Nara and Uji Ancient City Slow Travel

This trip spans two incredibly charming and historically rich cities in Japan's Kansai region—Nara and Uji! From exploring ancient temples, strolling along cherry blossom-lined rivers, to greeting friendly deer and experiencing the serene atmosphere of Uji's matcha streets, this journey fulfills all your dreams of ancient cities, nature, and gourmet delights. Highlights: The eel rice at Kikusuiro is highly recommended! The deer in Nara are super friendly, and interacting with them is truly healing. Byodoin Temple is stunning, and you can feel its historical depth at first glance. 🌸 Recommended Attractions 1. Kasuga Taisha Shrine 📍Address: 160 Kasuganocho, Nara, 630-8212 Japan ⏰ Opening Hours: March-October 06:30-17:30; November-February 07:00-17:00 A must-visit in Nara! Kasuga Taisha Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by a primeval forest. The red shrine buildings, countless stone lanterns, and roaming Nara deer create a healing atmosphere as you wander through the forest and shrine. Tip: Visit in the morning when the deer are more active, and you can take photos and feed them deer crackers. Just be careful not to scare them! 2. Mount Wakakusa 📍Address: Zoshicho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 630-8211 Japan ⏰ Opening Hours: Year-round 09:00-17:00 After visiting Kasuga Taisha Shrine, hike up Mount Wakakusa for a panoramic view of Nara City and the surrounding mountains. It's an excellent spot for watching sunsets and night views. You'll also encounter Nara deer along the way, adding to the ancient city vibe. 3. Kikusuiro 📍Address: 1130 Takabatakecho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 630-8301 Japan A highly popular traditional restaurant in Nara! Their signature eel rice, tempura, and kaiseki cuisine are of exceptional quality. The elegant setting even allows you to occasionally spot deer wandering outside the restaurant windows. Highly recommend their lunch set menu—perfect for a meal before continuing your exploration of Nara's historical sites. 4. Byodoin Temple 📍Address: 116 Uji Renge, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture ⏰ Opening Hours: 08:45-17:30 (Last entry at 17:15) A scene from "The Tale of Genji"! Byodoin Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its Phoenix Hall and pond reflection exuding a poetic charm. It's perfect for a leisurely stroll and photography. In spring, enjoy the cherry blossoms; in summer, the lush greenery. Be sure to allocate time to explore the interior, which houses many historical artifacts. 5. Uji Bridge 📍Address: Uji, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture 611-0021 Japan ⏰ Open 24/7 year-round Spanning the Uji River, Uji Bridge is surrounded by matcha shops and walking paths. The bridge offers a romantic view, and you can try Uji matcha desserts at nearby specialty stores. Highly recommend the local matcha shops for souvenirs and snacks. 🦌 Practical Tips - Nara deer are adorable but may snatch food, so watch your bags and clothes while feeding them. - The forest near Kasuga Taisha Shrine is cool in summer; bring mosquito repellent. - Kikusuiro is busy during lunch hours; reservations are recommended. - Byodoin Temple is less crowded in the afternoon, ideal for a relaxed visit. - Visit the Uji River walking paths early in the morning or at sunset for the best photos without crowds. 🍱 Food Recommendations Kikusuiro: Must-try eel rice! Their tempura is also fresh, and the kaiseki cuisine offers great value. The tranquil restaurant setting is perfect for a leisurely meal. 🚄 Transportation - From Nara Station, you can walk or take a bus to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Mount Wakakusa, and Kikusuiro (Bus Stop: Kasuga Taisha Honden, a few minutes' walk to the restaurant). - From Uji Station, Byodoin Temple and Uji Bridge are within walking distance. Trains to and from Kyoto City are very convenient. If you want to experience the charm of traditional Japanese cities, interact with friendly deer, and savor matcha and Japanese cuisine, consider this itinerary to slow down and appreciate the unique allure of these two ancient cities!