NARA Visitor Center & Inn is located by the Sarusawa Pond in Nara City, a short walking distance from Kintetsu Nara station and Nara station. It is the hub for all travel resources when visiting Nara. If you have any questions, need travel recommendations, or are looking for transportation guidance this is the stop to make.
The visitor center offers services that will ease your travels in Nara. Find an ATM serving overseas cards and foreign currency exchange at the service counter. Drop your bags off at the baggage storage to rid the excessive weight off your shoulders as you explore the nearby areas. The travelers lounge is equipped with computers and i-pads available for use free of charge. If they are taken, use the free Wi-Fi, to start planning your adventure on your own devices. Find pamphlets and maps for basic information and tips on where to go. The multilingual staff are also extremely helpful and are happy to share the must-see sights and eats that you will not find in travel pamphlets.
In addition to the many services offered here, you will find daily walking tours and free cultural activities to participate in. This is a great chance to learn and experience the art of Ikebana (flower arranging), dress in a Tempyo gown, or challenge yourself with Japanese calligraphy. Take the free excursion buses available every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday until October 31st, for a ride to either Asuka Village or Mount Yoshino. The famous sights and activities are not limited to Nara City so don't miss out on this opportunity to explore all the beauty Nara Prefecture has to offer!
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A variety of fun, interactive cultural activities are hosted by the centre, including origami, cosplay, tea ceremony and calligraphy. Some activities are held daily, while others require advance booking.
A variety of accommodation options exist starting from 4,200 JPY per person per night — including Japanese and Western style rooms.
Located next to the Sarusawa Pond, it's a 5-6 minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station or a 10-15 minute walk from JR Nara Station.
Begin this beautiful journey of Nara at the NARA Visitor Center & Inn, located in Nara City.
Nara Seasonal Fruit Tasting Experience at the Nara Visitor Center & Inn
Free Candle Making Experience at the NARA Visitor Center & Inn
Free Shodo, Calligraphy Experiences at the NARA Visitor Center & Inn in Nara
Free Japanese "Washi" Paper Making at the NARA Visitor Center & Inn
Free Ikebana Flower Arranging Experience at the NARA Visitor Center and Inn
Free Excursion Bus Service to Asuka Village (birthplace of Japan) and Yoshino-Cho (World Heritage sakura, temples and shrines) Starts Friday
In order to introduce Japan's charms to the world, JapanTravel partner Bryan Baier has been appointed as the Tourism PR Ambassador of Nara Prefecture. Since July 1st, 2015, Bryan has promoted Nara through posting videos and articles, as well as numerous PR activities to the media.
Luxury hotel in the heart of Nara Park, located near Kofukiji and close to Araike lake.
Down a narrow lane dotted with flower pots and old buildings, Ugaya Guesthouse in Nara is a cozy haven for those visiting one of Japan's oldest former capitals.
Have your mochi pounded at breakneck speed by champion mochi-making experts before eating it fresh and warm on the spot.
Tasty fish or vegetables on skewers deep fried in batter and eaten with a choice of delicious sauces.
Nara has a long and rich history, and it shows in the amazing variety of food unique to the area.
Nara Park was created in 1880 and is located in the city of Nara, which is easily accessible from Kyoto or Osaka. The vast area extends over 660 hectares and is known for its free-roaming deer and world-famous temples. Founded in 1880, it is home to many of Nara's top attractions, including Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji, and the Nara National Museum. The game can be fed special treats and some animals even bow to the visitors. The more than 1000 deer from Nara, which are considered messengers of the gods, have become a symbol of the city and are even called a natural treasure.
Todai-ji Temple, also known as the Great Eastern Temple, was originally built in 752 at the behest of Emperor Shomu. It is one of the most famous and historically significant temples in all of Japan and one of the landmarks of Nara. The Todai-ji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Until recently, the main hall of Todai-ji, Daibutsuden, was the largest wooden building in the world. The massive structure houses one of the largest cast bronze Buddha statues (Daibutsu) in Japan, which is 15 meters tall. Another popular attraction is a pillar with a floor-level hole that is exactly the size of the Buddha's nostril. Whoever manages to squeeze through this opening will supposedly reach enlightenment in the next life.
The great Kasuga Shrine (Kasuga Taisha) is located in Nara Park. It was built at the same time as the capital and is dedicated to the deity responsible for protecting the city. The shrine was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. The most distinctive feature of the shrine is its 3,000 lanterns. Both stone lanterns and bronze lanterns were donated by believers and decorate the interior of the shrine. All 3,000 lanterns are lit twice a year. The first celebration in February (Setsubun Mantoro) represents the beginning of spring. The second celebration in August (Chugen Mantoro) honors the gentle transition into autumn. The shrine is also home to the Kasuga Taisha Museum, which houses some of the relics. This includes two sets of large, ornate drums.