Mount Wakakusa Hiking! Exercise x Sightseeing: A 11km Nara Park Walking Trip

Introduction

Mount Wakakusa is often avoided. But it's a waste to come all the way to Nara Park and not climb it! So, I, a Nara resident, created an 11km walking route where you can challenge yourself in workout clothes, making 'exercise' the main purpose of the trip.

I've created a route that allows for both sightseeing and exercise, providing just the right amount of a sense of accomplishment.

Course, Total Distance, Time, and Cost

Course
Kintetsu Nara Station ⇒ Todai-ji Kaidan-do Hall ⇒ Nigatsu-do Hall ⇒ Shigatsu-do Hall ⇒ Mount Wakakusa ⇒ Nakamizutani Rest Area ⇒ Kasuga Taisha Shrine ⇒ Shin-Yakushi-ji Temple ⇒ Ukimi-do Pavilion ⇒ Arakawa Enchi Park ⇒ Todai-ji Museum ⇒ Todai-ji Temple (Daibutsu-den Hall) ⇒ Kintetsu Nara Station

Walking distance: approx. 11km

Time required: approx. 4.5 to 5 hours

Cost: approx. 1800 yen (Shin-Yakushi-ji and Todai-ji set ticket)

Schedule with Highlights

8:10 Start at Kintetsu Nara Station

It's easy to spend your days off lounging around. I've planned this so you can get moving from the morning. Actually, exercising can help you relax and recover from fatigue. Put on your sneakers and workout clothes and let's go! (There are coin lockers if you need them)

8:30 Todai-ji Kaidan-do Hall (15-minute stay)

You can take a short break when you reach each destination. Enjoy the luxury of worshipping the Four Heavenly Kings statues in the quiet morning atmosphere. (The reason we start here is that the Kaidan-do Hall opens at 8:30. The Todai-ji Museum doesn't open until 9:30, so I moved it to later.) I also recommend the Sashizu-do Hall across the way, which is free to enter! You can take off your shoes and worship up close.

8:45 Nigatsu-do Hall

A panoramic view of Nara city! The morning scenery is especially recommended. Be sure to look at the sides and back as well.While praising yourself for being active while everyone else is sleeping at home,make sure to take a bathroom break and stay hydrated.

8:55 Shigatsu-do Hall (currently closed)

A simple and calming small hall.

9:05 Start climbing Mount Wakakusa

Let's enter from the North Gate. From here, it's straight into workout mode. Climbing is great exercise. Plus, you get the bonus of a spectacular view. You can climb up and down in about an hour, so it's a highly recommended spot perfect for exercise! This time, we will descend via the route that passes through the parking lot. (Returning to the first slope and exiting through the South Gate is also fine.)

10:00 Nakamizutani Rest Area

Vending machines and benches are available.

10:20 Kasuga Taisha Shrine

The air along the approach feels sacred. Just walking here is healing. Let's pay our respects and continue on.

10:45 Shin-Yakushi-ji Temple (approx. 20-minute stay)

A powerful space surrounded by the Twelve Heavenly Generals! It's actually a hidden gem for connoisseurs. There are chairs, so you can enjoy a luxurious break while admiring the statues. (There is a delicious gelato shop nearby, but it opens at 11:00. I naturally resisted the temptation!)

11:25 Ukimido Pavilion

The scenery reflected on the water is beautiful. Perfect for cooling down.

11:40 Arakawa Enchi

Take a deep breath in the grassy plaza. This is the place for stretching.

11:50 Todai-ji Museum (15 minutes)

Buy a combination ticket with the Daibutsuden Hall. The Buddhist statues are displayed like in an art museum, making them very easy to view.

12:00 Todai-ji Daibutsuden Hall

Finally, pay your respects to the Great Buddha! A grand scale to wrap things up.

12:45 Kintetsu Nara Station Goal

Finally at the goal! Great job! Let's take care of our bodies by eating some protein. (There are a few public baths in Naramachi, so you might want to head there too.)

Conclusion

Did you fully achieve the purpose of your trip?

I just walk, but if you are confident in your physical strength, it's okay to add a light jog.

If you live nearby, you can make this your "personal course" to challenge every weekend.

Whether you want to enjoy it thoroughly on your own or walk around happily with your family, please feel free to use this for various occasions, such as a date walk for couples, a refreshing stroll with friends, or a challenge event with colleagues, club members, or circle friends!

I am looking for walking buddies to stroll around the Nara Park area with on weekends and holidays. Is there anyone interested?

For sightseeing-focused information, please see this article.