NARA surprised us! (12 things to do in Japan's original capital)

We visited Nara, Japan and expected to see deer... but we found so much more in the city too! So, we made a vlog of some of the best things to do in Nara, which includes the deer park, but also includes some of Nara's unique snacks, beautiful temples & shrines, and an amazing cultural experience in the original capital of Japan!
We're Brandi & Alan, full-time travelers and creators since 2018. We post fun vlogs and informative guides to both document our travels and help you on your own journey.
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Planning your own trip to Nara? Add these to your itinerary!
1. Relax and take in the views at the Sarusawa pond!
2. Try Japan's fastest mochi at Nakatanidou
3. Visit Nara Park and see the bowing deer
4. Head into town to explore Nara's beautiful architecture
5. Try Japanese cuisine at one of the local restaurants (we got curry!)
6. Shop for deer themed souvenirs at Mochiidono Shopping Street
7. Try a deer-themed treat! (we got deer ice cream!)
8. Visit the huge Kofukuji temple complex!
9. Head to the Nara cultural center for a handful of different activities!
10. Visit the Todaiji temple to see the world's biggest wooden building and a massive set of statues!
11. Hike up the stairs of the Nigatsu-Do for amazing views over Nara
12. Admire the many stone & bronze lanterns at the Kasugataisha shrine!
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CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:55 Sarusawa Pond
1:35 Nakatanidou Mochi (Japan's fastest mochi!)
2:48 Nara Park (DEER!) & Town
5:10 Wakakusa Curry
6:06 Mochiidono Shopping & Deer Ice Cream!
8:16 Kofukuji
9:35 Nara Cultural Center (Origami & Kimono!)
11:44 Todaiji
14:52 Nigatsu-Do
16:08 Kasugataisha
17:33 Thanks for watching! Subscribe for more adventures! :D

[@NARAVisitorCenterInn]

Thanks for stopping by guys. We loved having you.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you so much!! It was an amazing time!! 😃

[@chilly2171]

4:20 that little girl chasing after the deer is so cute!

[@IfWeGoTo]

Oh gosh it was adorable!!! I know it wasn’t in the video but when she would stop the deer would come back out and chase her. They kept going back and forth! Heart-meltingly cute!!!

[@tamamiyamaguchi41]

I’m Japanese. I’m a member of Deer Protection in Nara. Thank you for this video. One things that is very important request to protect the deer, especially baby deer. If you find the baby deer hidden in the root of the trees, please do not touch the babies and leave them just the way they are. Please keep some distance and watch over them softly. The mother deer are trying to hide the babies from humans. If someone touches the baby deer it might cause the risk of the mother deer doing child abandonment because of the smell of human touched the baby. Thank you very much. 🌸🙏🌸

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you for looking out for the deer and leaving this helpful comment, we hope future visitors will see it too. Thank you! 🙏🌸

[@tamamiyamaguchi41]

@@IfWeGoTo Thank you to you, too. I hope that as many people as possible will share this information. ありがとう‼︎🦌🌸🫶🏻🌸

[@user-et1zi5ws7f]

Welcome to NARA! I like Nara more than Kyoto.Because Nara is a mysterious atmosphere. I went to Nara in 18times for 8years. Please come again!!

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you!! We really enjoyed both spots, but we did enjoy that Nara had that very mysterious feeling like you said, and was a bit quieter!! 😊 We hope to visit again soon!!

[@user-ks117]

こうして海外の方が素直な気持ちで日本を紹介してくれるのは良いですね。 日本人が紹介するより海外の人には分かり易いのでは。 日本人には当たり前の事も海外の人には不思議に感じたりしますからね。

[@IfWeGoTo]

ありがとう！また、あなたは正しいです。旅行中は、些細なことで最も興味深いことがよくあります。

[@user-sv9jc3rw5h]

あらためて奈良に行きたくなるような　日本人の私が見ても魅入るような素敵な動画　ありがとうございます。これからも日本の文化を素敵な編集で、世界発信してほしいと思います。チャンネル登録させていただきます。

[@IfWeGoTo]

あなたがた両方に感謝します！

[@luckystrike2945]

​@@komedaisuki3640さん、 岡山県倉敷美観地区も、趣があって良いよ。 良き古(いにしえ)の美しさを感じられます。 ググれば、風景写真が出てきます。

[@Lovelymedaka]

Your video is super cool! Nara is a beautiful and peaceful place. I hope many people enjoy staying there.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you! Also Nara is wonderfully peaceful. Have you made it out there yet?

[@mitraja12]

日本の歴史をとても良く勉強されていることに驚きました。 あなた方を歓迎し尊敬致します。

[@IfWeGoTo]

どうもありがとうございます！！私たちは日本が大好きで、歴史、言語、文化にとても興味があります。 :D

[@genchan1224able]

奈良公園は紅葉も綺麗だなあ。今年の秋には行ってみたい🍁

[@IfWeGoTo]

ゴージャスな光景でした！秋は訪れるのに最適な時期です！今年も行けますように！

[@MrYukkuri]

奈良に来てくださり、ありがとうございます。とても嬉しいです。 地元に住む者にも新しい発見があり、一緒に旅しているような、とても楽しいチャンネルでした。 奈良は盆地にあり、天候が安定しているので災害も少なく、数千年も昔から日本の都でした。 京都よりも有名ではなく、観光客が少ないですが、心が落ち着く古都だと思います。 いつの日か、奈良の名物である「三輪そうめん」や「柿の葉寿司」「奈良漬（酒風味の漬物）」を食べてみてみてください。

[@IfWeGoTo]

料理のおすすめありがとうございます。戻ったときに試してみることのリストにそれらを追加します。

[@user-xt6yh8oq5v]

こうした「幸せな時間」が、世界中で流れてくれたらと祈る。 お二人に幸あれ。

[@IfWeGoTo]

わあ、ありがとうございます!!

