Nara 1 day itinerary (Horyu-ji Temple & Ikaruga)

Take the JR Yamatoji Line’s Rapid Service train bound for Nanba to JR Horyu-ji Station. The trip will take about 11 minutes

It takes 20 minutes on foot from JR Horyu-ji Station to Horyu-ji Temple whereas taking the bus from the station will take a little under 10 minutes. Get off at the bus stop Horyu-ji Mon Mae.

Japan’s first World Heritage site was registered for having some of the world’s oldest wooden structures. Take a walk inside the huge grounds and observe the Buddhist statues and buildings which boast a tradition of about 1400 years.

Visit Chugu-ji Temple which is next to Horyu-ji. View Miroku, the National Treasure Buddhist statue with its faint, mysterious smile. Enjoy lunch in the vicinity of Chugu-ji since there are a number of restaurants here.

After lunch, walk over to the temples of Ikaruga. From Chugu-ji, it takes around 15 minutes on foot to reach Horin-ji Temple. Tour the grounds and the pagoda with the beautiful view that is known as one of the Three Pagodas of Ikaruga.

A World Heritage temple that has Japan’s oldest three-storey pagoda. Its wonderful view of the spreading tranquil fields of Ikaruga is one of the highlights.

Jiko-in is unusual in that the entire temple complex has been built as one large teahouse. Spend some quiet time viewing the garden while drinking matcha tea.

You can walk to the station in a little under 20 minutes from Jiko-in Temple. Take the JR Yamato-Koizumi Line (bound for Nara) and head to JR Nara Station.

Take the JR Yamatoji Line’s Rapid Service train bound for Nanba to JR Horyu-ji Station. The trip will take about 11 minutes