[15 Popular Date Spots in Nara] A Relaxing Trip to Enjoy the Charm and Nature of Japan’s Ancient Capital

This park sits next to precious historic and cultural treasures such as Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofukuji Temple, Todaiji Temple, the Nara National Museum, and the Shosoin, and offers sweeping views of lush, beautiful greenery surrounding them.
Covering a vast total area of Approx. 511 hectares, Nara Park also includes the Kasugayama Primeval Forest, designated as a Special Natural Monument.
Wild deer designated as a Natural Monument and known as the “deer of Nara” also live here.

At the beginning of the Nara period, Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto is said to have descended on Mount Mikasa riding a sacred deer from Kashima in present-day Ibaraki Prefecture to protect Heijo-kyo and pray for the prosperity of the nation. The origins of the shrine date to 768, when the main sanctuary was built at the foot of Mount Mikasa and four deities, Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto, Futsunushi-no-Mikoto, Amenokoyane-no-Mikoto, and Himegami, were enshrined.
Many of the shrine buildings remain in the same arrangement as when they were first founded. Once every 20 years, the Shikinen Zotai ritual is carried out to renew and beautify the shrine buildings, and all 62 auxiliary and subordinate shrines, including the four National Treasure main sanctuary buildings, are repaired and restored in vivid vermilion.

Kasuga Taisha Manyo Botanical Garden, located within the grounds of Kasuga Taisha Shrine, is Japan’s oldest Manyo botanical garden, opened in 1932.
Approx. 300 species of plants mentioned in the Manyoshu anthology are grown on its Approx. 3-hectare grounds.
The garden is divided into four areas, each filled with highlights such as ponds reminiscent of gardens from the past and highly valuable cultural properties.
The changing beauty of the four seasons adds a special touch to any date.
Among the most popular photo spots are the giant Garyu no Ichii-gashi tree and the Wisteria Garden, where 20 varieties and Approx. 200 wisteria vines bloom all at once in spring.

The Omine Okugakemichi pilgrimage trail is said to have been opened by En no Gyoja and is also registered as part of the World Heritage site Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.
At its center is Mount Sanjogatake, a sacred mountain where women are still prohibited from entering, and the summit is home to Ominesanji Temple, a Shugendo temple.
Dorogawa Onsen is located at the trailhead for climbing Mount Sanjogatake, with more than 20 ryokan inns and guesthouses lined up in the area.
Because it developed as a base for Shugendo practice, the town has a distinctive retro atmosphere, and in summer you may even encounter yamabushi mountain ascetics heading out for training.

This suspension bridge has a history dating back to 1954, when it was built by local villagers during Japan’s postwar recovery period as a bridge for daily life.
Surrounded by magnificent natural mountains, it is a wire suspension bridge that ranks among the longest in Japan.
Connecting Uenoji and Tanize, the bridge measures 297 meters in length and reaches a height of 54 meters.

Its scenery through the seasons is praised as the most beautiful in the Kinki region.
In addition to viewing waterfalls of many sizes and huge rock formations, the brilliantly colored autumn leaves seen from the mountaintop are truly spectacular.
A walking trail has been maintained along the river, so you can enjoy hiking here with peace of mind.

An amusement park located on Mount Ikoma at an elevation of 642 meters. Its spacious grounds feature 27 unique attractions, including the Cycle Monorail, where you can enjoy cycling through the air in panda-shaped cars, the spinning Kurukuru Coaster, and the Gold Rush log flume, where you race down rapids in a wooden boat, along with five game corners.

A completely new kind of outdoor spot that opened in 2020 in the 21st Century Forest and Kii Peninsula Forest Botanical Park in Totsukawa Village, an area known for its beautiful rhododendrons.
At heights of 4 to 12 meters above the ground, suspension bridges, treehouses, and hammock-like nets are installed, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the forest air. You can unwind with a coffee, bounce around like on a trampoline, or simply lie down and read. Adults and children alike are free to enjoy it however they like.

A museum specializing in Nara crafts. Based on the three-action concept of “inherit,” “create,” and “open,” it shares the appeal of Nara crafts, which have been refined over a long history, with a wide audience.
The permanent exhibition introduces traditional Nara crafts such as Nara brushes, Nara inksticks, Akahada ware, Nara fans, Nara bleached fabric, Nara ittobori woodcarving, Nara lacquerware, and ancient gagaku masks. Selected outstanding works from among many pieces can be enjoyed throughout the year.

A limestone cave located in the Dorogawa area of Tenkawa Village, Nara Prefecture, a place known as a hidden paradise in the sky, at an elevation of 878 meters above sea level. After its discovery in 1933, it took five years to excavate.
It is the largest cave of its kind in the Kansai region, where limestone caves are rare, and is designated as a Natural Monument of Nara Prefecture.
To reach the cave, taking the monorail affectionately known as the “Dorokko” is highly recommended.
After an Approx. 5-minute ride up the steep slope through a conifer forest, you will be rewarded with sweeping views of the Dorogawa settlement and the surrounding natural landscape.

