Planning to remain in a single day in Nara however undecided what lodge or ryokan to guide? Discover out the place to remain in Nara and its environment under.
Nara is a well-liked day journey from Osaka or Kyoto, however few travellers keep the evening right here. I believe that’s a mistake! Despite the fact that it’s simple to go to Nara for the day, you’ll miss out in case you don’t keep in a single day.
Not solely is Nara deer park and environment a deal with to discover within the morning and night (it’s extremely quiet earlier than and after the day trippers get right here), however staying in a single day in Nara additionally offers you the prospect to discover extra of the prefecture. And let me let you know, there may be SO a lot to see in Nara Prefecture moreover the deer park!
If you wish to keep in a single day in Nara and also you’re not fairly positive what lodge or ryokan to guide, I’ve damaged down the perfect areas in Nara together with the perfect lodging under.
Finest Locations to Keep in Nara Overview
In a rush and don’t have time to learn the complete article? Here’s a fast overview of my high picks in Nara:
I’ve obtained a full article the place I dive deeper into why it’s best to keep in a single day in Nara. A fast abstract is that the busy areas (contained in the Deer Park) are a lot quieter and fewer anxious to go to early within the morning and later at evening.
In comparison with Kyoto and Osaka, staying in Nara can also be general less expensive. Doing so additionally funds the Prefecture, as in a single day stays are the place many of the tourism revenue comes from. In keeping with knowledge from Japan Tourism Statistics, Nara Prefecture solely accounts for 0.2% of international in a single day stays in 2023, but it’s the seventh most visited prefecture general. Overtourism is changing into extra of an issue when individuals solely go to for the day.
On high of that, different components of Nara Prefecture are extremely stunning and primarily empty of vacationers. When visiting Asuka and Horyu-ji Temple, I used to be one of many few individuals there.
As Nara has fairly an necessary historical past as the primary everlasting capital of Japan, there are some well-preserved conventional areas right here the place you’ll be able to keep in a ryokan (conventional Japanese inn). If staying in a ryokan is in your Japan bucket record, Nara is a superb spot for it. It’s less expensive than staying in a ryokan within the conventional geisha districts in Kyoto.
To date, I’ve personally stayed at Haruya Naramachi, Noborioji Resort Nara, Candeo Lodges Nara Kashihara and Nipponia Tawaramoto Maruto Shoyu. All different really helpful motels under are picked after in depth analysis and expertise travelling in and round Nara. As I journey via Japan incessantly, I’ll replace this information based on any new experiences and lodging I attempt.
On the maps under, you’ll be able to see the areas of the motels on this information. Blue signifies motels within the Nara Metropolis Centre (Station Areas), pink reveals lodging in Naramachi, and inexperienced highlights the motels exterior of Nara Metropolis.
1. Nara Metropolis Centre (Station Space)
Finest for first-time guests and comfort
Why Keep in Nara Metropolis Centre?
When visiting Nara for the primary time, staying within the metropolis centre generally is a nice choice. You’ll have a lot of lodge decisions right here, and it’s simply accessible when arriving by prepare. It’ll be simple to shortly drop your baggage off on the lodge when arriving in Nara earlier than you begin exploring.
Staying close to both of the 2 predominant stations in Nara Metropolis Centre additionally offers you easy accessibility to any day journeys in Nara Prefecture (for instance, Asuka, Kashihara, Hasedera Temple, Mount Yoshino and Tsubosakadera Temple).
Most bars, eating places and outlets are additionally positioned on this a part of town. Nara Deer Park is just a brief stroll away, together with most main sights within the space, together with Todai-ji and Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
Cons: The principle metropolis centre in Nara is a little more trendy than it’s your decision when staying within the historic capital of Japan. There are fewer ryokans and conventional lodging accessible.
The place to Keep in Nara Metropolis Centre?
Listed here are my high lodge picks in Nara Metropolis Centre:
Iroha Grand Resort Kintetsu Nara Ekimae (4*)
- How removed from the closest prepare station?: 2-minute stroll to Kintetsu Nara Station
- Onsen/public tub?: No
- Laundry?: Sure (extra cost)
- On-site restaurant?: Sure
- Baggage storage?: Sure.
This lodge provides snug Western-style rooms and is conveniently positioned subsequent to Kintetsu Nara Station. All sights in Nara are solely a brief stroll from the lodge, plus you’ll have the ability to discover plenty of outlets, eating places and cafes close by too.
Onyado Nono Nara Pure Scorching Spring (4*)
- How removed from the closest prepare station?: 3-minute stroll from JR Nara Station
- Onsen/public tub?: Sure
- Laundry?: Sure (extra cost)
- On-site restaurant?: Sure
- Baggage storage?: Sure.
