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Your first month, planned

New to Nara?

One week at a time, four small steps a week, almost all of them free. By the end you’ll have a coffee spot, a Saturday routine and people who know your name.

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Week 1

Get your bearings

Learn the city's shape before you try to fill your calendar.

  1. A local guide is the fastest way to learn Nara's layout and stories. Free tours run on tips.

    Walking tours →

  2. Find your nearest café, pub, supermarket and park. Note the ones you want to go back to.

  3. One for breakfast, one for lunch, one for dinner: start with the local favourites.

    Yatagarasu (Nara)Japanese · Nara Park柿の葉すし本舗 たなか なら本店Japanese · Higashimuki
    Eat & drink →

  4. Free walks, markets, parks and events: the cheapest way to get to know a city.

    令和8年度 秋期特別展「平城遷都―「飛鳥・藤原の宮都」から平城へ―」Thu 12 November, 9am · 平城宮いざない館 企画展示室 · Thu 12 November, 9amNara World Heritage WalkWalk or hike · 10 km · about 2 hrs
    What's on this week →

New to Nara, answered

What should I do in my first week in Nara?

Take a walking tour to learn the layout, walk your own neighbourhood end to end, try three places locals eat, and look for the free things on that week.

How do I meet people in Nara?

Pick two things that repeat every week, such as a trivia night, a run club or a weekly night at a local hotel or hostel, and keep going back. Meet people lists the ones on in Nara.