Kyoto & Nara Tour: Deer, Bamboo, Simple Day Trip from Osaka

Thinking of getting away from the big city buzz of Osaka for a day? Maybe you are, too. A visit to Kyoto and Nara, is that something you might be into? Well, that’s absolutely a classic day trip, and it offers such a delightful mix of ancient temples, peaceful gardens, plus some incredibly charming deer. Very much roaming free, of course! And let’s not forget about the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Anyway, here’s how you could potentially piece together an memorable outing from Osaka.

Getting There: Osaka to Kyoto and Nara

First thing you may want to do, or not, that is travel. Traveling between Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara turns out to be pretty straightforward thanks to Japan’s superb train system. Perhaps you may find it’s really very painless, alright? So, it’s almost something everyone can agree on. For Kyoto, you can catch a train from Osaka Station or Namba Station (depending on where you’re staying) to Kyoto Station. And it should be noted that the JR lines (like the JR Kyoto Line) or the private Hankyu Railway could both be good choices. It all sort of hinges on the precise part of Kyoto you’re hoping to explore, if that’s of any value. Seems right?

Now, in that case you’re heading to Nara from either Osaka or Kyoto, the JR Nara Line, is that not the way to travel? This line runs straight to Nara Station, yet getting off at Kintetsu-Nara Station, is that potentially something that could also work for you? So, too it’s close to Nara Park and all the, uh, main attractions you may find interesting. Using a Japan Rail Pass, well, it’s definitely worth it if you’re planning on quite a bit of travel on JR lines. Regional passes might be the way to go too, depending, again, on your whole trip layout, sort of.

Morning in Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Shrine

Start your day with an early visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine; well, this may or may not excite you. Is that the iconic one known for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates that wind up a mountain, maybe you’ve heard of it. Just so you know, the early start can easily dodge some of the crowds, or maybe even all of them, very. The walk to the top, anyway, is an option if you like that kind of thing. Then it provides really expansive views of Kyoto. Going as far as you’re comfortable with, very well it depends how much time and energy you’re inclined to use.

The bright vermillion color of the gates against the verdant forest is rather something you should get ready to view. The shrine, or course, is dedicated to Inari, you know, the deity of rice and prosperity. Because of this you could see loads of fox statues (kitsune), and foxes are often considered Inari’s messengers. As I was saying, spending a couple of hours here permits you to savor the atmosphere, even so take in the beautiful surroundings, I’d say.

Midday in Nara: Deer Park and Todai-ji Temple

From Kyoto, so take a train to Nara. Seems like you’ll be stepping into Nara Park as soon as you exit the station and see it’s roaming deer, maybe you will. Remember the deer in Nara Park are regarded as messengers of the gods. So they’re allowed to wander pretty freely and interact with people, in some respects, like your new deer friends. A little word of caution to keep in mind: while, too it’s pretty endearing, these guys can get a little assertive with you when it comes to food. It is best to buy some deer crackers (shika senbei) sold at the park. That is a real good way to keep everyone cheerful without potentially causing any, I don’t know, issues. Seems likely?

After hanging out with the deer, after all, that’s very, then trot on over to Todai-ji Temple, a place that, arguably, should be right at the top of any “must see list.” That main hall, anyway, is one of the globe’s largest houses for bronze buddhas. It showcases a really fantastic display of design and profound devotion to a higher power, even so it is something people find peace in. The sheer grandeur of the Buddha statue inside is quite the sight. Maybe you will agree, at the end of the day?

Afternoon Escape: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Now make sure, maybe, to get on a train back to Kyoto and head for the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. It’s worth the effort of all the journeys you need to do. As you saunter down the path, there you will see yourself amid those tall stalks of bamboo. This makes for a seriously enchanting experience. The sunlight filters by the bamboo creating, arguably, such flickering patterns all over, like your own exclusive, little light show that Mother Nature, sort of, put together for you, something like that, so it seems.

Well, take your time walking slowly, yet that may or may not work for everyone, you. Stop to take photos, anyway, but take a picture, just a snap shot. Breathe in that very fresh air, is that okay, while just taking pleasure in, in some respects, all that tranquility. To be frank, anyway, the Bamboo Grove may be extremely popular, alright? I should say. So in order to skip long lines, you should make an effort to plan your trip during the week, and plan to get there either super early or, perhaps, a little later during the day, right, so you can take pictures easier and get the spot without any pushback.

Things to consider Before you go

Firstly, wear suitable walking shoes since this trip involves plenty of wandering, just saying. Is that not just obvious, or what. Check the weather forecast before you head out. By the way, weather in Japan, anyway, it is not as reliable as weather in most places so prepare to go ahead with what you have, sort of deal. So, to clarify that the umbrella and sun cream are both essential whatever time you are traveling to keep you protected when exposed to the elements.

Make it a goal to have some Japanese Yen with you for little purchases, very much like those tasty street snacks or entry fees for any attraction you visit, if that’s in your sights. Moreover, it’s still a fantastic idea to get yourself a portable Wi-Fi router or perhaps even a local SIM. Do this so that, yet again, so you’re still connected, well that may or may not be the answer, after all, what do I know, so you can easily search maps or upload pictures without depending on finding free Wi-Fi. By the way, don’t be shy about learning a couple of basic Japanese phrases as you go on your escapades. A few basic phrases will definitely make your interaction with people in those cities feel a lot better. I mean, “Konnichiwa” (hello), anyway, and “Arigato” (thanks) do just fine.

• Wear cozy footwear to walk more and stand better when on tours and walking in nature.
• Before traveling always watch weather and take an umbrella and a hat, and that sort of things.
• Bring some Japanese yen to be prepared with attractions tickets and when buying something on the go, such a cool treat from the vending machines.
• Ensure you keep connected for uploading any photos you took with a wifi router to not waste all your data plans while posting.
• Lastly, grasp to say some common expressions to relate more to the natives like konnichiwa or arigato and other simple phrases like that.

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