[@Greenkai3000]

Just found your channel after your Tokyo Disney Vlog popped up on my feed. Japan is one of my favorite countries to visit. After a three year absence I will be going back there in 3 .months. There’s so many places to see, visit and eat at y’all have shown, that I didn’t even know existed. Thanks for sharing!

[@IfWeGoTo]

Japan is so amazing!!! I hope you have an amazing trip when you head back. If you need any recommendations or anything don’t hesitate to reach out! 😃

[@amigator7789]

In the next life, I wanna be a deer in Nara :) Everybody there is your friend, ppl feeds you all day long, you have ton of places to chill and hide in hot summer... this is deer heaven :)

[@IfWeGoTo]

Oh that sounds like it would be amazing!!

[@LoveMusic-kt7cc]

Thank you for coming to Nara😊❤

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you!!! We loved it so much!!! 🤩

[@user-rf5jg5sz5k]

素晴らしい動画！ 素敵な家族！ 英語の勉強になります。

[@IfWeGoTo]

わぁ、ありがとう！！いつでも英語を練習できることをうれしく思います。

[@LoveMusic-kt7cc]

奈良の良いところを沢山詰め込んだ美しいビデオで、まるで奈良のプロモーションビデオのようですね😉👍🏼✨本当にありがとうございます❤

[@IfWeGoTo]

わぁ、ありがとう！楽しんでいただけてとても嬉しいです!! :D

[@xingxing85]

You guys met the bowing dears! That’s amazing

[@IfWeGoTo]

Yes!! We weren't sure if they actually bowed or if it was a rumor, but they did! And they are so dang cute!!

[@xingxing85]

Yes they are! Did you guys figure out why the dears could bow? Did someone train them to bow? Or it’s just their natural instinct?

[@IfWeGoTo]

Were not sure! I think they kinda become naturally trained when they exhibit a behavior and get rewarded for it! So now people kind of expect it and feel them when they do if. I’m not sure how it all started though!!

[@xingxing85]

@@IfWeGoTo yeah that’s really incredible to me because it seems that all the dears are wild dears. And the fact that they know how to bow to get a treat is remarkable. They could be really sacred then!

[@self-worried-person]

Deer are too cute. That kind look! Nara is just as enchanting as Kyoto. The Kinki region, including Osaka, is attractive. Please come to like Japan more and more and spread the charm.

[@IfWeGoTo]

They are adorable!! And definitely agree, we loved Nara!! We also very much enjoyed Osaka, but unfortunately we had a hard drive failure so it may be a while before the rest of our Japan videos make it up because we need amazing internet to get everything off the cloud! We definitely plan on returning to Japan in the future! One of our favorite places to visit for sure!

[@user-bx8fs4bu7c]

よもぎ餅、だんご、おはぎは食べ続けると美味しさが分かります。よもぎの葉は薬草ですよ。

[@tetsuyaakitsu8389]

Nara was just as 50 years ago when I was a student. Thank you.

[@IfWeGoTo]

I’m glad to hear that it is relatively unchanged 😊

[@risingsunjapanguideinfo8405]

I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed visiting Nara park. 👍

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you!! We absolutely loved Nara! It is beautiful! 😊

[@user-xk4pk9ze6u]

日本語をいれてくれてありがとうございます🤗💖英語はわからないのですごく嬉しいです 楽しかったので登録します‼️

[@IfWeGoTo]

どういたしまして。日本語字幕が好評なのは嬉しいですね。それらを書くには多くの時間がかかるので、人々がそれらを楽しんでいるのを聞くのはいつも素晴らしいことです.また、ご購読ありがとうございます！

[@louisecallanta5968]

Another fantastic video! ❤❤❤

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you!!! This one was so much fun!!

[@louisecallanta5968]

Makes me feel like we are there with you guys.

[@Baronsmix]

I will definitely visit the Nara Visitor Center, thanks for sharing! Watched a lot of vlogs and your video is the only one that featured it. ❤

[@IfWeGoTo]

So excited for you to go! It's a worthwhile visit!! :) Thank you for watching & happy travels!

[@le-daniel]

Great Video guys! It's awesome Alan will try anything - even deer treats haha

[@IfWeGoTo]

Hahah thank you!! I’m glad he’s adventurous and willing to try things even though he’s kinda picky 😂

[@MountainRoad-kc1zp]

Thank you - because I watched this video we did a day trip to Nara today. The temple view top, deer, mochi, and wakakusa curry were top notch. If all of your videos are authentic and helpful like this, you've got a happy new subscriber :)

[@IfWeGoTo]

Ahhh that is so amazing to hear!! Nara is such a wonderful little place, glad you got to enjoy it as well!! Hope you’re loving the rest of Japan too!!

