
Osaka & Nara — Travel Guide
Osaka is neon, street food, and commotion. Nara is deer, ancient temples, and stillness. Two cities that pull in opposite directions, in one guide.
See the complete guide →
See the complete guide →
The way you'll experience Osaka & Nara.
















For travelers who want to
see both sides of Japan.
- You want recommendations from locals, organized by area
- You want your trip to feel effortless
- You want to experience both the modern and traditional sides of Japan
- You want every place mapped, so you can navigate with ease
Also visiting Tokyo and Kyoto? Check out our Complete Japan Guide Bundle which includes all 4 cities.

Where we take our friends and family when we show them Osaka and Nara.
An Osaka & Nara travel guide from two photographers living in Japan. Neon and street food on one side, deer and ancient temples on the other.
Everything you need for the perfect Osaka trip.
45 hand-picked locations
From Osaka Castle and Dotonbori to Todai-ji in Nara Park. The landmarks worth the hype, and the spots most visitors miss.
18 cafes & restaurants
From Kobe beef teppanyaki to Nara tea porridge, each one somewhere we'd actually eat.
Insider tips for every area
Deer etiquette, transportation, and the timing tricks that make the day run smoother.
25 original photographs
Every photo is one we took, so you can see the atmosphere of each area before you visit.
Custom Google Map
Every location pinned, so you can open directions in seconds.
What to Book in Advance
A dedicated page so you don't miss out on the reservation-only spots.
Every guide, side by side.
| Guide | Covers | Places | Eat & drink | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 Days in Tokyo | 9 neighborhood days, from Harajuku to Nakameguro | 135 | 54 | $19 |
| Kyoto | Iconic temples plus the quiet corners most visitors miss | 45 | 18 | $9 |
| Osaka & Nara | Neon and street food + deer and ancient temples | 45 | 18 | $9 |
| Day Trips from Tokyo | Mt. Fuji, Kamakura, Hakone, Mt. Takao, Yokohama, Kawagoe | 30 | 36 | $9 |
| 3 Weeks in Japan | All four guides, Japan's Golden Route end to end | 255 | 126 | $35 |
Get the complete bundle for just $35.
Questions, answered.
This guide includes the sights, restaurants, shops, and cafes we recommend from Osaka and Nara. All recommendations are organized by area so you can see more in less time.
Yes. The guide includes everything you need to know to make the most of your time in Nara.
The guide includes markets, temples, shops, museums, and more, in addition to cafes and restaurants
Yes. This guide is intended for first-time visitors to Osaka and Nara.
You can instantly download the guide from the confirmation e-mail you receive right after purchase.
Yes. You can save the PDF and the Google Maps list to your phone so both work even without signal.






















