Nara Travel Guide, Hotels & Things to Do

Where to stay

Hotels in Nara

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Guest House Oku

Takamaichi-cho 29 | Nara, 630-8238, JP

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Tsubakiso

Tsubai-cho 35 | Nara, 630-8343, JP

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Hotobil Guest House only accommodate one booking at a time

8-15 Kainozuka-cho | Nara, 630-8142, JP

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Guesthouse Nara Backpackers

Yurugi-cho 31 | Nara, 630-8283, JP

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ANY B&B+COFFEE

23-4 Nishijodo-cho | Nara, 630-8345, JP

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Nara Kasugaokuyama Tsukihitei

Kasugano-cho 158 | Nara, 630-8212, JP

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At a glance

Climate

Temperate

Languages

Japanese

Local currency

JPY (JPY)

Local time

07:55 (GMT+9)

Ideal trip length

1–3 days

Cost level

3 of 5 · our research

Suggested area to stay

Nara Park Area

Tap water

Generally described as safe to drink

Tipping

not expected

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 85 · Very good

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Kakinoha-zushi Mochi Chagayu

When to visit Nara

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: April, October Busiest: Mar-May, Oct-Nov

Jan

60

Cold, clear skies
Feb

60

Cold, dry weather
Mar

85

Cool, cherry blossoms
Apr

90

Mild, pleasant
May

85

Warm, lush green
Jun

65

Warm, rainy season
Jul

60

Hot, humid
Aug

55

Hot, very humid
Sept

70

Warm, typhoon risk
Oct

90

Mild, autumn leaves
Nov

85

Cool, crisp air
Dec

70

Cold, clear days

60

Jan Cold, clear skies

60

Feb Cold, dry weather

85

Mar Cool, cherry blossoms

90

Apr Mild, pleasant

85

May Warm, lush green

65

Jun Warm, rainy season

60

Jul Hot, humid

55

Aug Hot, very humid

70

Sept Warm, typhoon risk

90

Oct Mild, autumn leaves

85

Nov Cool, crisp air

70

Dec Cold, clear days

Things to do in Nara

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

2 places

Todai-ji Temple

Nara Park 2 hrs

Witness the Great Buddha in this iconic wooden temple.

Indoors Good for children

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Nara Park 1.5 hrs

Explore the ancient Shinto shrine adorned with thousands of lanterns.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

4 places

Kofuku-ji Temple

Nara Park 1 hr

Admire the five-story pagoda and ancient Buddhist art.

Outdoors Good for children

Isuien Garden

Nara Park 1 hr

Stroll through a beautiful traditional Japanese garden.

Outdoors Good for children

Yoshikien Garden

Nara Park 1 hr

Enjoy three distinct Japanese garden styles, often free for foreign visitors.

Outdoors Good for children

Higashimuki Shopping Street

Nara City Center 1.5 hrs

Browse local souvenirs and sample street food.

Indoors Good for children

Any time of day

1 place

Nara Park

Nara Park 3 hrs

Feed and interact with the friendly wild deer.

Outdoors Good for children

Nara itineraries

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First-timer highlights

3 Days in Nara — First-Timer Highlights

Discover ancient wonders, playful deer, and serene beauty in Japan's historic heart.

This 3-day itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors eager to experience the essential magic of Nara. It covers iconic temples, charming old streets, and unforgettable encounters with the city's famous deer, offering a balanced blend of history, culture, and nature.

3 Days 13 Stops

See the full plan