[@IfWeGoTo]

Also thanks for subscribing!! I hope we can continue to make videos like this - though admittedly this has been our favorite ever so far! 😆

[@Gemini-gd2xc]

Nara is more than just deer and Todaiji, Kofukuji, and Kasuga Taisha. If you have the chance, please visit Horyuji, the world's oldest wooden building and Japan's greatest treasure.

[@IfWeGoTo]

We didn't quite make it out to the outskirts of Nara, but would love to explore more of the region one day! So thank you for the recommendation, I hope we can go in the future! LD

[@chromists]

Nara is the prefecture where former Prime Minister Abe was killed, and its image is not good.

[@IfWeGoTo]

I know that was a terrible event and is now dark history, but I assure you that we do not see the city poorly for it. It was among our favorite experiences in Japan and we recognize that it is a rare occurrence for Japan to have such a serious event.

[@otototopopojp]

@@chromistsI don't want you to say that now.

[@cana441]

Nice to meet you. I ❤ your video . I’ve been there last Nov. Thank you so much. You make me relax.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Aw thank you, glad you liked it !

[@shelby6087]

We can watch your videos again and again and don’t feel board at all. Love your videos ❤

[@IfWeGoTo]

Ahh thank you so much!

[@user-dk3ut9vb2v]

奈良は自分達の魅力を伝えるプロモーションが下手だと結構言われます。 こうして海外の方が魅力を紹介してくれて、奈良県民として嬉しく思います。Thank You！

[@kc5226]

I recommend a restaurant named 白(Tsukumo) in Nara. Definitely one of the best Japanese cuisine restaurants

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thanks for the tip. We will definitely give Tsukumo a try next time we visit Nara.

[@leonaleewong]

Thank you for your great recommendations! Went to Nara today and loved our time there!

[@IfWeGoTo]

That is amazing to hear!! So glad you enjoyed your time there! Did you get to see the Sakura there also!? 🌸

[@leonaleewong]

@@IfWeGoTo yes!! we were fortunate enough to see some beautiful blossoms! the curry at wakakusa was 😋!!! thanks again!

[@user-qw3vu9tq7s]

断片的で走馬灯の様なカットには日本人の私でも見入ってしまいます。奈良の魅力が100％伝わりました。

[@IfWeGoTo]

わぁ、ありがとう！動画をお楽しみいただけたと伺い、大変嬉しく思います！

[@unique.company]

Nationalジオグラフィックみたいな動画になってますね。とても良いですね♪

[@IfWeGoTo]

ありがとう！最高の褒め言葉です！ナショナル ジオグラフィックのようになることが私たちの夢です。

[@behio359]

私は奈良で住んでいますがこうやって外国の方が奈良の動画をあげてくれるのはとても嬉しいことです！

[@IfWeGoTo]

ありがとうございます、あなたは奈良出身でとても幸運です。美しい街ですね！

[@dobaocoming]

Thanks! It’s so amazing!

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you!!! 😃

[@Green-ld4bh]

綺麗な映像に癒されました。ありがとうございます。

[@IfWeGoTo]

ああ、ありがとうございます！動画をお楽しみいただけて大変嬉しく思います。奈良は特別な場所です！

[@nuttypuppy661]

Your video recording skills are so amazing. The scenery is so beautiful. I want to touch deer too

[@IfWeGoTo]

Ahh thank you so much! That means a lot to hear! Nara is definitely worth a visit, such a beautiful place!!

[@chonpei11]

What a cute deer ! Your video is so cool！

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you! Also yes the deer are very cute. We still can't believe they actually bow haha

[@webmarch06]

奈良や京都は、日本人でも日本に来た気がする場所です。

[@IfWeGoTo]

絶対！自然と文化が完璧に融合した場所です。

[@sogawa7]

If you are interested in ancient history, Nara is better than Kyoto. In the suburbs and residential areas, there are many graves of ancient ruling families and stone structures of unknown purpose. Because they are creations of an age without letters, you can rather enjoy the mystery.

[@IfWeGoTo]

That's a good tip. We went to Nara also but only for a few days so we had limited time to soak in the history. Next time we will have to explore the suburbs for ancient graves.

[@chizukoingraham7550]

Mugwort is like a medicinal plant. You can add it to a rice dish or salad. I have it growing in my backyard(Georgia). I think people in the US also ate it in colonial times. I have seen the plant in one garden in Williamsburg, VA.

[@IfWeGoTo]

That's interesting, I didn't know it was so wide spread in it's use. For sure thought it was a Japanese thing. Thanks for sharing.

[@user-wb3wg3we8w]

Welcome to Nara. 🤗 If you don't mind, please come to Nara again. 🙇

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you! we would love to visit, Nara is so beautiful!

[@makotoshinguu498]

Great editing of the video! I enjoyed it.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you so much!!! 😊

[@WyattandReyka]

Excellent filming, information, and editing, as usual ❤️ Gotta love Nara 🤗

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you!