Only a jiffy from JR Nara Station, Onyado Nono Nara Pure Scorching Spring is a superb choose for staying in a single day in Nara. A brief stroll will take you to all of the sights in Nara Metropolis Centre, plus you’ll be able to discover Nara Prefecture additional by prepare.
The rooms have a conventional environment with stunning tatami mat flooring, however snug western-style beds. Better of all, the lodge additionally has on-site scorching spring baths that can be utilized without spending a dime throughout your keep. It’s an amazing choose if you would like a mixture of a conventional and trendy keep in Nara.
Noborioji Resort Nara (5*)
- How removed from the closest prepare station?: 2-minute stroll from Kintetsu Nara Station
- Onsen/public tub?: No
- Laundry?: Sure
- On-site restaurant?: Sure
- Baggage storage?: Sure.
Should you’re on the lookout for luxurious, Noborioji Resort Nara is the perfect choose for you. I obtained to remain right here throughout considered one of my most up-to-date journeys to Nara, and it was unimaginable. Situated in among the finest spots in Nara, subsequent to Kintetsu Station and on the sting of Nara Deer Park, this Michelin-acclaimed lodge provides you with the final word consolation.
The workers at Noborioji Resort will do every part inside their energy to make you’re feeling at house throughout your keep. They’re out of this world. From the second I entered this lodge, I used to be sorted. The room additionally included numerous native treats, together with espresso and ramen from Nara.
I had the pleasure of staying in considered one of their suites on considered one of my earlier journeys to Nara, which was some of the snug lodge rooms I’ve ever stayed in. A spacious lounge, kitted-out toilet and a big, snug mattress – all surrounded by giant home windows and a balcony to absorb the quiet of Nara within the morning and night.
Dinner and breakfast on the on-site restaurant consisted of a multi-course set, made with contemporary, native components. Your complete keep was excellent. It’s positively the costliest lodge on this record, however in case you’re on the lookout for a luxurious keep in Nara, that is the one to go along with. I can’t fault it, it was good!
It’s additionally doable to keep inside Nara Deer Park, however because the choices are very restricted (and albeit, extremely costly), I made a decision to not embrace a full part devoted to it on this information. Nonetheless, if you wish to keep contained in the Deer Park, Kotonoyado Musashino is an efficient alternative. As a result of it’s so costly, I’d personally choose Nara Metropolis Centre or Naramachi over this selection.
2. Naramachi (Outdated City)
Finest for a conventional environment and staying in a ryokan
Why Keep in Naramachi?
Nara, being the primary everlasting capital of Japan, has an extended and wealthy historical past. Common sights like Todai-ji present components of this historical past, however there are nonetheless some superbly preserved historic districts, together with Naramachi.
Lots of people skip this a part of city when taking a day journey to Nara, so staying in a single day may be the right alternative to correctly expertise this aspect of city. It’s a quiet a part of city, much more so within the evenings and mornings when most day trippers return to Osaka or Kyoto.
The cosy streets of Naramachi are house to tons of wood conventional homes, lots of which date again to the Edo Interval. If staying in a ryokan, or conventional Japanese inn, is one thing you’d love to do in Nara, Naramachi is the perfect place for this (particularly because it’s less expensive than staying in a ryokan in Kyoto’s geisha districts).
Cons: Relying on the place in Naramachi you keep, it may be a 20–30 minute stroll to get to Nara Deer Park and different predominant sights. When bringing baggage, it could be best to catch a taxi on the prepare station to get to your lodging in Naramachi.
The place to Keep in Naramachi?
Listed here are my high picks for staying in Naramachi:
Haruya Naramachi (100-12 months-Outdated Ryokan)
- How removed from the closest prepare station?: 13-minute stroll from Kyōbate Station, 15-minute stroll from JR Nara Station
- Onsen/public tub?: No
- Laundry?: Sure
- On-site restaurant?: No
- Baggage storage?: Sure.
Hidden in the midst of Naramachi sits this stunning 100-year-old ryokan. It’s doable to remain in one of many conventional Japanese-style tatami rooms, or you’ll be able to lease out one of many personal backyard homes. Each are budget-friendly choices for staying in Nara.
I opted for the personal backyard home, which had a barely extra trendy vibe than the rooms within the ryokan. It was additionally good to have our personal house and toilet, but it surely did price a bit greater than the ryokan rooms. Both means, it was a really snug keep.
In comparison with different lodging in Naramachi, it’s not too removed from the principle sights in Nara and the stations. The neighbourhood is very quiet too, making it an ideal spot to remain the evening.
Ranjatai (Conventional Townhouse)
- How removed from the closest prepare station?: 10-minute stroll from Kyōbate Station, 27-minute stroll from JR Nara Station.
- Onsen/public tub?: No
- Laundry?: Sure
- On-site restaurant?: No
- Baggage storage?: No.
Situated in a superbly preserved conventional Japanese townhouse, this vacation house is likely one of the finest locations to remain in Nara when visiting with a small group or household.
