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).
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Transport: JR Line trains run from JR Namba and JR Kyoto to JR Nara and take about an hour from either origin point. Alternatively, a Kintetsu Line service should take about 45 minutes to an hour from either Osaka-Namba or Kyoto.
#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).
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Transport: From JR Nara, direct trains run to Unebi, and take around 35 minutes. To continue on from JR Unebi to Kashiharajingu-mae, make the short (8-minute) walk to Yaginishiguchi and board a Kintetsu Kashihara Line train to Kashiharajingu-mae.
Trains from Kintetsu-Nara to Kashiharajingu-mae take under 45 minutes with a change at Yamatosaidaiji.
#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.
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Transport: From Kintetsu-Nara Station, direct trains go to Ikoma, taking around 15 to 20 minutes.
Note: These trains typically head onwards to Osaka, with some trains continuing to Kobe-Sannomiya Station.
#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.
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Transport: From Kintetsu-Nara, it will take about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Yoshino with a change at Yamatosaidaiji and Kashiharajingu-mae.
~From Kyoto Station, Kintetsu line services take under 2.5 hours with a change at Kashiharajingu-mae.
~From Osaka-Namba, the journey will take about 1.5 to 2 hours, changing at Yamatoyaji and Kashiharajingu-mae. Note: The Tokkyu Hinotori tourist train runs from Osaka-Namba to Yamatoyagi at certain times. Click the link for recent timetable information: https://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/hinotori/