[@user-ro9oh3lv4d]

お芋のアイスクリーム、美味しいよ

[@IfWeGoTo]

あ、神戸でさつまいもアイス食べてみた！それはとてもよかったです！

[@user-bx9tz5jx2i]

オイラは紅芋やウベが好きです

[@japantravel001]

Nara is a nice place! Editing was great too 😄

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you!! 😁

[@otasnake]

i am going to japan this year with a group of friends and we have watched and loved all your videos :) every videos are shot beautifully, have excellent editing, and both of you seem like really chill people. i will definitely watch your other destination videos

[@IfWeGoTo]

Wow thank you all so much for watching and leaving your very kind comment!! Comments like yours really keep us going and make our day! 🤗 I hope you all have an amazing trip to Japan. It’s an awesome country!! If you guys need any tips or anything, don’t hesitate to reach out!! 😃

[@sanja12]

You guys looking good together 🌸💕🦌

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you so much!!!

[@sumahokessai]

奈良は日本人の私でさえ、凄く落ち着く所でしたよ。外国人観光客には京都が有名ですが、奈良の方が私は、好きです。奈良は、凄く落ち着きます。🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵

[@IfWeGoTo]

私も同感です、京都は美しく、素晴らしい歴史があります。しかし、奈良はさらに素晴らしいです - はるかに穏やかで穏やかです！

[@denji_yellow]

I can't speak English but let me say this 　　Nice Smile!👍

[@IfWeGoTo]

Wow thank you!!!

[@user-rn8lo3dw8g]

何を着てもカッコイイから羨ましい。 物凄くオシャレに見えます。 きっと、ベックマンとか似合うんでしょうね。

[@IfWeGoTo]

ああ、ありがとうございます!!

[@midoujaganban3144]

Foreigners comes to deers and the play for a trip from all over the world and is so glad😍👋 東京のオジサンだけれど　🦌と奈良のユーチューブを観ていると癒されて和むし嬉しく思います👍

[@IfWeGoTo]

Nara is truly a special place!!

[@user-dn5vo1uu6c]

いらっしゃいませ🦌💕

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you!! 😊

[@cyruscrossan]

Nara looks really neat! I could go for some Japanese curry. The red bean flavor in mochi's is definitely interesting if you have not grown up with it. I love it but I ate it as a child all the time.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Nara was awesome!! In the US they sell these Japanese curry bricks that make legit tasting japanese curry! If you want me to send you the name of them lmk!! We eat them a lot when we're home! lol It is different, totally get why people like it too! Just some tasty sweet beans!!

[@raisondetere1]

It’s my hometown. Thank you for visiting.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you for welcoming us! We loved Nara!!

[@IfWeGoTo]

Our pleasure!

[@ghostclub36]

I’m visiting Japan in November and had cut Nara out of our itinerary because we are pushed for time, but now after seeing your video I’m desperately trying to find how we can fit it back in!

[@IfWeGoTo]

Oh you will have such an amazing trip, Japan is beautiful that time of year! Fingers crossed you can! If you're planning on visiting Kyoto and plan the trains right, it is an easy day trip - it only takes about 30-40mins each way and Nara is small/easily walkable so you don't really need to stay more than a day. It's a totally different vibe and worth it! Happy travels! :D

[@77AlexS]

Oh, I really hope you can go for a day! It's such a lovely place and a nice way to escape some of the more crowded areas (at times).

[@japanwakko3542]

Welcome! to Japan✋🦌

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you!

[@dreamsnotthings]

Loved Nara! Absolutely fantastic. We got some spectacular footage and more importantly created amazing memories!

[@IfWeGoTo]

Agreed! It is a wonderful city - so picturesque and fun! Looks like you also make videos! W love meeting fellow creators! Do you guys also have an instagram?

[@dreamsnotthings]

@@IfWeGoTo Yes we do. We are definitely small-time. But love to create for the hobby and memories. Love what you are doing!

[@IfWeGoTo]

We're small too, so it's great to meet others on the same page!! Videos are really the best way to capture the memories! :) What is your insta??

[@alejoh3179]

🤩

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you!!

[@chloeandtrey]

Omg the deer are so cute 😍😍 and whoa that mochi is sooo beany, never seen that before! 😝 we want to try!

[@IfWeGoTo]

Agreed!! They are adorable!!! The mochi was delicious too, whenever you guys make your way to Nara it’s definitely worth it!!

[@Cath789]

This made me reconsider pursuing Nara for the day from Kyoto. We only have 3 days in Kyoto so we would have to give up some time from there. I'm interested in the traditional/historical side of Japan and that wooden temple looks amazing. We would be there during cherry blossom season.

[@IfWeGoTo]

It is a very easy day trip and Nara is definitely do-able in one day! Just be sure to plan around the train times because I think they only come every 15-30 minutes or so, so missing one would cost valuable time! Both Kyoto and Nara are fantastic for traditional/historical Japan! Whether you decide to stay in Kyoto or make the day trip I don’t think you’ll go wrong! :) (for us, we preferred Nara though!) Hope you have an amazing trip and safe travels! 😃

[@Cath789]

Update. Came back from Nara finally. Loved it. 7 hours wasn't enough. Actually would of stayed here instead of Kyoto if I were to do it again.

[@IfWeGoTo]

@Cath789 so glad you got to make it out there! We’re the same, love Kyoto which is definitely larger, but Nara just had a charm that draws you in! 🥰 Hope you had an amazing trip regardless of not having quite enough time in Nara! There is always next time to explore more!

[@user-cx4zg9qn6x]

奈良ももちろん良いですが、奈良県を訪ねたなら”斑鳩（法隆寺）””明日香（奈良の前の都）” も今度は是非行ってみて下さい。（ただの田舎といえば田舎ですが）

[@IfWeGoTo]

次の訪問では、斑鳩とアスカに会う時間を作ります。ヒントをありがとう!