As you’ll lease out the entire home, you’ll take pleasure in a personal toilet together with gorgeous conventional rooms (bedrooms, front room, kitchen, and so forth.). It’s a good way to expertise an genuine Japanese home and keep in a single day!
Despite the fact that the home has some rooms with tatami flooring, the beds are snug Western-style beds. There’s a small Japanese-style backyard within the courtyard, too.
Hotobil B&B 潤 An (Ryokan)
- How removed from the closest prepare station?: 6-minute stroll from Kyōbate Station, 28-minute stroll from JR Nara Station
- Onsen/public tub?: No
- Laundry?: Sure (extra cost)
- On-site restaurant?: No, however breakfast is included and dinner may be pre-booked
- Baggage storage?: Sure.
Becoming completely with the environment of Naramachi, this stunning ryokan provides conventional Japanese rooms with tatami flooring and thick, fluffy futon beds. It’s among the finest spots to attempt a conventional ryokan in Nara.
Just like many ryokans, many of the rooms right here include a shared toilet. Nonetheless, since there aren’t too many rooms, this shouldn’t be an excessive amount of of a problem.
Despite the fact that there isn’t an onsen on this ryokan, you will discover a public onsen only a few minutes stroll from right here. In addition they permit individuals with tattoos to enter the onsen, in order that’s a giant plus!
Houjuji (Temple Keep)
- How removed from the closest prepare station?: 8-minute stroll from Kyōbate Station, 30-minute stroll from JR Nara Station
- Onsen/public tub?: No
- Laundry?: No
- On-site restaurant?: No
- Baggage storage?: No.
Houjuji is likely one of the most original locations to remain in Nara, as this vacation house is a part of an actual temple. Elements of the temple have been renovated and became this contemporary guesthouse (additionally used for occasions).
The rooms are very giant, with large Western-style beds and extra futons on tatami flooring. Despite the fact that meals aren’t included, there’s a kitchen as a part of the vacation house that you should utilize throughout your keep. The big home windows look out over the temple backyard (there may be additionally a BBQ set within the courtyard that you just’re free to make use of).
It’s by far some of the distinctive locations I’ve come throughout whereas doing analysis, and regardless of the heavier price ticket, it could possibly be an amazing story to inform.
Should you’d prefer to keep in an lively Buddhist temple and study extra concerning the lives of the monks, you are able to do this somewhere else in Japan. Koyasan is likely one of the finest spots for this, because it’s comparatively simply accessible and has over 50 temples that provide Shokubo (temple lodging). I’ve obtained a full evaluate of what it was like staying in a single day in considered one of Koyasan’s temples.
3. Outdoors Nara Metropolis
Finest for travelling off the overwhelmed path and exploring quieter areas
Why Keep Outdoors Nara Metropolis?
Nara is far more than simply the deer park and surrounding areas. This prefecture is far larger than most individuals know, and it has some actual gems to find – most of which haven’t attracted too many vacationers but. Keep in mind, Nara Prefecture could also be visited quite a bit by day trippers, but it surely solely accounts for 0.2% of international in a single day stays!
Should you’re planning to discover extra of Nara Prefecture (and I extremely advocate you do!), staying exterior of Nara Metropolis for a day or two might add a lot to your time right here.
Travelling south offers you simpler entry to a few of the predominant highlights in Nara Prefecture, plus there are some wonderful lodging accessible. Most of which come at a really cheap worth.
A few of my favorite spots in Nara Prefecture exterior of town centre embrace Horyu-ji Temple, Omiwa Shrine, Asuka (the primary official capital of Japan), Mount Yoshino (among the finest spots for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage), Imaicho historic city, Hasedera Temple and Tsubosakadera Temple.
Visiting most of those may be carried out from Nara Metropolis inside 30–90 minutes. Relying on what spots you wish to go to, staying exterior of Nara Metropolis might make it a lot simpler!
The place to Keep Outdoors Nara Metropolis?
Nara is a big Prefecture, however listed below are a few of the spots I’d recommend staying exterior of Nara Metropolis (together with what lodging):
Candeo Lodges Nara Kashihara (Kashihara Metropolis)
- How removed from the closest prepare station?: 5-minute stroll from Yamato-Yagi Station.
- Onsen/public tub?: Sure
- Laundry?: Sure (on-site coin laundry services)
- On-site restaurant?: Sure, however just for lodge breakfast
- Baggage storage?: Sure.
When exploring extra of Nara Prefecture, Kashihara Metropolis is a superb base. It’s positioned additional south than Nara Metropolis, making it an amazing location for travelling to Asuka, Imaicho, Mount Yoshino and a few of the well-known temples within the center and south of Nara Prefecture.
