If you are living in Japan, or traveling here, Nara Prefecture should be on your list of places to visit. Due to its proximity to Kyoto and Osaka, Nara is often overlooked. But, as Japan’s ancient capital, it is filled with extraordinary sightseeing spots. Tourists currently visit the area around Nark Park / Todaiji, but the prefecture has much more to offer.

The head priests of four impressive historic temples are working with the local government to help revitalize tourism in the central and south regions of the prefecture. The Nara-Yamato Junrei Stamp Rally was created with this goal in mind.

What is a stamp rally? A popular Japanese activity of visiting specific locations to collect an ink print ‘stamp’, usually with a goal of completing a collection.

Recently, over two days, with a night spent along the route, I participated in a very special stamp rally. As we visited six main locations (four temples, a museum, and a cultural complex), and other designated spots that represent the history and culture of Nara, I received stamps and small gift at every location. Upon earning my sixth ‘main location’ stamp, I was given a lovely bracelet made from sacred wood (cedar, cypress, and maple) from the four participating temples!

To participate, I purchased a Stamp Rally Booklet (there is also a digital version) for 1,800 yen. In addition to the booklet, I was given a junrei-fuda, a wooden charm blessed at all four temples for safety along my journey.

Why pay to participate in a stamp rally? In addition to the gifts mentioned above, there is a separate list of ‘omotenashi’ spots along the route that present a gift or service when the pass is shown. Complimentary drinks and desserts at restaurants, gifts of local food products and handmade items… even a ticket to bathe at an onsen. If you make the most of the what is offered, you’ll actually save a lot of money!

The six ‘main locations’ are four temples: Hasedera, Muroji, Okadera, Abe Manjuin, the Nara Prefecture Complex of Man’yo Culture, and the Nara Prefecture Historical and Artistic Culture Complex.

Historically, these temples are some of Nara’s most significant and their principal Buddhist statues are both unique and impressive. The Complex of Man’yo Culture is a museum dedicated to teaching about the ancient culture of Nara by focusing on Japan’s earliest collection of poetry. At the Historical and Artistic Culture Complex visitors can watch artisans as they restore important cultural assets.

This stamp rally makes a great two or three day trip. Consider staying at the Fairfield Hotel by Marriott in Tenri or, my top recommendation, the Hotel Nara Sakurai-no-Sato.

Or, for those of you living in Kansai, visit the area multiple times and focus on seeing the temples during their special events.

This region of Japan is amazing. And, best of all, its omotenashi hospitality is really on display – they welcome both Japanese and non-Japanese visitors wholeheartedly. Not only is the stamp rally in Japanese and English, but also French, Chinese, and Korean!

The stamp rally runs through March 31, 2026. Click HERE for more information. HERE is a video that explains the rally and gives you a glimpse of some of the wonderful locations.

Something to remember – entrance fees to the main locations are not included in the pass and must be paid separately.

RECOMMENDATIONS to make the trip even more memorable:

*Consider starting your tour at the Nara National Museum, a ‘Special Spot’ of the stamp rally – where you can also get a stamp and small gift. While there, learn about the four major groups of Buddhist icons, so you can recognize them as you travel.

*Reserve lunch in advance at Abe Manjuin. They offer a wonderful shojin ryori bento lunch on-site! (Currently only for 20 or more people).

*Take some time to soak in the outdoors onsen baths of Kamokimi-no-yu (a visit to this beautiful hot spring facility is free with the stamp rally pass). *Note: Visit must be within three months of starting your rally.

*Extend your travels into the sacred mountain district of Yoshino to visit Kimpusenji, head temple of Shugendo, and part of the World Heritage ‘Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range’ This is another ‘Special Spot’ of the stamp rally.

*If you enjoy the rally, please be sure to share your positive comments with the locations and businesses that are participating. They are working hard to support each other, and their communities, through this promotion. And, encourage others to participate!

Note: Although it is not impossible by mass transportation, these locations are best visited by car – or maybe even as a long journey on foot.