A complex facility that opened in March 2022, consisting of four buildings, a cultural property restoration and exhibition building, an arts and culture experience building, an exchange and lively gathering building, and an information building, along with an outdoor experience zone. Here, visitors can experience the diverse culture Nara is proud of, including history, art, food, and agriculture.
One of the biggest highlights is the public viewing of restoration work in four cultural property fields, Buddhist statues and other sculptures, paintings and calligraphy, historic buildings, and archaeological artifacts, a first in Japan.

One of Japan’s largest goldfish museums, created in Nara Prefecture, one of the country’s leading goldfish-producing areas.
Inside the tourist-oriented commercial complex Mi Nara, visitors can enjoy a cutting-edge “entertainment aquarium” created by up-and-coming artists.
Unique areas include JAPANESE AQUARIUM DISCO, the world’s first diamond-cut aquarium enhanced with stained glass and mirror ball effects, and JAPONE Alley, where 21 traditional Japanese umbrellas and alluring lighting recreate an Edo-period streetscape and showcase the beauty of Japan.

Opened in 1895 as Japan’s second national museum.
It houses many National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, centered on Japanese Buddhist art from the Asuka period to the Kamakura period, including Buddhist statues and other artifacts.
Located in a corner of Nara Park surrounded by Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, it offers a relaxed setting where visitors can learn about Buddhist art and the rich history and culture behind it.

Asuka Village preserves many remains and artifacts related to the birth of the Japanese nation, offering a sense of Japan’s original landscape and historical romance.
Also famous as one of Nara’s rice-producing areas, it features peaceful farmland on the plains and layers of rice terraces stretching through the mountains.
Among Asuka Village’s beautiful historic landscapes, the rice terraces of the Inabuchi district are particularly notable. They were developed from the Heian to Kamakura periods in the Middle Ages, and even today, more than 300 rice paddies and fields create a beautiful view.

A complex facility produced by Kuruminoki, a popular cafe in Nara. Located at the southern gateway to Naramachi, the facility consists of the tourist information center Mayu, the dining hall Kamado, and the cafe Saezuri.
Mayu is especially memorable for its charming space in a Japanese-Western style building constructed in the early Taisho period. Unlike a typical tourist information center, it values personal interaction and conversation, and invites visitors into a wonderful Nara journey with warm service and original sightseeing maps.

Mount Wakakusa, located at the eastern edge of Nara Park, is a gently sloping grassy mountain with three ridges and an elevation of 342 meters.
After an Approx. 45-minute walk up the maintained path, you will reach the summit, where a sweeping panoramic view opens in every direction.
From the top, you can look down over Nara Park, where deer roam, and the streets of the ancient capital, while in the distance you can see as far as the Kongo Mountains and even Mount Rokko, a luxurious view sure to stir the hearts of couples.
The night view is especially beautiful, so much so that it is counted among the New Three Great Night Views of Japan.
The dramatic transition from the western sky glowing with sunset to the lights of the city beginning to shine creates an even more romantic mood for two.

Ikoma Sanroku Park is located halfway up Mount Ikoma, which rises between Nara and Osaka.
From the observatory, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Osaka Plain, while the Nara Basin stretches out before you, making this a unique location where you can appreciate the contrast between an ancient capital and a major modern city at the same time.
The most magical hour can be seen from dusk into the evening.
About 15 minutes after sunset, the sky begins to turn a deep navy blue, and the city lights gradually emerge like scattered jewels, creating a dreamlike scene.
It is also highly praised for its beauty and calm atmosphere, and one of its nighttime charms is that it tends to be less crowded.
The stillness and comfortable sense of openness are sure to bring couples even closer together.

Located in Ota, Katsuragi City, Shiawase no Mori Park is a relatively new park that opened in 2017.
Its symbolic feature is the observation plaza at the top of 184 steps from the entrance.
In addition to views over the Yamato Plain, you can also enjoy moss phlox blooming across the hillside in spring, making the beauty of nature through the seasons one of its main charms.
From dusk into the evening, gentle lights spread out toward Kashiba City, Katsuragi City, and even Osaka, creating a warm Approx. 180-degree panoramic night view.
It may not be flashy, but it is a hidden gem where the soft lights seen in the silence have a soothing effect.
Entry is open 24 hours, but if you go after 9pm, when the area goes completely dark, be sure to bring a flashlight.

Located near the summit of Mount Omine in Ide Town, Kyoto Prefecture, this observatory offers views from an elevation of Approx. 300 meters over the landscape of Ide Town centered around the Kizu River flowing below.
In the distance, you can enjoy a wide-ranging view that includes Kyoto city, with Kyoto Tower, as well as Mount Ikoma in Nara.
The time from after sunset into the evening is especially impressive, when the glowing city lights and the silhouettes of Kyoto Tower and Mount Ikoma stand out beautifully.
It is also known for the beauty of its night view, and the view from the observatory has been recognized as a Night View Heritage site.