Despite the fact that Kashihara Metropolis doesn’t have a ton of lodging accessible, there’s a Candeo Resort, which I actually loved staying at on a latest Nara journey. It’s solely a jiffy from the prepare station, which connects you to the remainder of Nara Prefecture.
I’ve stayed in different Candeo Lodges in Tokyo and Kyoto earlier than, and I’ve at all times had nice experiences staying right here – the lodge in Kashihara was no exception. The rooms are snug and fairly large for Japanese requirements (giant sufficient to open your suitcase correctly).
On high of that, the lodge has an wonderful rooftop public tub on the twelfth flooring (the sky spa), the place you’ll be able to look out over town and the mountains of the Yamato area. I particularly loved it at evening, seeing town sparkle.
The on-site restaurant provides a assorted breakfast buffet, with each Western and Japanese meals choices. Because the restaurant sits on the ninth flooring, you additionally get to take pleasure in a stunning view whereas consuming your breakfast. All in all, an amazing spot to remain in Nara Prefecture.
Yoshino Onsen Motoyu Ryokan (Mount Yoshino)
- How removed from the closest prepare station?: 23-minute stroll from Yoshino Station, however shuttle bus service is offered
- Onsen/public tub?: Sure
- Laundry?: No
- On-site restaurant?: No, however dinner and kaiseki dinner are included with the keep
- Baggage storage?: Sure.
This ryokan is positioned in a secluded spot with easy accessibility to mountaineering trails on Mount Yoshino. The standard Japanese rooms, with tatami flooring, look out over the Japanese backyard.
As this ryokan sits within the mountains, it’s a brief however steep stroll to Yoshino village. Fortunately, there’s a shuttle bus service accessible for ryokan visitors.
Breakfast and a kaiseki dinner are included with the keep, in addition to entry to the on-site onsen that will get its water straight from Mount Yoshino. Should you’re on the lookout for a cushty, conventional place to remain in nature, this can be a nice alternative!
En Yoshino Vacation Dwelling (Mount Yoshino)
- How removed from the closest prepare station?: 8-minute stroll from Yamato-Kamiichi Station
- Onsen/public tub?: No onsen, however sauna is included
- Laundry?: Sure
- On-site restaurant?: No
- Baggage storage?: No.
Should you’re travelling with a household or small group, reserving a vacation house within the Mount Yoshino space could also be an amazing thought. Because it’s not fairly on Mount Yoshino, however close to the city, it’s very simple to get to on public transport. Plus, you’ll be able to simply make your means up Mount Yoshino from the vacation house.
En Yoshino vacation house comes with two bedrooms and a front room, all set in a conventional Japanese home with tatami mats and sliding doorways. The views from this vacation house are gorgeous, particularly in spring and autumn, when Mount Yoshino is at peak magnificence.
It’s also possible to take pleasure in a sauna that’s included within the vacation house. It’s the right genuine keep in case you’re on the lookout for one thing a bit extra conventional and self-sufficient.
Nipponia Tawaramoto Maruto Shoyu (Soy Sauce Brewery)
What’s extra distinctive than staying within the oldest soy sauce brewery in Nara Prefecture? Situated in Tawaramoto, not too removed from the well-known Omiwa-jinja, lies Nipponia Tawaramoto Maruto Shoyu. This soy sauce brewery dates again to 1689. Elements of the 130-year-old warehouses have been renovated into stunning visitor rooms.
Staying right here is extra than simply lodging, as you’ll get a tour of the brewery the place you’ll be able to study extra about how soy sauce is made. I even obtained to press my very own soy sauce throughout the tour, which was loads tougher than anticipated!
As Maruto Shoyu additionally has an on-site restaurant, you’ll be able to take pleasure in a multi-course dinner the place each dish is created across the Maruto soy sauce. The kinds of dishes change seasonally, relying on what contemporary components can be found within the Tawaramoto space. The soy sauce is not like another soy sauce I’ve ever tasted – it’s wonderful!
I wrote a full evaluate of our keep at Nipponia Tawaramoto Maruto Shoyu if you wish to learn extra about what it was like staying right here.
Closing Ideas on The place to Keep in Nara
Visiting Nara on a day journey is enjoyable, however staying in Nara for a few nights is the place the true enjoyable begins. Having the ability to take pleasure in Nara Deer Park with out the massive crowds within the morning and night provides a vastly completely different expertise from taking a day journey.
Plus, having the chance to discover extra of Nara Prefecture is one thing not many individuals do, but it surely’s one thing you received’t remorse!
Since lodging in Nara is commonly cheaper than that in close by cities Kyoto and Osaka, on high of the big selection of conventional ryokans, staying in Nara is a superb thought.
Even after having spent fairly a little bit of time in Nara Prefecture, I’ve nonetheless obtained fairly a number of pins on my map that I’d prefer to discover sooner or later. And with so many nice locations to remain the evening, I’m positive I’ll have the ability to tick these off my record quickly!