[@aNkaritravel]

Wow! What a nice little town. It is so beautuful and with its natural is really worth a visit. The scenery there like from a fairytale. Thank you for sharing this video:-)

[@IfWeGoTo]

It definitely is! One of our favorite places in Japan for sure. Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment, we greatly appreciate you doing that! 🤗

[@dsk3805]

鹿頭良いですね！お辞儀するんですね！

[@luckystrike2945]

「おじぎ鹿」は、数年前に外国人観光客が動画UPされており、 コア日本ファンには、知れ渡っているようです。

[@user-hr5ug4lo4e]

催促のお辞儀だそうです。 焦らすと頭つきをくらわすようです。 係の方が言ってました。

[@djirou1002]

日本からこんにちわ。素晴らしいビデオをありがとう

[@IfWeGoTo]

温かい歓迎をありがとう！

[@user-pi1wq3ki3u]

楽しい 映像です

[@IfWeGoTo]

ありがとう！

[@user-wo9kg6wj6b]

動画の撮り方が上手いですね😊 奈良行ったことがないので行きたいと思いました❤

[@IfWeGoTo]

ありがとう！奈良も行った方がいいよ、綺麗だし、お辞儀をする鹿が可愛いから。

[@MITOGURO]

The visitor center in Nara has an accommodation facility "Sarusawa Inn", and despite its excellent location, you can stay at a very cheap price. From ¥4200 per person for a Japanese-style room without meals.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Oh we did not know that!! Thanks for sharing - we will definitely check their availability on our next visit!

[@user-sz2gn4tu8s]

Hello!! Glad to see the video about my hometown. Few people can find the beauty of Nara because Nara is not as flashy as other places like Tokyo and Kyoto. I am always sad about that, but you know what is really good!! Nara is famous for its temples and dears in northern area, but there are a lot of fascinating places in south . I hope that you visit Nara again !! Thank you for uploading wonderful video

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you!!! We are so happy you enjoyed it!! We love Tokyo, but there’s just something about a bit of nature, history, and culture that really captures the heart! We definitely hope to visit again!! We’ve been told there is much more to see!! Thanks again 😃

[@espritkeity]

Nice👍Video❤

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you!!!

[@masami248]

とてもすてき❤また奈良へ遊びに来てね!

[@IfWeGoTo]

ありがとう！近いうちにまた訪問できることを願っています。

[@nishio_miyuki]

13:03 ｢12歳か1300歳くらいだと思います。｣ 自動翻訳のせいでとんでもない年の差が生まれてるwww

[@IfWeGoTo]

ああ、申し訳ありませんが、Google は常に適切に翻訳するとは限りません。

[@nishio_miyuki]

@@IfWeGoTo 大丈夫です。理解しています。

[@IfWeGoTo]

理解していただきありがとうございます！

[@dingoteikoku]

撮り方や構成がとても素晴らしいですね

[@IfWeGoTo]

ありがとう！

[@user-ou3gr9mw6m]

楽しんで下さいね

[@IfWeGoTo]

どうもありがとうございます！！

[@phyorin7087]

Your decision that you went to the Nara city 's park was right. you had studied about my country's Nara's historical things very well . thank you that you went to the Nara.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you!!! We had a wonderful time there! I hope we can make it back one day!! 🤗

[@lorenavasconcelos8538]

Just fantastic filming and informative travel. Thanks

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you so much, very happy you enjoyed it! And hope it helped plan your trip!!! :)

[@user-up8qq2sn7l]

奈良を楽しんでいただきありがとうございました。 着物がとても似合ってますね(^^)/

[@IfWeGoTo]

ありがとうございます。

[@user-wj2pc9be8o]

つい鹿せんべいは食べてみるよね〜🤭 干草を何かでかためた味😓マジィ 子鹿も居るんだねえ🦌💕

[@IfWeGoTo]

Hahaha he just couldn’t help but try them!!

[@jonaimellegequillo9275]

did you visit early december? Love your videos

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you!! This was in mid-november!! :)

[@ybb4295]

二月堂の横には三月堂があって、佃煮にできそうなほど国宝や重文の仏像がある。　なにより空いているｗ 「通」な場所。

[@IfWeGoTo]

ああ、次の訪問でそれを見るのは面白いでしょう！

[@coconutpanda]

It's hard to understand the scale of the Buddha but for some context, the small, golden Buddhas around the head are 6 feet tall.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Absolutely!! The camera just does not capture its enormous size!!

[@user-qr3nv7oi7y]

Please try the following the next time you visit Nara. Place the deer cracker around your forehead. The deer will bow when you do so.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Ohh we will next time! Thank you for the tip!!

[@mayanabranigan3452]

Can you list the airbnb you visited. It looks so cute!

[@IfWeGoTo]

Yes of course! it is www.airbnb.com/rooms/33415223?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=e3d72b38-9416-4e0b-96a9-49044ea00cad. Hope that helps!! :D

[@daisukeimanaka4577]

我が奈良へ来てくれ頂けるなんて、有り難いです。。。

[@IfWeGoTo]

ありがとう！奈良は素晴らしい。

[@user-rb5wf6ug6c]

👍👍👌😊

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you!!

[@hayek218]

13:14 400 years before Michelangelo.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Isn’t that crazy?!

