Where to Stay in Nara

Ancient capital with roaming deer. Most visitors day trip, but staying overnight lets you experience Nara's magic without crowds.

Quick Picks

Dawn deer photos: Nara Park Area

Deer roam freely at sunrise

Traditional stay: Naramachi

Machiya guesthouses, old town charm

Easy access: Kintetsu Nara

15 min walk to everything

JR Pass user: JR Nara Station

Direct JR lines, budget hotels

Nara Areas

Compact and walkable. The whole city can be explored on foot.

Nara Park Area

Near the deer, temple access

Best for: Wildlife lovers, photographers, temple visitors

Pros: Deer at your doorstep, Walk to Todai-ji, Dawn without crowds, Traditional atmosphere

Cons: Limited dining options, Quiet at night, Deer may be bold, Pricier area

Station: Kintetsu Nara (15 min walk)

Nearby: Todai-ji, Kasuga Taisha, Nara National Museum, Isuien Garden

Price Range

Budget:¥8,000-14,000

Mid-range:¥14,000-28,000

Luxury:¥35,000+

Naramachi

Historic merchant district, charming

Best for: Culture seekers, foodies, traditional Japan lovers

Pros: Traditional machiya stays, Great local restaurants, Atmospheric streets, Walk to park

Cons: Narrow streets, Limited parking, Some places old-fashioned

Station: Kintetsu Nara (10 min walk)

Nearby: Koshi-no-Ie, Gangoji Temple, traditional craft shops, local cafes

Price Range

Budget:¥7,000-12,000

Mid-range:¥12,000-25,000

Luxury:¥30,000+

Kintetsu Nara Station

Convenient, well-connected

Best for: Easy access, day trippers staying over, first-timers

Pros: Best transport hub, Shopping nearby, Direct to Kyoto/Osaka, Restaurants and konbini

Cons: Less character, Commercial feel, 10 min walk to deer

Station: Kintetsu Nara Station

Nearby: Higashimuki shopping street, Mochiidono arcade, Sarusawa Pond

Price Range

Budget:¥6,000-10,000

Mid-range:¥10,000-20,000

Luxury:¥25,000+

JR Nara Station

Budget-friendly, local

Best for: JR Pass users, budget travelers

Pros: JR Pass accessible, Cheapest area, Local neighborhood feel, Bus hub

Cons: 20 min walk to deer park, Less convenient than Kintetsu, Fewer restaurants

Station: JR Nara Station

Nearby: Sanjo-dori shopping, local izakaya, bus to major sights

Price Range

Budget:¥5,000-9,000

Mid-range:¥9,000-16,000

Luxury:¥20,000+

Nara Tips

Most people day trip - staying is special

95% of visitors leave by 5pm. Stay overnight to see Nara without crowds at dawn and dusk.

Deer are everywhere

They bow for crackers (shika senbei, ¥200). Can be pushy - keep food hidden until ready.

Kintetsu vs JR

Kintetsu Nara is closer to the park (5 min walk). JR Nara is 15-20 min. Use Kintetsu from Kyoto/Osaka.

One night is enough

Nara's sights can be covered in a day. Stay one night for the sunrise deer experience.

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