Birdwatching in Nara
Nara is located in the Kansai area of Japan and is famous for its ancient temples and free-roaming deer. It also offers some excellent birdwatching and nature exploring opportunities. There are some great places to visit, both within Nara city itself and short train rides away.
Nara Park
About: Located in the heart of Nara City, Nara Park is a sprawling expanse of greenery surrounding some of Japan's most important historical and religious sites. Famous for its free-roaming deer, its mature trees offer shelter for a variety of songbirds and its ponds attract a variety of waterfowl. You may also see wagtails hopping around on its lawns.
Location: maps.app.goo.gl/S9XQ285mYzvh3QrN6
eBird list: ebird.org/hotspot/L2322432
Cafe: Starbucks at Sarusawa Pond - maps.app.goo.gl/bBWZomaH1XXUaHH86
Nara Palace Site Historical Park
About: Home of the ancient imperial palace, this national park includes historical ruins and gardens. As you walk through its forrested areas, wetlands and grassy plains, you will hopefully see a good variety of ducks, waterbirds and woodland birds. The grounds are vast and you can rent a bicycle if you want to do some faster birding.
Location: maps.app.goo.gl/SFeTyJhFqPTwFN268
eBird list: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L5545685/bird-list
Cafe: Dog Cafe - maps.app.goo.gl/JhkFWJHf5Tpdgry66
Kodaiji Pond
About: 17 minutes by train from Nara JR station is a hidden pond in a residential area. And in that pond is a diverse range of birds - shorebirds, cormorants, ducks, birds of prey and bush birds. Get off the train at Obitoke Station, walk over the rail bridge and follow the road to the pond (about 5-10 mins walk). It’s pretty exposed so bring water and sun/wind/rain protection. Walk the path around the pond and cut through the town streets to end up back at the station.
Location: maps.app.goo.gl/dDJ7zG73a8N83eWN9
eBird list: ebird.org/hotspot/L5655259
Cafe: The Pond is not near to shops so might be best to head back to Nara city
Other recommendations
You might also like to hire a car and explore the Yoshino area of Nara prefecture - there are many birds to see amongst its towering mountains, huge rivers and lush waterfalls.