Car-Free Solo Female Trip to Nara: Explore Mt. Wakakusa & Naramachi Without Visiting Temples
Want to enjoy a photogenic trip in Nara? This itinerary is perfect for photography lovers looking to explore the city without renting a car.
For this trip, I visited some of the most Instagram-worthy spots around Mt. Wakakusa and Naramachi. From friendly deer and breathtaking scenery to local gourmet food, sake tasting, and charming cafés, this route offers a different side of Nara beyond temples and shrines.
Be sure to use this itinerary as inspiration for your next adventure!
Trip Overview (As of April 2026)
- Departure: Busta Shinjuku, Tokyo
- Arrival: Tenri Station, Nara Prefecture
- Destination: Nara City, Nara Prefecture
- Transportation: Overnight Bus + Walking
- Overnight Bus Fare: From ¥17,600 Round Trip
Contents
- This Nara Solo Travel Itinerary
- Let’s Head Out on a Solo Trip to Nara
- Depart from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal on the Yamato Line Overnight Bus
- Arrive at Tenri Station After Approximately 7 Hours
- Take the Wakakusa Hilltop Bus from JR Nara Station
- Enjoy Deer and Spectacular Views at Mt. Wakakusa Summit
- Lunch at Somen-dokoro Surusuru
- Sake Tasting at Imanishi Seibei Shoten
- Deer-Themed Parfait at CAFE ETRANGER NARAD
- Final Thoughts
This Nara Solo Travel Itinerary
1st Day – Afternoon
- Board the Yamato Line Overnight Bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal
2nd Day – Morning
- Arrive at Tenri Station
- Explore CoFuFun Plaza
- Travel to JR Nara Station
- Take the Wakakusa Hilltop Bus to Mt. Wakakusa Summit
2nd Day – Afternoon
- Lunch at Somen-dokoro Surusuru
- Sake Tasting at Imanishi Seibei Shoten
- Enjoy a Deer-Themed Parfait at CAFE ETRANGER NARAD
This trip is recommended for travelers who:
- Want to enjoy sightseeing in Nara without renting a car
- Want to discover attractions other than temples and shrines
- Love photographing deer and scenic landscapes
- Want to enjoy local cuisine and cafés in Naramachi
- Want to save money by traveling via overnight bus
Let’s Head Out on a Solo Trip to Nara
This time, I’ll be traveling from Tokyo to Nara by overnight bus. Let’s see what adventures await!
Depart from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal on the Yamato Line Overnight Bus
I boarded the Yamato Line Overnight Highway Bus (Shinjuku–Nara–Gojo Route) from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal which serves eleven drop-off locations throughout Nara Prefecture.
My stop was Tenri Station.
Yamato Line (Shinjuku–Nara–Gojo Route)
The bus features comfortable 3-row independent seats. Once the curtain is closed, the seat feels almost like a private cabin.
Blankets and disposable slippers are also provided, which is a nice bonus.
Although electronic devices cannot be used after lights-out, the bus offers Wi-Fi and charging outlets. Before bedtime, passengers can comfortably browse social media or watch downloaded videos.
Check Availability & Fares for Yamato Line: https://japanbusonline.com/en/CourseSearch/12900010001
Arrive at Tenri Station After Approximately 7 Hours
During the approximately 7-hour journey, there is only one rest stop where passengers may get off the bus, and no announcement is made beforehand. If you’re concerned about restroom access, it’s a good idea to take care of it before departure.
That said, the ride was so comfortable that I slept through most of the journey and woke up in Nara. Thank you for the safe trip!
I got off at Tenri Station.
Kintetsu Tenri Station is located directly in front of the bus stop, while JR Tenri Station is only a few meters away.
Unlike Kintetsu Nara Station and JR Nara Station, which are more than a 10-minute walk apart, the Kintetsu and JR stations in Tenri are adjacent, making transfers very convenient.
Since I had some time before heading to Nara, I explored the area around the station and discovered an unusual structure called CoFuFun.
The name itself is adorable. It instantly made me smile.
Early in the morning, the area is almost empty, making it a hidden gem for solo travelers who enjoy self-portrait photography without worrying about crowds.
Coincidentally, I happened to be wearing a white dress that day. Doesn’t it look photogenic?
Take the Wakakusa Hilltop Bus from JR Nara Station
After a direct train ride from JR Tenri Station, I arrived at JR Nara Station.
From here, I boarded the Wakakusa Hilltop Bus, a seasonal sightseeing bus that takes visitors directly to the summit of Mt. Wakakusa.
The bus is incredibly cute both inside and out. It immediately put me in a great mood.
The bus travels directly to the summit, where passengers can spend approximately 45 minutes exploring before returning toward the Nara Prefectural Office area, Kintetsu Nara Station, and JR Nara Station.
Passengers can also choose not to return on the bus and instead hike down the mountain. In that case, the return ticket can be used on regular city bus routes.
Enjoy Deer and Spectacular Views at Mt. Wakakusa Summit
After only about 30 minutes on board, I arrived at the summit of Mt. Wakakusa.
Being able to access such spectacular views without hiking is one of the greatest advantages of the Wakakusa Hilltop Bus.
As I started walking along the trail, I noticed a sign warning visitors about male deer.
Nara’s deer have their antlers trimmed regularly, so even deer with small antlers may still be fully grown adults.
Not long after, I encountered my first deer of the day.
Since she didn’t have antlers, she appeared to be female and was busily sniffing the ground in search of food.
After a few more minutes of walking, I reached the Third Peak of Mt. Wakakusa, where many more deer were roaming freely.
Photographers and visitors were taking pictures with the deer while enjoying the stunning scenery.