[@hayek218]

@@IfWeGoTo Yes, it is the work of a legendary Japanese sculptor, Unkei. The facial expressions in this period are all different because Buddhism was still Hinayana Buddhism, where practitioners had to go through austerity. The ones in Kyoto have more or less the same expressions because the Buddhism was already Mahayana. If you like sculptures, check out his (or his school's) other works like "Four Heavenly Kings" and "Ashera" in Kofukuji Temple. I think both are national treasures. They are truly amazing.

[@user-oy9zu1ym5q]

外国人ブルジョワジーの誇り。

[@Sam-vb2vh]

Hi! Thanks for this video, I absolutely love all the places you've shown. Just a question though, how is Nara during golden week? I plan to visit from April 23rd to May 4th next year (its my only time off from work) and I'm worried seeing everyone say that its hell with how crowded Japan is during that time.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Ahh thank you! So happy you enjoyed it!! 😃 We have not been to Japan during golden week, but we do have a lot of friends who live there. It does seem extremely crowded, and you will probably experience a ton of crowds in Nara because it’s a very popular tourist spot. If it’s the only time you get off, I would be sure to plan very far ahead!! I would probably also recommend waking up super early to see quieter spots (Japan is very quiet before 7am!!) and then embrace the crowds and enjoy some of the events, street food, etc that pop up to celebrate! I think if you just go in knowing it’s going to be a bit more hectic you’ll set yourself up for a better time! :) Hope you have an amazing trip!

[@Sam-vb2vh]

@@IfWeGoTo Thanks for replying so quick! Much appreciated. Ah and I see, yeah I'll just end up embracing the crowds haha! I am really looking forward to all the festivities. Getting to experience them firsthand will make going thru crowded areas surely worth it. As for getting up early its no problem for me thankfully! I will go and do that so thanks for the heads up, cheers!

[@IfWeGoTo]

Oh anytime!! Yeah, I think as long as you expect it to be crazy, you'll have a good time! Japan is awesome crowded or not!! And sometimes the crowds add to the experience! Enjoy your trip! If you ever need any tips, don't hesitate to reach out! :)

[@TheLightuponLight]

Wonderful! How many days and nights did you stay in Nara? You all look so relaxed.... want to stay that relaxed and see so much :)

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you so much!! We stayed 3 nights in Nara.. only really spent two days there but it was enough to see everything and not feel rushed!!! Are you planning on visiting?!

[@TheLightuponLight]

Hoping so! Especially after seeing your video… trying hard to figure how to travel here, with so many places to see, and not be overwhelmed and rushed. I feel the only way to do it is to slow down, and see less… but BE more. People online say to do a day trip to Nara or 2 days in Kyoto… but I was thinking 2 full days in Nara, maybe 2.5 and three nights… and maybe 5 nights in Kyoto, 4 full days (is that enough or would you suggest more?). Then was also thinking to go to Kanazawa for 3 nights and Osaka for 3 nights to experience the more modern city culture of Japan. We have a 10 year old and a 7 month old baby so things will take us more time.

[@IfWeGoTo]

I think that two nights in Nara will be plenty. The biggest attractions are all very close. together and easy to see in a day! Also I think 4-5 days in Kyoto is plenty too! you will have time to explore a few of their major sights! If you don't want to deal with checking out/checking in/packing/moving you could also consider staying a bit of extra time in Kyoto and then taking trains into Nara for day trips! I believe it is about a 40 minute train ride each way, so not too bad! :) Especially if you stay near Kyoto Station! It's not the prettiest area of the city, but it's right in the center of the main attractions os it makes getting around a lot easier. Anyways, I hope you and your family have an amazing trip! Japan is so much fun to travel in! If you need any more tips, don't hesitate to reach out!

[@TheLightuponLight]

Thank you! Great advice :) so hard to decide… trying to learn how to relax into the reality that these decisions we obsess over when traveling (2 or 3 nights in Nara? 4 or 5 days in Kyoto?) only minimally change our over all experience … it’s how we engage when we are there. Another question… if we are going to Osaka a few days, Kyoto and Nara- is there anywhere else easily accessible in this area region that you really loved that might not be on my radar?

[@IfWeGoTo]

If I were you guys and it is your first time visiting I would probably do 2 nights in Nara and 5 in Kyoto! I think you can easily see Nara in two days even with a family. Kyoto is a bit more spread out, there is the central station and many the major sights are in like a ring around the central city and take a while to get to sometimes. I would want at the very least a whole day for Gion, a day for Arashiyama, and day for Fushimi Inari. Also one more tip, all over the main train stations and around largely touristed areas there are lockers you can leave your bags in so you don't have to wait around between check ins. I'd say they are quite safe. I would take valuables with you of course, but it's a nice option if you want to hang somewhere for a day then get to you hotel later! In that area we have only seen Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Kobe, and Himeji. You could do Kobe or Himeji if you wanted, but I would probably allot your time into Osaka, Nara, or Kyoto instead. :) If you really want an extra day trip I think Kobe is only 20-30 mins from Osaka, they have some lovely gardens and gondolas in the mountains! Himeji was cool, but the only really big site is the Castle, which Osaka Castle is quite similar too! If you really want to max out your Japan trip, you can take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima. We loved our time there... it's a bit somber but has amazing history and powerful memorials that are nestled right into a vibrant city. Miyajima island was a lovely day trip from there too! It just depends on if you want a very go-go-go vacation or a more relaxed experience. :)

[@user-bd7gc5mt2l]

忘れがちだけど　大阪がまだ海の底だった奈良時代　首都だったんだよな

[@IfWeGoTo]

ああ、私たちはそれを知りませんでした！ありがとう！

[@ohtayukiho6444]

ここには仏陀もキリストもアラッーもいませんが、この世の極楽を見ているようですね。 奈良公園に極楽があるのです。世界に発信すべきです。自然界の生きとし生けるものが溶けあっていますね。素敵です。

[@user-wc5uh6yp9o]

カップルデートにスイーツいいですね❤🎉

[@IfWeGoTo]

同意しました~~ありがとうございます!