Takamadoyama Summit Observatory is located near the summit, at an elevation of Approx. 461 meters, along the Takamadoyama Course of the Nara Okuyama Driveway.
It is a hidden gem that is easy to stop by during a driving date, and the quiet mountain setting creates a feeling of time just for the two of you.
The field of view is about 90 degrees, but thanks to its elevation, you can overlook a wide area of city lights centered on downtown Nara, and on clear days you can even see Mount Nijo and the three mountains of Yamato.
Winter is especially good because sunset comes early, allowing you to enjoy the night view after dark even within the shorter business hours.
Since there is a parking lot right next to it, you can even enjoy the beautiful scenery from inside your car, making it a comfortable spot in colder weather as well.

Located Approx. 12 minutes on foot from Tomio Station on the Kintetsu Nara Line, Nikusho Geihinkan Tomio is a yakiniku restaurant loved by locals.
The open interior, filled with the warmth of wood, includes private rooms, terrace seating, and table seating, allowing couples to relax comfortably without worrying about those around them.
The restaurant carefully selects only female cattle, centered on Yamato beef raised at its own ranch, so you can enjoy high-quality meat at reasonable prices.
Each cut is carefully prepared, and the meat is hand-cut only after an order is placed, which is another reason you can enjoy it at its very best.
Popular menu items include the Tan Sankyodai, which lets you fully savor the classic favorite tongue, and the Assari Rare Cut Three-Item Platter, featuring premium cuts.
Another recommendation is the wagyu offal, which is rare in Nara and known for its rich sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth flavor.

French & Italian Bar Copine, marked by its charming green exterior, is an authentic bar-style restaurant located Approx. 10 minutes on foot from Tsutsui Station on the Kintetsu Kashihara Line.
With counter seats, table seats, and semi-private seating, it is also a great choice for couples.
What makes this place special is its balance of casual comfort and refined quality, allowing you to enjoy French and Italian cuisine without feeling intimidated.
Using plenty of local ingredients, including fresh vegetables from Nara Prefecture and Soni Village, the restaurant serves dishes that highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Course meals are the main focus, and the especially popular item is the luxurious lunch of braised domestic beef cheek, cooked until tender enough to cut with chopsticks.
A wide selection of alcoholic drinks, including wines from around the world and Heartland draft beer, is another plus for those who enjoy drinks.

Japanese Cuisine Hitoshizuku is a hidden-style Japanese restaurant in the Naramachi area.
It is about a 14-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station on the Kintetsu Nara Line, and even the route to the restaurant through atmospheric backstreets filled with historic charm is sure to feel like part of the date itself.
The interior is an elegant space with only seven counter seats made of natural wood, where the owner brings out the very best in carefully selected ingredients sourced from around Japan.
Watching the lively cooking unfold across the counter while enjoying dishes fresh from the kitchen will naturally help conversation flow between the two of you.
For both lunch and dinner, reservations required, course meals are the standard, and the contents change depending on the price range and the season.
Each course offers Approx. 10 delicately prepared dishes one by one, including sashimi, grilled items, and rice dishes, finishing with a Japanese dessert.

Piazza Hotel Nara is a city hotel in a prime location just a 1-minute walk from the west exit of JR Nara Station.
Its exterior, with a modern design and calm earth-tone colors, is well known as a local landmark.
The large glass-fronted building offers an open view, and being able to look out over the beautiful streets of Nara, Japan’s ancient capital, is another reason to recommend it.
It also offers excellent access to major sightseeing spots such as Kofukuji Temple and the Nara National Museum, making it an ideal base for travel.
The guestrooms come in a variety of types and are equipped with modern amenities including free high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and refrigerators, while nanoe air purifiers operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in every room to maintain a clean environment.
The breakfast buffet, lunch, and dinner options are also extensive, and you can enjoy dishes made with seasonal ingredients.

Kasuga Hotel is a long-established ryokan located Approx. 2 minutes on foot from Kintetsu Nara Station.
It is right next to the grounds of Kofukuji Temple and close to sightseeing spots such as Nara Park and Todaiji Temple, making it a convenient base for exploring the area.
Its appeal lies in the calm atmosphere filled with traditional Japanese charm, beginning with an exterior modeled after the azekura-style architecture of the Shosoin.
In particular, the special Japanese-Western style rooms renovated in 2014 are highly praised for their luxurious setting, with views of Kofukuji Temple’s Central Golden Hall and five-story pagoda beyond the windows.
Although they are more expensive than the other rooms, staying there for an anniversary would make for a truly special time.
You can also fully experience the charm of the ancient capital through bathing in the open-air bath overlooking a Japanese garden and enjoying excellent dishes made with fresh local ingredients from Nara.
In particular, be sure to try Nara’s specialty breakfast rice porridge, chagayu, at breakfast.

A Japanese auberge on the slope of Mount Wakakusa, renovated from a lodging facility loved for more than half a century and grandly reopened in July 2020.
Its concept is “comfort” born from harmony with nature and connection with the local community. The name ANDO carries both the meaning of “relief” and the desire to create connections between communities and people, and between people and people.
Its greatest pride is, above all, the view of Nara, Japan’s ancient capital, from the mountainside. From the newly added open-air bath on the rooftop to the penthouse suite, the lobby, and most guest rooms, you can take in sweeping views of Todaiji Temple’s Great Buddha Hall, Kofukuji Temple’s five-story pagoda, and the cityscape of Nara.