Where to Stay in Nara: Choosing the Right Area

An area close to Todai-ji, Nara Park and Kofuku-ji, with the Higashimuki and Mochiidono shopping streets leading from the station. Kintetsu-Nara Station is the starting point for trains toward Osaka-Namba, Kyoto and Kobe-Sannomiya.

Best for

• ✓First-time visitors to Nara
• ✓Those combining Nara with Osaka or Kyoto
• ✓Families who want to see the deer in Nara Park

Keep in mind

Many shops close early in the evening, so it helps to decide where to have dinner in advance.

Nearest stations

🚉 Kintetsu Nara Line Kintetsu-Nara Station

A station served by the JR Yamatoji Line and Nara Line, with direct trains to Osaka and Kyoto. Sanjo-dori, east of the station, is lined with shops, Nara Park is within walking distance, and it is less crowded than the area around Kintetsu-Nara Station.

Best for

• ✓Travelers getting around by JR, such as with a JR Pass
• ✓Those also visiting Horyu-ji and the Ikaruga area

Nearest stations

🚉 JR Yamatoji Line and Nara Line Nara Station

An old townscape spread across the former grounds of Gango-ji, dotted with cafes, shops and guesthouses in latticed machiya townhouses. Sarusawa Pond and Kofuku-ji are within walking distance.

Best for

• ✓Those who love strolling historic streets
• ✓Anyone who wants to stay in a machiya townhouse

Keep in mind

Many lanes are narrow, and cars and taxis cannot easily reach some places.

Nearest stations

🚉 Kintetsu Kintetsu-Nara Station; JR Kyobate Station

Historic ryokan and hotels are scattered around Nara Park and in Takabatake near Kasuga Taisha. You can walk through the park and along the approach paths early in the morning, and Todai-ji and Kasuga Taisha are just a short walk away.

Best for

• ✓Those who want a morning walk in Nara Park
• ✓Travelers who prefer a relaxed stay

Keep in mind

It is some distance from the stations, so buses or taxis are convenient.

Nearest stations

🚉 Nara Kotsu Bus stops such as Kasuga Taisha Omotesando and Wariishi-cho

A temple town along a mountain ridge lined with Kinpusen-ji, Yoshimizu Shrine and more, with ryokan and temple lodgings (shukubo). Staying on the mountain lets you walk the approach in the morning and evening when there are few day-trippers.

Best for

• ✓Those coming for the cherry blossoms of Mt. Yoshino
• ✓Anyone who wants to try staying at a temple

Keep in mind

It is far from central Nara, so plan it as a separate part of your trip from Nara Park sightseeing.

Nearest stations

🚉 Kintetsu Yoshino Line Yoshino Station; Yoshino Ropeway Yoshinoyama Station