From the Third Peak, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Todaiji Temple, Nara City, and the Nara Basin.
It’s the perfect place to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery.
A short walk farther up the trail brings you to Uguisuzuka Burial Mound.
On clear days, you can even enjoy views toward Kyoto from here.
Instead of returning by bus, I chose to hike down the mountain.
After paying the ¥150 admission fee, I began my descent.
Some sections are paved, while others are gravel paths, so hiking shoes or sneakers are highly recommended.
Sandals and high heels are not suitable for the trail.
As I continued downhill, I encountered more deer.
Although deer crackers are not sold on Mt. Wakakusa itself, they are available near the base of the mountain.
One deer approached me as if asking, “Do you have any deer crackers?”
Unfortunately, I had none.
Later, I found a solitary male deer sitting quietly by himself.
It was the perfect opportunity for a self-portrait.
While I smiled enthusiastically at the camera, the deer maintained a wonderfully indifferent expression.
Perhaps he was just being tsundere.
My legs were shaking by the time I reached the gate, but I made it.
The hiking course is considered beginner-friendly, but without the Wakakusa Hilltop Bus, I might have abandoned the rest of my itinerary and headed straight to my hotel.
If you’re not confident in your stamina or want to save your energy for exploring Nara afterward, I highly recommend taking the Wakakusa Hilltop Bus.
◎Basic information about “Wakakusayama”
| Business hours |
|
| Opening period | Third Saturday of March to second Sunday of December |
| Entrance fee |
|
| Google Maps | https://maps.app.goo.gl/jWQA69r2s2w1RUGC8 |
| Phone | 0742-22-0375 (Nara Park Office) |
| Official website | https://www.pref.nara.lg.jp/site/park/2585.html |
Lunch at Somen-dokoro Surusuru
After enjoying the scenery around Nara Park, I arrived at Somen-dokoro Surusuru, a specialty restaurant serving creative dishes made with Miwa Somen.
Since reservations are not accepted on weekdays, there was already a waiting line when I arrived.
Miwa Somen, produced in the Miwa area of Sakurai City, has a history spanning over 1,200 years.
The noodles are known for their thin texture, firm bite, and resistance to becoming soggy after cooking.
I ordered the Sea Bream Broth Tomato Somen.
The rich sea bream broth, concentrated tomato flavor, and chewy whole-wheat somen noodles paired perfectly together.
It felt almost like eating an elegant pasta dish.
The mini sea bream rice bowl included in the set was equally delicious.
The fragrant roasted-tea rice and ginger flavor complemented the fish beautifully.
Honestly, I could have eaten ten bowls of it.
◎Basic information about “Somen-dokoro Surusuru”
| Business hours |
|
| Regular holiday | Sunday, Monday, Tuesday |
| GoogleMaps | https://maps.app.goo.gl/kFiBhQhuLJWCJv7d8 |
| Phone | 0742-23-6435 |
| Official Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/surusuru3636/ |
Sake Tasting at Imanishi Seibei Shoten
About an eight-minute walk from Surusuru is Imanishi Seibei Shoten, a historic sake brewery in Naramachi.
Visitors can enjoy a sake tasting experience featuring local Nara sake.
Five varieties of sake are available for tasting, with selections changing seasonally.
The staff explain each sake in both Japanese and English.
While tasting, I discovered a deer illustration hidden at the bottom of the tasting cup.
Finding it made me unexpectedly excited.
Deer-themed decorations can be found throughout the brewery.
There are even deer-ear headbands available for visitors to use in photos.
If you’re traveling with friends, they make for a fun photo opportunity.
In addition to sake tasting, visitors can purchase sake and local souvenirs.
It’s a great place to pick up a bottle of your favorite variety.
◎Basic information about “Imanishi Seibei Shoten”
| Business hours |
|
| Regular holiday | None |
| GoogleMaps | https://maps.app.goo.gl/WDyoePqdiFSYpD2a8 |
| Phone | 0742-23-2255 |
| Official website | https://www.harushika.com/ |
Deer-Themed Parfait at CAFE ETRANGER NARAD
About 20 minutes on foot from Imanishi Seibei Shoten is CAFE ETRANGER NARAD, located inside the Nara City Tourist Center.
The stylish interior immediately caught my attention.
After a long day of walking, the comfortable sofa seating felt especially inviting.
There were so many tempting options on the menu that it was difficult to choose.
I eventually ordered the staff-recommended Sakura Parfait.
The adorable deer-shaped cookie was almost too cute to eat.
Layers of roasted green tea cream, sakura cream, and seasonal sweets created a beautifully balanced dessert.
After walking so much that day, I convinced myself the calories didn’t count.
Probably.
◎Basic information about “CAFE ETRANGER NARAD”
| Business hours |
|
| Regular holiday | None |
| GoogleMaps | https://maps.app.goo.gl/GoFbDJXhTLJga8FNA |
| Phone | 0742-20-5620 |
| Official website | https://cafe-etranger.jp |
Final Thoughts
Traveling from Tokyo to Nara on the Yamato Line Overnight Bus and continuing to Mt. Wakakusa via the Wakakusa Hilltop Bus made it possible to enjoy Nara comfortably without renting a car.
If you’d like to experience a different side of Nara beyond temples and shrines, why not use these convenient bus services and enjoy a photogenic journey through Mt. Wakakusa and Naramachi?
- ＼Yamato Line(Shinjuku–Nara–Gojo Route)／
- https://japanbusonline.com/en/CourseSearch/12900010001
- Check Availability & Fares!
- ＼Wakakusa Hilltop Bus／
- https://www.japanbusonline.com/en/CourseSearch/12900150001
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