- \r\n \t
- Departure: Busta Shinjuku, Tokyo<\/li>\r\n \t
- Arrival: Tenri Station, Nara Prefecture<\/li>\r\n \t
- Destination: Nara City, Nara Prefecture<\/li>\r\n \t
- Transportation: Overnight Bus + Walking<\/li>\r\n \t
- Overnight Bus Fare: From \u00a517,600 Round Trip<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nBus fares may vary depending on travel dates and seat availability.<\/i>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n\r\n
This Nara Solo Travel Itinerary<\/h2>\r\n
1st Day \u2013 Afternoon<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Board the Yamato Line Overnight Bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
2nd Day \u2013 Morning<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Arrive at Tenri Station<\/li>\r\n \t
- Explore CoFuFun Plaza<\/li>\r\n \t
- Travel to JR Nara Station<\/li>\r\n \t
- Take the Wakakusa Hilltop Bus to Mt. Wakakusa Summit<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
2nd Day \u2013 Afternoon<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Lunch at Somen-dokoro Surusuru<\/li>\r\n \t
- Sake Tasting at Imanishi Seibei Shoten<\/li>\r\n \t
- Enjoy a Deer-Themed Parfait at CAFE ETRANGER NARAD<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
This trip is recommended for travelers who:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n
\r\n- \r\n \t
- Want to enjoy sightseeing in Nara without renting a car<\/li>\r\n \t
- Want to discover attractions other than temples and shrines<\/li>\r\n \t
- Love photographing deer and scenic landscapes<\/li>\r\n \t
- Want to enjoy local cuisine and caf\u00e9s in Naramachi<\/li>\r\n \t
- Want to save money by traveling via overnight bus<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n \r\n
Let\u2019s Head Out on a Solo Trip to Nara<\/h2>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/20260422_152128-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\nThis time, I\u2019ll be traveling from Tokyo to Nara by overnight bus. Let\u2019s see what adventures await!<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Depart from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal on the Yamato Line Overnight Bus<\/h3>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_060426-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\nI boarded the Yamato Line Overnight Highway Bus (Shinjuku\u2013Nara\u2013Gojo Route) from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal which serves eleven drop-off locations throughout Nara Prefecture.<\/p>\r\n
My stop was Tenri Station.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"\u3084\u307e\u3068\u53f7\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_060307852-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n![\"\u3084\u307e\u3068\u53f7\uff08\u65b0\u5bbf\uff0d\u5948\u826f\u30fb\u4e94\u689d\u7dda\uff09\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260421_234133248-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\nYamato Line (Shinjuku\u2013Nara\u2013Gojo Route)<\/p>\r\n
The bus features comfortable 3-row independent seats. Once the curtain is closed, the seat feels almost like a private cabin.<\/p>\r\n
Blankets and disposable slippers are also provided, which is a nice bonus.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\n![\"\u3084\u307e\u3068\u53f7\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260421_234410274-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n![\"\u3084\u307e\u3068\u53f7\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260421_234217321-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\nAlthough 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.<\/p>\r\n
Check Availability & Fares for Yamato Line: <\/strong>\r\nhttps:\/\/japanbusonline.com\/en\/CourseSearch\/12900010001<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Arrive at Tenri Station After Approximately 7 Hours<\/h3>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_060440-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\nDuring 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\u2019re concerned about restroom access, it\u2019s a good idea to take care of it before departure.<\/p>\r\n
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!<\/p>\r\n\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_061010-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\nI got off at Tenri Station.<\/p>\r\n
Kintetsu Tenri Station is located directly in front of the bus stop, while JR Tenri Station is only a few meters away.<\/p>\r\n
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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_062650-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\nSince I had some time before heading to Nara, I explored the area around the station and discovered an unusual structure called CoFuFun.<\/p>\r\n
The name itself is adorable. It instantly made me smile.<\/p>\r\n
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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
![\"\u30b3\u30d5\u30d5\u30f3\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/%E3%82%B3%E3%83%95%E3%83%95%E3%83%B3-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\nCoincidentally, I happened to be wearing a white dress that day. Doesn\u2019t it look photogenic?<\/p>\r\n \r\n
Take the Wakakusa Hilltop Bus from JR Nara Station<\/h3>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_072316-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\nAfter a direct train ride from JR Tenri Station, I arrived at JR Nara Station.<\/p>\r\n
From here, I boarded the Wakakusa Hilltop Bus, a seasonal sightseeing bus that takes visitors directly to the summit of Mt. Wakakusa.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\n![\"\u5948\u826f\u99c5\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_095133-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n![\"Wakakusa](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_100126-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\nThe bus is incredibly cute both inside and out. It immediately put me in a great mood.<\/p>\r\n
