Isuien Garden is the only walking style garden in Nara, and is a designated "Special Places of Scenic Beauty". Isuien Garden dates back to the Meiji era.

• From JR Nara Station, Isuien garden can be reached by taking frequently departing buses bound for Aoyamajutaku or Kunimidai-hachichome to Oshiagecho bus stop (5 minutes, 190 yen, platform 5 or 6).
• Entry fee is a little more than other temples and gardens but also includes entry to the small museum in the next building.
• Take the free English speaking guide tour and learn about the long rich history of this garden.
• There is small traditional restaurant inside the garden to take a rest after a long day of walking.

Yoshikien (吉城園) is a pleasant Japanese garden located in central Nara. It is named after the Yoshikigawa River, a small river that runs beside the garden.

• Yoshikien Garden is a peaceful place to enjoy the natural beauty of Nara. Highly recommended by the beautiful obachan at the Kintetsu Nara train station.
• It is a strolling garden from the Meiji period and a place to really find your inner peace.
• You can totally meditate here for hours soaking in the gorgeous maples, koi pond traditional Japanese house and other beautiful scenery.
• Another tip is that entry is complimentary for foreign visitors--just show your passport!

Todaiji Temple is a World Heritage Site that houses Japan's largest statue of Buddha. Todaiji Temple (Nara) is largest wooden building in the world.

• Try and avoid visiting the temple during the week day school hours as school trips are frequent.
• Just avoid bringing out the "selfsticks" which are just as annoying as the crowd itself !
• This temple has one of the largest bronze statues of Buddha and it is visited by hordes of tourists and schoolchildren.
• The temple does not require that shoes be removed which is just as well as you would never find your shoes again.
• The temple is in a park which is full of deer - all wanting to be fed the special deer biscuits that can be bought for 150 yen at the many sellers.
• Outside the gates of the temple are souvenir shops and eateries.

Nigatsu-do is one of the halls of Todaiji Temple, which was designated a World Cultural Heritage site. It is also the building in the center with the triangular roof.

• Just about 10 to 15 minutes walk from Todaiji Temple, please be prepared to climb the staircase - about 70 steps.
• The temple is not congested by hordes of tourist; it is really peaceful and great place of worship.
• Praying is allow and noticed lots of metal lantern hanging around the temple.
• You can also have a free cup of green tea in the temple or sit on the veranda and enjoy the tranquilly and splendid view.

Kasuga Grand Shrine is the head shrine for around 3,000 Kasuga Shrines throughout Japan. Kasuga Taisha Shrine (Nara) is a World Heritage Site.

• The shrine sets in a large garden. You can virtually approach the shrine from all directions through the park and of course with many deers too.
• The main feature of the shrine are its lanterns donated through the years by the people as tokens of following and thanksgiving.
• If you want to see all the lanterns lit up, you need to come in early February (for setsubun) or during the "Tokae" lantern festival in the middle of August.
• The inner shrine requires an admission of ￥500. Otherwise it's free.

Kofukuji Temple complex is a World Heritage Listed Buddhist temple in Nara and an excellent example of a Japanese Temple.

• The temple does not require any fee however it's just the bell and washing your hands.
• HIghly recommended you go to the museum it's 500¥ but it's worth to see all the famous statues from kamakura period to the edo period.
• If you finish your visit to Nara in the evening, make sure to visit again after dark, when the entire place is beautifully lit.

Naramachi (奈良町, literally "Nara Town") is the former merchant district of Nara, where several traditional residential buildings and warehouses are preserved and open to the public.

• Aside from walking past old buildings, Naramachi has some small free museums that display mini exhibits of the Nara life back in the days.
• Some souvenir shops of various kinds are also spread throughout the neighborhood.
• Naramachi is where you will find many old buildings dating back to at least the Edo Period.
• Make sure you don't get here too late because most shops are closed around 5 and some close as early as 4.