[@aburakadabura2]

The deer are here to observe the wild humans on the loose.

[@IfWeGoTo]

This is accurate!’ 😂

[@tinale9458]

Hello dear thanks for sharing the video! Can you please tell me what is Airbnb you stayed?

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you so much for watching!! Here is the listing to the Airbnb we stayed in, hope it helps!! www.airbnb.com/rooms/33415223?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=a36f67ce-6d7b-47b0-8ec4-2a2a05b1a55b

[@tinale9458]

Thanks so much

[@mthsu]

0:55 ☕ I would love to recommend everyone to try out local coffee shops. Japan has an amazing coffee culture. There are tons of local coffee shops and small coffee roasters. Many shops are with beautiful interior and good vibe. Some serves nice food too. Coffee shops are the gems of Japanese cities. It's a great rabbit hole to dive into. It can be more challenging for traveler to go to local coffee shops. But it will be a great experience and memory besides the convenience store coffee. Convenience store coffee and Starbucks coffee are super popular among locals, too. But the small shops are worth your visit for sure. And if you visit a Japanese book store, there is a section with annual magazines introducing all the best coffee shops in different cities.

[@IfWeGoTo]

We definitely should have tried more local coffee shops!! The ones that we did try were great!

[@luckystrike2945]

@@IfWeGoTo I strongly agree with all of MAO's comment content. I think so too.

[@luckystrike2945]

To MAOさん MAOさんって、日本人ですよね？コメ内容が深いわ。

[@mthsu]

@@luckystrike2945 台湾人です、申し訳ありません。　I like coffee shops, so I research coffee shops including Japanese coffee shops as a hobbit. And I had been to a few Japanese coffee shops when I travel, I try to visit as many coffee shops as I can on my trips. Excuse me if I got anything wrong in any of my comment. Do you have some favorite coffee shops you love? 😃

[@luckystrike2945]

@@mthsu Why are you apologizing? It is the opposite. I respect you. You understand the traditional Japanese emotion very well, right? It's amazing.

[@katsuyukishirahama729]

プロ並の構成ですね😄ありがとうm(_ _)m

[@IfWeGoTo]

私たちにとって最高の褒め言葉です、ありがとうございます！😃

[@user-kp1xz9vi3p]

京都ほど人多くないし、静かで落ち着いてるし、奈良県民は京都と違って嫌な感じがないから自分は好き

[@IfWeGoTo]

はい、奈良は京都よりずっと混雑していません。秘密基地って感じ。

[@joeltan1534]

great video, do you able to share the AirBnb ? thanks

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you!! Sorry for my delayed response, but here is the link to the airbnb we stayed in! www.airbnb.com/rooms/33415223?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=0a363d62-6486-49b2-aecc-0fe5be3f4ebe

[@JasminRachel]

Binging your Japan content! I was wondering what camera/s you used for this vlog? I really love the quality!

[@IfWeGoTo]

Ahh thank you!! Japan was such a vibe!! It made it easy to film hahaha! For this one we used a Canon EOS R and a handful of shots were on a gopro! Like while biking! Hope that helps! :D

[@brianchar-bow3273]

