Nara vs. Arashiyama
 

Have one day-trip to spend outside of Kyoto during our upcoming trip in November and was all set to do Nara that day. But reading a bit about Arashiyama now and maybe, as a result, having second thoughts about Nara.

My main issue with Nara is: what takes up an entire day there? Admittedly, after seeing what'll probably be 100 temples by the time we get there, I'm not sure another day filled with temple excursions will be my cup of tea. The deer: definitely interesting! But I question if that's the only draw for me, is it worth going to Nara?

Reading about Arashiyama it seems like a big change in scenery and something perhaps more our speed. Beautiful water scenery, bamboo forests...and monkeys!! :)

Curious to get the opinions of folks who have been to both places.

My vote easily goes to Nara, which I actually thought deserved 2 full days, and not because of the deer. Some of the best sculptures anywhere in Japan (at the Nara National Museum and especially at Kufukuji's treasure house), a gorgeous shrine (Kasuga), an interesting old town, and some of the oldest temples in the world (and not just Todaiji -- go to Ikaruga for even older temples and one of the most beautiful Amida Buddhas imaginable.

I enjoyed my afternoon in Arashiyama, but would say it was the least interesting afternoon of my time in the area. There are other bamboo forests in Kyoto (e.g., on the grounds of Kiyomizudera) and more scenic waterways, complete with monkeys, on Miyajima.

Just my opinion.

You're comparing apples and oranges.

Arashiyama doesn't take a day to explore, it's a small area that can easily be visited in a morning or afternoon.

Well I have only one full day to spare. Can't do both places in one day. Don't have time to explore Arashiyama any other time while there. Hence the question.

Great question!!!

You won't have time to do Nara correctly but can see a few of the major sites in your one day. If you don't plan on going back to Japan then maybe Nara should be done this time. Buuuuuuut......your time in later November will ensure you being there at peak fall foliage so I would probably head to Arashiyama for the views, boat and train rides(Romantic train ride to Saga)and of course the monkey park(which is a climb up a hill). I do love Arashiyama though......especially at the koyo or sakura times and the scenery there is stunning if caught at the right times of year. I would vote for Arashiyama! You will be seeing enough temples around Kyoto anyway lol.

Aloha!

HT, just how cold do you think the boat ride will be mid-Nov?

we took a private boat ride from Arashiyama two years ago around the end of November and temps were quite mild. Cold starts in late Dec to end of Feb

Aloha!

HT-In mid Nov., would you get tickets to the Saga train ride in advance, or on the day of. And if in advance, where do we get them-travel agent or station?

Just following with interest as we plan to visit both sites, thinking Nara will be a long day...

Arashiyama looks lovely, but I've assumed we won't have enough time.

shelleyk-day in advance never hurts for tix in Japan. Travel agent in hotel's lobby if you have one would be easiest but train station is easy too.

Yes Craig Nara will be long day in short light season.

Kathie, Japanese say ganbatte! lol another google

Aloha!

We will, HT, we will.

Thanks, all. This is exactly the kind of info I was looking for.

And, HT, I think you've nailed it. I know myself, and, at that point in our trip, I think I will have rivaled Indiana Jones for temple exploration. That, and I know already we'll be back to Japan soon enough!

Couple all of that with the short daylight hours in November and a trip to Arashiyama seems more suited to our needs.

Questions on visiting there, though:

*I've read about the train, but I've also read a lot of comments saying it's overrated; some even say that it's nice to walk part of that way (i.e., train there and walk back -- about a 2 hour hike back, no?

*What's the allure of the boat ride (in comparison to the train..or other activities)?

Or maybe even the possibility of taking the train to Kameoka, taking the boat back to Arashiyama, a walk around the monkey park and then maybe a visit to Kokedera?

Would that take up a decent chunk of time?

The boat takes two hours and I thought it was fun - but I've not done it in peak season when the boats are packed...

We spent two days wondering around Arashiyama, doing the train, boat, Tennryuji, shops, back streets, jinrikisha (if reserved they have English speaking shafu)...

Kokedera requires advance reservation by return postcard and typical appointment time is 1:00 - not flexible and you may not get in at this point due to peak season. We have a guide with a connection who works magic there but she won't just make a booking without being hired.

We've also spent over a week (3 days at a time) in Nara and not seen it all. The deer are my least favorite part, with making a roof tile (famous in Nara) and then eating freshly made soft ice cream at a dairy farm being different types of diversions (but we have a car so this sort of thing is easy access - you'd need a taxi). Wandering the narrow streets of Naramachi is also quite interesting. It's not all temples.

Either way you will like it.

I loved my time in Nara.

I was only mildly satisfied with my time in Arishiyama.

I was not there during koyo or sakura times; I'm sure that would make a difference.

Thanks HT...the pics of the boat ride made me think it would be quite chilly if the temps were 50F or below.

No problem in cold. There is a kerosene heater. It's very warm. http://www.hozugawakudari.jp/en/tickets-en