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.<\/p>\r\n
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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Enjoy Deer and Spectacular Views at Mt. Wakakusa Summit<\/h3>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_103055-1-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\nAfter only about 30 minutes on board, I arrived at the summit of Mt. Wakakusa.<\/p>\r\n
Being able to access such spectacular views without hiking is one of the greatest advantages of the Wakakusa Hilltop Bus.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_103144-1-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\nAs I started walking along the trail, I noticed a sign warning visitors about male deer.<\/p>\r\n
Nara\u2019s deer have their antlers trimmed regularly, so even deer with small antlers may still be fully grown adults.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_103632-1-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\nNot long after, I encountered my first deer of the day.<\/p>\r\n
Since she didn\u2019t have antlers, she appeared to be female and was busily sniffing the ground in search of food.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_104051-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n![\"\u9e7f\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_110009-1024x766.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\nAfter a few more minutes of walking, I reached the Third Peak of Mt. Wakakusa, where many more deer were roaming freely.<\/p>\r\n
Photographers and visitors were taking pictures with the deer while enjoying the stunning scenery.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_114741-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\nFrom the Third Peak, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Todaiji Temple, Nara City, and the Nara Basin.<\/p>\r\n
It\u2019s the perfect place to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_113549-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_113930-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\nA short walk farther up the trail brings you to Uguisuzuka Burial Mound.<\/p>\r\n
On clear days, you can even enjoy views toward Kyoto from here.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_115404-2-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_115606-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\nInstead of returning by bus, I chose to hike down the mountain.<\/p>\r\n
After paying the \u00a5150 admission fee, I began my descent.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_115013-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_115806-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\nSome sections are paved, while others are gravel paths, so hiking shoes or sneakers are highly recommended.<\/p>\r\n
Sandals and high heels are not suitable for the trail.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
![\"\u9e7f\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/%E3%82%A2%E3%82%A4%E3%82%AD%E3%83%A3%E3%83%83%E3%83%81-1-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\nAs I continued downhill, I encountered more deer.<\/p>\r\n
Although deer crackers are not sold on Mt. Wakakusa itself, they are available near the base of the mountain.<\/p>\r\n
One deer approached me as if asking, \u201cDo you have any deer crackers?\u201d<\/p>\r\n
Unfortunately, I had none.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/%E5%BA%83%E5%B3%B6%E9%A7%85%E3%81%8B%E3%82%89%E7%B1%B3%E5%AD%90%E9%A7%85-%E3%82%A2%E3%82%AF%E3%82%BB%E3%82%B9%E6%AF%94%E8%BC%83-1-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\nLater, I found a solitary male deer sitting quietly by himself.<\/p>\r\n
It was the perfect opportunity for a self-portrait.<\/p>\r\n
While I smiled enthusiastically at the camera, the deer maintained a wonderfully indifferent expression.<\/p>\r\n
Perhaps he was just being tsundere.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_123633-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\nMy legs were shaking by the time I reached the gate, but I made it.<\/p>\r\n
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.<\/p>\r\n
If you\u2019re not confident in your stamina or want to save your energy for exploring Nara afterward, I highly recommend taking the Wakakusa Hilltop Bus.<\/p>\r\n
\u25ceBasic information about “Wakakusayama”<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n
\r\n
- Board the Yamato Line Overnight Bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
![\"\u30b3\u30d5\u30d5\u30f3\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/\u30b3\u30d5\u30d5\u30f3-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n![\"\u9e7f\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/\u30a2\u30a4\u30ad\u30e3\u30c3\u30c1-1-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/\u5e83\u5cf6\u99c5\u304b\u3089\u7c73\u5b50\u99c5-\u30a2\u30af\u30bb\u30b9\u6bd4\u8f03-1-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_132827-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_141330-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_141207-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_141339-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_144048-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_145519-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_150432-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_145937-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_151632-1-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_144143-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_151658-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_154617-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_155255-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/\u30d1\u30d5\u30a7-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_160946-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/busrepo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260422_124540-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n