Exploring Nara Prefecture.
#Nara City.
Although immensely popular these days, Nara is still a great place to visit. Featuring beautiful temples and gardens, the city makes for an excellent place to spend a day or two. For those hoping for a less crowded experience, it is recommended to visit sights early in the morning or during the last hour of opening.
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Highlights: Todai-ji Temple, Toshodai-ji, Hannya-ji, Hokke-ji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofuku-ji, Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine, Yoshikien Garden, Manyo Botanical Gardens, Isuien Garden & Neiraku Museum, Heijō Palace Site Historical Park, Nara Deer Park (pictured).
#Kashihara.
With plenty to see and do, but without those pesky crowds, Kashihara makes for an excellent day trip. Located around 90 minutes from Osaka, Kashihara is just the ticket for those wishing to escape the hectic pace of Osaka.
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Highlights - Unebi Station: Alight at Unebi Station for the historic district of Imaicho, Ofusa Kannon Temple, Fujiwara Palace Ruins, Cosmos Fields/Gardens.
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Highlights - Kashiharajingu-Mae Station: Alight at Kashiharajingu-Mae Station for: Kumedera Temple and Kashihara Jingu (pictured).
#Ikoma.
Those looking to do something different can head to Ikoma and catch one of the quirky-looking cable cars up to Ikomasanjo, where the summit boasts an amusement park. A walk back down will take one past an assortment of charming buildings.
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Highlights: The Ikoma Cable (pictured), Hozanji Temple, Ikomasanjo Amusement Park.
#Yoshino.
With its stunning mountainous views, historic temples and shrines, and winding roads littered with quaintly rustic shops and houses, Yoshino is certainly worth the journey. Said to be one of the best places to visit during cherry blossom and autumn leaves seasons, though still lovely outside these times, the town of Yoshino is sure to impress.
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Highlights: Kimpusen-ji Temple, Yoshimizu Shrine, Tōnan-in Temple, Sakuramoto-bō Temple, Kami-senbon (scenic spot), Mt Takashiro Observatory.