We all know Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan’s largest cities, have always been crowd favorites because of the wide selection of tourist spots. But if you really want to be immersed in traditional Japanese culture, smaller towns like Nara are also worthy to be part of your itinerary!
Besides the ever-famous Nara Park and the deer, Nara has so much more to offer – incredibly photogenic spots and Instagrammable locations! With fewer people and more peaceful areas, our top 15 picture-worthy Nara spots deserve to be on your Japan camera roll!
And if you want to take great pictures of you in Nara, you should hire a personal photographer with Photo Trips! For example, we highly recommend you to join this photographic journey in Nara with Marco. He will take you to secret photo spots only locals know about.
1. Nara Park
Let’s start with probably the most famous tourist spot in Nara: Nara Park. This public park combines beautiful open spaces and lush natural landscapes for the perfect photo opportunity.
Aside from the remarkable deer you can feed for an additional charge, take advantage of the other picturesque landmarks. Visit the Toda-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and the Isui-en Garden. You’ll also love the serene surroundings with clear ponds and nature trails.
Exact Location: Nara Park
2. Yoshinoyama
Head to Yoshinoyama in winter and witness breathtaking snowy scenery like you’re on the set of Frozen! But on regular days, it’s also an exciting way to spend your vacation. Hike to reach Mt Yoshino, where you’ll capture cherry blossoms during spring.
Yoshinoyama also has several observation spots, but the best ones are the Hanayakura Observatory during fall and the Shimosenbon area during winter. Another Instagrammable photo spot is Shugendo, a sacred place that boasts Mt. Yoshino’s solemnity.
Exact Location: Yoshinoyama
3. Kasuga Taisha
Inside Nara Park is Kasuga Taisha, a Shinto shrine and a sight to admire! It’s easily recognizable because of its roof’s bright red vermillion columns. We recommend visiting Kasuga Taisha for the early February and August Lantern Festivals. The event only takes place twice a year, where you can experience being surrounded by diverse, beautifully lit-up lanterns.
The Kasugataisha Shrine Man’yo Botanical Garden is also an ideal photo spot, especially if you bring a professional camera. Discover more than 200 plant species and Japanese flowers. Finally, visit the Kasugataisha Museum to see ancient artifacts and relics significant to the Japanese culture.
Exact Location: Kasuga Shrine
4. Mount Wakakusa
Near Nara Park is Mount Wakakusa, a scenic spot with a 342-meter-high grassy hill and over 33 hectares of green lawn. Halfway through the mountain, there’s an observatory deck ideal for taking post-worthy shots. From there, you can witness panoramic views of the entire Nara City, the mountain summit, and neighboring regions.
If you plan to visit this place, head there at night for the amazing city lights. You can also be lucky enough to spot deer sightings and take all the time you want to pose with these sacred creatures.
Exact Location: Mount Wakakusa
5. Isuien Garden and Neiraku Museum
If you’re a nature lover who fancies taking outdoor shots, visit the Isuien Garden and Neiraku Museum. The garden is lush, vast, and peaceful – everything you seek for a relaxing getaway in Nara.
Established centuries ago, Isuien Garden has two main sections: the rear garden from 1899 and the more prominent front space from the 17th century. This photo spot is unique and breathtaking because of its rare Shakkei-style landscape design that fits well with the outdoor scenery.
To top it all off, save some time to visit the minimalist Neiraku Art Museum. It showcases ancient Korean pottery and Chinese mirrors, seals, and bronze wares.
Exact Location: Isuien Garden and Neiraku Museum
6. Ukimido Pavilion
Another Instagram-worthy photo spot inside Nara Park is the Ukimido Pavilion, sitting at the center of the Sagiike Pond. Check this out early in the morning and discover how the mist envelopes this structure. However, we think it looks the most beautiful during sunset when its reflection is seen in the pond.
Ukimido Pavilion is frequently illuminated at night. Plus, the sika deer that casually stroll around the area adds a nice touch to the backdrop. Here’s a pro tip: visit Ukimido Pavilion in late January and watch the fireworks show on the month’s last Saturday together.
Exact Location: Ukimido Pavilion
7. Murou-ji Temple
Another popular attraction during the winter season is Murou-ji Temple, with snow-covered stone steps that make it look like you’re in a movie scene. Even better, head straight to Yoroizaka for superb winter views as it’s surrounded by snow-coated tree branches.
For the most Instagrammable photo spot, however, we suggest positioning where the shot can get a glimpse of the Kondo roof. You’ll see this when you reach the top of the steps.
