Nara National Museum

The Basics

A popular destination, the Nara National Museum is home to rich historic, cultural, and artistic treasures, including one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. The museum is located in Nara Park, where most of the city’s attractions can be found. Many travelers visit the museum while exploring the park, as it provides context for some of the Buddhist artworks and artifacts that can be found elsewhere in Nara.

Many travelers visit Nara on a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka, and many guided tours are available. In addition to a visit to the Nara National Museum, tours often include other highlights such as Todaiji Temple and Deer Park.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Tickets to the Nara National Museum include both wings.

• There is English signage throughout the museum.

• The museum is accessible to wheelchair users, and wheelchairs can be borrowed.

• There is an on-site restaurant, or visitors can pack a picnic to enjoy in the park outside.

How to Get There

The Nara National Museum is in Nara Park, where the town’s famous temples and cultural attractions are located. The nearest railway station is the Kintetsu Nara station; the JR Nara station is farther away but still within walking distance.

When to Get There

The museum is open every day except Monday, or the following Tuesday if a public holiday happens to fall on a Monday. It has extended evening hours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Every autumn, the Nara National Museum displays treasures from Nara’s famous Todaiji Temple, so this is a good time to visit.

Hang Out with the Deer

In addition to its temples and cultural attractions, Nara Park is famous for its population of deer, which are a symbol of the city. More than 1,000 deer, considered messengers of the gods in Shintoism, roam freely throughout the park. You can buy crackers to feed them, but keep an eye on your own food—they’re not shy about demanding to be fed.