faster parts of my journey.

For backpackers especially, Nara offers:

• Cheap eats and easy access from major cities
• Free cultural spots if you’re traveling on a tight budget
• Hikes, nature, and quiet spaces that don’t cost much but leave a big impression

And most importantly: Nara lets you go slow. Which, in a country where it’s easy to move too fast, might just be the best thing you can do. So should you stay overnight in Nara?

Absolutely and take your time. You’ll leave feeling more rested, more grounded, and maybe even a little enchanted.