All Japan Nara

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Nara

7 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Nara, Japan

Updated June 19, 2026
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Unusual Attractions in Nara

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6 miles from Nara
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Sacred Spaces 2
Giant Buddhas 2
Abandoned Amusement Parks 1
Temples 1
Architecture 1
Museums 1
Haikyo 1
Art 1

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Stories About Nara

In Nara City, Japan, sika deer have been protected for over a thousand years due to their sacred status in Shintoism.

Decoding the Sacred Genetics of Japan's Sika Deer

The deer of Nara Park are part of a millennium-old genetic lineage—does that make them more deserving of protection?
by Roxanne Hoorn, Atlas Obscura
Housekibaco’s kakigori with caramel milk syrup, raspberries, and—in a nod to a local Nara specialty—persimmon-leaf tea meringue.

In the Home of Japan's Ice Deity, the Art of Kakigori Reaches New Heights

Inside one man's quest to bring frozen glory back to Nara.
by Florentyna Leow, Atlas Obscura
Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
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