Exact Location: Murou-ji Temple
8. Soni Highlands
Adventure seekers who love a little challenge before taking beautiful outdoor shots should visit Soni HIghlands. It’s a grassland with Japanese Pampas grass and is found within the Muro-Akame Aoyama Quasi-National Park. Besides breathtaking photo spots, this nature destination is also famous for hiking and swimming in the hot springs.
Even if you’re not a professional hiker, Soni Highlands has easy walking trails that lead to Mount Kuroso’s peak. Visit this place in summer to capture lush green landscapes!
Exact Location: Soni Highlands
9. Todaiji Temple
A visit to Nara is never complete without seeing the Great Buddha himself (besides visiting Nara Park, of course!) – and Todaiji Temple houses the 15-meter-tall structure. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s biggest bronze Buddha statues, it easily became a sight for locals and tourists.
If you intend to observe and witness the Great Buddha’s face outside the Main Hall, visit Todaiji Temple anytime from January 1 to mid-February and from August 13 to 15 for the special viewing windows.
Exact Location: Todaiji Temple
10. Murou Art Forest
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Craving for photo spots that combine artwork and nature? Murou Art Forest is undeniably the answer! It’s an open-air museum in Muro Village and features masterpieces of Inoue Fukichi and Dani Karavan.
Murou Art Forest’s theme involves achieving a balance between art and nature. As you view paintings and other forms of artwork, you’ll also find how relaxing and serene the museum is. Plus, you can also enjoy a quick picnic session with your loved one!
Exact Location: Murou Art Forest
11. Hasedera Temple Nara
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Hasedera Temple Nara is the perfect photo spot if you prefer nature shots. It features lush vegetation and green landscapes all year round. But we highly suggest visiting during the fall season to witness the leaves turning vibrant red and orange.
Because of the unique flowers that surround Hasadera, locals have nicknamed it the Temple of Flowers. Hasedera Temple also presents a 10-meter tall Buddha or the Kannon Statue. If you visit during the winter season, specifically from December 31 to January 3, you could also get excellent photos during the annual Hasadera Kannon Mantoe. It’s a special festival where illuminating lanterns line the Main Building and Noborirou, the most symbolic staircase at Hasadera Temple.
Exact Location: Hasedera Temple
12. Tsukigase Plum Grove
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If you’re visiting Nara in spring, don’t dare miss out on the blossoming plum and sakura flowers. And to get the best photo opportunity, head to Tsukigase Plum Grove, a 30-minute train ride from JR Tsukigaseguchi Station.
Tsukigase Plum Grove has 4,000 sakura and 10,000 plum trees. And when they are in full bloom, you’ll love how they combine beautifully with the view of the surroundings. This natural beauty is also a famous topic among Japanese poets.
Exact Location: Tsukigase Plum Grove
13. Nara National Museum
Craving for historical art? Nara National Museum is all about Buddhist national artwork and masterpieces from famous local Japanese artists. From the exterior, you can already see how old yet historical this tourist spot is. It dates back to 1889, with the design featuring gold details and rustic windows.
Today, the Nara National Museum includes a new wing, which has an underground passageway that connects to the main museum. Inside you can take photos of ancient Japanese paintings, Buddhist statues, scrolls, and other historical objects.
Exact Location: Nara National Museum
14. Edosan Guesthouse
One of the most Instagrammable locations in autumn is Edosan Guesthouse, a small alleyway in Nara Park. The blossoming maple trees surrounding it will capture your heart as they create the best backdrop.
You can catch the best lighting and photo visuals at a narrow path in front of the guesthouse. There are also available cookies you can use as a bait to lure friendly deer and include them in your photo!
Exact Location: Edosan Guesthouse
15. Nigatsu-do Temple
It’s already a given that Nara can get crowded, especially during the peak season. But if you want quieter yet still beautiful surroundings, try visiting Nigatsu-do Temple. Entrance is free and it’s within walking distance from Nara Park. Plus, you can take all the shots you want because visitors are always few.
Nigatsu-do Temple has a large balcony where you can take mesmerizing panoramic views of Nara. At night, the temple lights up, making the shot look even more divine!
Exact Location: Nigatsu-do Temple
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You’ll definitely never run out of photo ideas when visiting Nara, especially with the wide selection of spots worth visiting! Do let us know your experience with the photo spots mentioned in this guide below!
Want to see more photogenic places in Kansai area? Check out our selections of the best photo spots in Osaka and the best photo spots in Kyoto!