If you go

Guesthouse Sakuraya. 1 Narukawacho, 011-81-742-24-1490. guesthouse-sakuraya.com This is a traditional Japanese guesthouse with three rooms to rent, each with futons and tatami mats. Japanese breakfast (fish and rice) included; continental breakfast must be ordered in advance. Rooms are good-sized, but there’s no private bath. Tea is served throughout the day in the communal area. Rates: $54 to $64 per person per night. Nara Park. South of Noborioji Street, 011-81-742-27-8036 The idyllic park area in the city’s northeast, where more than 1,000 tame — even affectionate — deer roam among landmark temples. Highlights include i-ji temple, a grand, wooden edifice that houses a 500-ton Buddha statue. Last admission 30 minutes before closing. $8; $2.60 for children. Kasuga Taisha. 160 Kasuganocho, 011-742-22-7788. kasugataisha.or.jp/about/index_en.html This Shinto shrine boasts thousands of lanterns hanging within brightly painted red corridors, and a garden within the shrine’s walls. Free entry. Open dawn to dusk year-round. Ise Jingu. Ujitachicho, Ise, Mie Prefecture, 011-81-596-24-1111. isejingu.or.jp/en/index.html From Nara, leave at dawn to catch the various trains to this sprawling shrine complex often referred to as Japan’s Vatican. The shrines themselves are austere and hard to see from the pathways. Pick up a map at the Ise Tourist Information Center, located about a 10-minute walk from the Ise train station. Shrines are open from dawn to dusk, year-round. Free entry. Rail passes: It is worth buying a Japan Rail Pass in advance to save time and money. Visitors must book tickets from outside Japan at japan-rail-pass.com. Depending on duration, current exchange rate and type of pass, prices range from $19 to $227.