NARA Visitor Center & Inn: Your Gateway to Nara's Wonders

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Explore Nara's ancient temples, serene gardens, and friendly deer from this centrally located visitor center and inn.

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NARA Visitor Center & Inn

The NARA Visitor Center & Inn is located in the heart of Nara, a short walk from major attractions like Kofuku-ji Temple, Naramachi, and Nara Park. It serves as a central hub for tourists, offering travel resources, information in multiple languages, and cultural experiences. The Inn provides comfortable accommodations and a convenient base for exploring the city.

A brief summary to NARA Visitor Center & Inn

3 Ikenocho, Nara, Ikenocho, Nara, 630-8361, JP
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Monday 8 am-9 pm
Tuesday 8 am-9 pm
Wednesday 8 am-9 pm
Thursday 8 am-9 pm
Friday 8 am-9 pm
Saturday 8 am-9 pm
Sunday 8 am-9 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring NARA Visitor Center & Inn.

Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi and comfortable lounge area to plan your Nara itinerary.
Check the visitor center's schedule for cultural activities like tea ceremonies and calligraphy lessons.
Store your luggage at the center to explore Nara hands-free.
Purchase a Nara Bus Pass at the center for cost-effective travel around the city.
Ask the multilingual staff for recommendations on local restaurants and hidden gems.

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Getting There

Walking

From Kintetsu Nara Station, exit and walk east towards Sarusawa Pond. The NARA Visitor Center & Inn is located right next to the pond, a 5-6 minute walk. From JR Nara Station, walk east for about 15-20 minutes towards Kofuku-ji Temple and Nara Park; the Visitor Center & Inn will be near Sarusawa Pond. Walking is free.
Public Transport

From JR Nara Station, take a Nara Kotsu bus to Kintetsu Nara Station area. Alight near Sarusawa Pond. The NARA Visitor Center & Inn is a short walk from there. A single bus fare is approximately ¥250. Alternatively, from Nara-shi, Japan, one can take the Nara Gurutto Bus from 奈良市庁前 B3 to 県庁前・奈良公園バスターミナル B6. Tickets cost ¥100 and the journey takes 11 min.
Taxi

Taxis are available at both JR Nara Station and Kintetsu Nara Station. A short taxi ride from either station to the NARA Visitor Center & Inn will cost approximately ¥700-¥900. Taxis can be hailed from the street, look for the red sign in the window (空車）which means the taxi is vacant for hire.

Discover more about NARA Visitor Center & Inn

Located beside Sarusawa Pond, the NARA Visitor Center & Inn acts as the perfect starting point for exploring Nara. Just a short walk from Kintetsu Nara Station and a moderate walk from JR Nara Station, the center provides comprehensive travel resources, including multilingual tourist information, foreign currency exchange, and baggage storage.The Visitor Center offers cultural experiences such as tea ceremonies and calligraphy lessons, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Japanese traditions. The Inn provides comfortable accommodations, with many rooms offering views of the adjacent Sarusawa Pond and Kofuku-ji Temple. Its central location makes it easy to access Nara's main attractions, including Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, and the historic Naramachi district.Nara served as the capital of Japan from 710 to 794, a period marked by the flourishing of Buddhist art and culture. The city is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Todai-ji Temple, with its giant bronze Buddha statue, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, known for its thousands of lanterns. Nara Park, famous for its friendly wild deer, offers a unique blend of nature and culture. The NARA Visitor Center & Inn helps visitors navigate these attractions and discover the charm of Nara.