Japan's original country name NIPPON means "country under the sun," but the traditional name of the country when the capital was here in Nara was YAMATO (WA). Yamato means "land of great harmony between people and nature. For about 1,300 years since the Emperor established the capital of Japan in Nara, deer have been traditionally cherished as messengers of the sacred gods of this island nation blessed with nature, until the present day. The deer know that humans think so from generation to generation, so even though the city has changed its appearance, the deer still feel safe and comfortable living here. The history of Japan is very old, about 2,000 years since the Emperor's reign, but humans began to live in villages and communities in this island nation about 14,000 years ago, during “the Jomon pottery” culture. (That's 30,000 years ago, if you count the Neolithic period.) Surrounded by the sea on all sides, this island nation has a warm and humid climate and is blessed with abundant clear water resources, plants, and fisheries resources, and people have lived in peace since ancient times. People have respected harmony, lived peacefully as a group, exercised wisdom to overcome numerous natural disasters, lived in harmony with nature, and enjoyed the blessings of nature. The ancient name of the country, "Yamato, Wa," expresses the wishes and realities of such people to live. “A peaceful environment can only be built through mutual give and take, each other.” One for all, all for one, the sprits of OTAGAI-SAMA, TASUKEAI (help each other, everyone)". ”In times of trouble, we are there ,help for each other.”（Komatta Toki ha Otagaisama) In public places where everyone gathers, everyone should act in a way that “Do not disturb others.“ If all participants can act in a way perfectly that “you do not cause trouble to others," that is, at the same time, it will create an environment in which “No one cause trouble to you” The same is true if we substitute the phrase "everyone always help others in need.” If everyone does this completely, at the same time, it will create a social situation in which "When you are in trouble, someone will help you.” ( could help each other, everyone) This is a very rational group wisdom to live in peace with each other. This is not for the sake of any particular person, but in order “to live equally comfortably” with each other, the obligation to act for the peace of mind of "all participants with each other" also arises. This is because Japanese have been taught through their childhood “education” that this is an ancient teaching, a tradition, and “a natural duty of adults.” It is a teaching and a rule of life that has been handed down in this island nation since ancient times. They have lived collectively in their island environment for more than 14,000 years, and this has given them the wisdom of life to survive in that specific environment, which is condensed in the traditional Japanese teachings. There are two main reasons why Japan, an island nation, has developed its own unique culture. One is the natural environment of the warm and humid climate volcanic islands. Second, because they are geographically isolated from Eurasia continent in the Pacific Ocean, they have historically been less vulnerable to invasion from other continental nations. These two factors (an island nation's natural environment and geopolitical isolation) are the reasons why Japan is different from other Asian nations and historically gave birth to a unique Japanese culture. Surrounded by the sea on four sides, Japan has a warm and humid climate that provides abundant water resources, plants, and many foods for humans. On the other hand, the climate is a favorable environment not only for humans, but also for microorganisms and bacteria, which can easily multiply and cause dangerous health problems and epidemics if left in their natural state. Also, in terms of location and topography, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, typhoons, windstorms, floods, etc.　 It is an environment that has both a rich natural environment suitable for human life, and a harsh natural environment. The Japanese people's unusual obsession with cleanliness is a necessary and important behavior to overcome the negative elements of this land where bacteria can easily multiply. As a concrete example of this, they have long been educated to learn regular daily cleaning, laundry, tidying up, and daily bathing habits, which come naturally to them from an early age, because they are directly related to life and death. The reason is that an outbreak of disease caused by the laziness and carelessness of a single person could quickly turn into a disaster that could wipe out the entire country. And recovery from a major natural disaster cannot be done by a single person, because it is difficult to fully recover without the consensus and unanimous cooperation of the entire community. For a long time, Japanese people living in this dualistic land environment have tried to live more safely by taking advantage of the land and finding ways to eliminate negative environmental elements from their lives. This is the reason for their culture and behavior that it is good to handle every detail perfectly without cutting corners. This is a completely different environment from the dry and stable lands of Eurasia and other continents, and one that even Asians and continental-born foreigners have not experienced and cannot imagine. However, the source of the uniqueness of Japanese culture comes from the wisdom and skills of ancient people to adapt and survive in the unique environment of this island nation for 14,000 years.

[@IfWeGoTo]

So sorry it took me so long to respond. I wanted to send a thank you for sharing all of this information. I really appreciate people like yourself who take the time to do this. It has been a great way for us to learn more!

[@brianchar-bow3273]

@@IfWeGoTo Thank you for your courteous reply I am sorry for writing so long. Japan has a long history of 14,000 years. To sum it up, even if I tried to make it short, it would still leak out. Please forgive me. What I wrote here is not the standard academic view. In the past, the more foreign scholars of Japanese studies researched Japan and looked into Japanese books, the more confused they became and some even gave up. One of the reasons for this is that the Japanese themselves are unaware of the uniqueness of their country and its causes and sources. This is because, although they have lived in this country for a long time, they have been surrounded and protected by a natural fortress (the sea) and have never experienced the invasion and domination of other countries. They have been able to live optimistically without looking at themselves objectively, thinking that "people in other countries may look different from us on the surface, but they are basically the same as us and think in the same way. In this sense, it is my opinion that Japan's uniqueness and causes can be better understood by comparing and observing it from an outside perspective. However, I believe that the patterns of behavior created by people who settled in an enclosed environment that is rich and harsh in contradictory and varied ways may give people around the world new insights into the way of life of human beings.

[@user-pz8xw3sz7g]

御朱印集めも、たのしんで、

[@IfWeGoTo]

そうそう、人々がこれをやっているのを見ました!!私たちはそれについてあまり知りません。どのように始めますか?

[@ferhan.c]

im so happy, my girlfriend left me. and now im traveling around the world. bought my dream car. driving motorbike. my new home is bigger and nice. next week japan. this will be my 20country in 15 month. KYOTO 😁😁😄🤩

[@IfWeGoTo]

Wow, congrats! Glad you are living your life!

[@fujiwara_shino]

昨日、中谷の草餅食べた。 元旦に春日さんに行ったけど、無茶苦茶混雑してて、次の日に出直した。 鹿のお辞儀はかわいいけど、実は焦らされてイラツイてるだけなので、やりすぎると頭突き喰らいます。

[@IfWeGoTo]

とても良かったので、お正月後にお試しいただけて嬉しいです！そして、はい、鹿は少し攻撃的になることができます!!

[@user-ui7nv4ji6g]

@@IfWeGoTo 鹿のオス同士が縄張り争いやメスを取り合う時、頭突きしてるのを見たことないですか？あれの一歩手前なんですよ、この行動。人間は可愛いと思ってしまいますが、彼らは野生動物なので、程よい距離感で楽しみましょう。