Nara

Travel Guide

A large tree in a grassy field with a traditional building in the background.
A busy urban street at night with illuminated signs, lanterns, and various shops.
A dish of sashimi on a wooden table.
A bowl of soup with noodles, green onions, and a piece of meat.
A traditional Japanese temple with wooden architecture and a stone pathway.

Where to stay in Nara

Find the best Nara areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Nara
Learn more about Nara
A wooden building with a sign in Japanese.

Naramachi

Unique features of Naramachi include the coffeehouses and shopping. Make a stop by Nara Park or Naramachi Mechanical Toy Museum while you're exploring the area.

APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower

APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower

3 out of 5
1-2-13 Minatomachi, Naniwa-ku Osaka Osaka
$54 nightly
The price is $59 total per night from Sep 24 to Sep 25
$59 total
Sep 24 - Sep 25
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Dotonbori and Kyocera Dome Osaka are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,841 reviews)
"Lots of facilities and clean environment. Only the lift will be quite crowded during rushing hours."

Reviewed on Sep 23, 2026

APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower
Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA

Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA

4 out of 5
1-1 Ofukacho Osaka Osaka
$115 nightly
The price is $127 total per night from Sep 24 to Sep 25
$127 total
Sep 24 - Sep 25
Stay at this hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (5,653 reviews)
"Great hotel and location."

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2026

Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs

Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs

3 out of 5
491 Zaimokucho Kyoto Kyoto
$78 nightly
The price is $88 total per night from Sep 24 to Sep 25
$88 total
Sep 24 - Sep 25
Stay at this hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a sauna. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (4,137 reviews)
"Big and busy hotel in very convenient location near Kyoto station. Didn’t get the chance to use the onsen but it looked pretty popular. Excellent breakfast choice."

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2026

Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
See all 6,008 properties in Nara
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
THE RISE OSAKA UNIVERSAL BAYSIDE

THE RISE OSAKA UNIVERSAL BAYSIDE

4.5 out of 5
3-2-27 Kasugade Minami, Konohana-ku Osaka Osaka
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and hot springs on site. Popular attractions Universal Studios Japan and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (441 reviews)
"The Rise has very clean and spacious. We enjoyed the provided coffee and tea. The kitchenette had one of everything needed for one to cook. The bathroom is amazing with the dehumidifying option. The host provides well thought out translation for the guide to use various tech and gadgets in the ..."

Reviewed on Sep 14, 2026

THE RISE OSAKA UNIVERSAL BAYSIDE
KOKO HOTEL Residence Kyoto Nijo Castle

KOKO HOTEL Residence Kyoto Nijo Castle

4 out of 5
724 Shimomatsuya,Kamanza-dori Oike-agaru Kyoto Kyoto
Stay at this aparthotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Nijō Castle and Shijo Street are located ...
KOKO HOTEL Residence Kyoto Nijo Castle
MIMARU Osaka Shinsaibashi Central (Opens on September 1, 2026)

MIMARU Osaka Shinsaibashi Central (Opens on September 1, 2026)

4 out of 5
1-9-27 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku Osaka Osaka
Stay at this aparthotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Dotonbori and Kyocera Dome Osaka are located ...
MIMARU Osaka Shinsaibashi Central (Opens on September 1, 2026)
See all properties in Nara
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Nara attractions

A group of deer in a grassy area with trees in the background.
Photo by Sara Hirner
Open Photo by Sara Hirner

Nara Park

9.0/10 (4,050 reviews)
Centuries-old shrines, ancient forests and hundreds of free-roaming deer are just some of the reasons to visit this sprawling and popular park.
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Things to do

From Kyoto / Osaka: Kyoto Must-see Spots & Nara Park One Day Tour

From Kyoto / Osaka: Kyoto Must-see Spots & Nara Park One Day Tour

$54
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
From Kyoto / Osaka: Kyoto Must-see Spots & Nara Park One Day Tour
Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour

Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour

$75
per adult
Historical Nara & Kyoto Morning Bus Tour
Kyoto & Nara & Uji: Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Osaka or Kyoto

Kyoto & Nara & Uji: Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Osaka or Kyoto

$56
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Kyoto & Nara & Uji: Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Osaka or Kyoto
Historical Nara & Kyoto 1-Day Bus Tour

Historical Nara & Kyoto 1-Day Bus Tour

$121
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Historical Nara & Kyoto 1-Day Bus Tour
All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!

All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!

$41
per adult
All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!
Best of Kyoto and Nara Highlights Day Tour from Osaka

Best of Kyoto and Nara Highlights Day Tour from Osaka (7~9 spots)

$55
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Best of Kyoto and Nara Highlights Day Tour from Osaka (7~9 spots)
See all activities in Nara

Frequently asked questions

Is Nara worth visiting?
Nara is worth visiting for its standout attractions like Nara Park and Todaiji Temple, offering travelers a glimpse into ancient history. You can also enjoy diverse dining experiences with Asian and European cuisine. Getting around is convenient, thanks to practical train access, making it easy to explore the city's highlights.
When is the best time to visit Nara?
The best time to visit Nara is from April through June, when the climate is generally pleasant. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of December through March are a good option, offering cooler temperatures.
Where are the best neighborhoods to explore in Nara?
The best neighborhoods to explore in Nara depend on what you want to see:

  • Naramachi offers cultural and historical attractions, including the Nara City Museum of Photography, Nara Craft Museum, and Shiga Naoya Former House.

What is Nara known for?
Nara is known for its iconic Nara Park, where travelers can see many deer, and the grand Todaiji Temple. You can also explore the ancient Heijo Palace. This riverside city, located on the Saho, Tomio, and Yamato Rivers, also offers a rich Asian food culture.
What is a good itinerary length for Nara?
A good itinerary length for Nara is one to two days to explore key attractions like Nara Park, Todaiji Temple, and Heijo Palace, plus the Naramachi neighborhood. For a more in-depth experience, consider three days, allowing time for activities like the Nara Park Classic Tour or a broader private tour that includes nearby highlights. See Nara Activities.
How do you get around Nara?
Nara is easily navigated by train, with key stations like Nara Station and Kintetsu-Nara Station providing convenient access for travelers. For those seeking more flexibility, rental cars are available in the Naramachi neighborhood. Additionally, rideshare services offer another practical option for getting around the city and its surrounding areas.
What are the top things to do in and around Nara?
Nara offers ancient temples, historic palaces, and beautiful natural spaces to explore:


How do I plan a trip to Nara?
To plan your trip to Nara, search for hotels and book flights, rental cars, and activities like tours of Nara Park or Todaiji Temple in advance. Explore areas like Naramachi, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon. Public transit by train is also available for getting around.
What cuisines can you find in Nara?
In Nara you can find Japanese cuisine, offering popular dishes such as sushi, ramen, tempura, and udon. Travelers can also enjoy a variety of international options, including Mediterranean, French, and Italian dishes, alongside steakhouses and vegan/vegetarian choices.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Nara?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Nara by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Nara with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Nara trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Nara?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Nara can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Nara trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Nara trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Nara trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Nara trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Nara?
If it's your first trip to Nara, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Nara hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Nara hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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A person in black ninja attire crouching with a sword.

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A stone retaining wall alongside a calm river, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.
Photo by Fg2 (Public domain)

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A traditional wooden building with multiple gabled roofs and a large open courtyard.

Tenri

A serene river surrounded by dense forest and a variety of trees.
Photo by z tanuki (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0)

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