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

Your central hub in Nara for travel information, cultural experiences, and comfortable accommodations near Nara Park and historic sites.

★★★★★4.8 (692)

The NARA Visitor Center & Inn, located by Sarusawa Pond, serves as a central hub for tourists exploring Nara. Offering travel resources, cultural experiences, and accommodation, it's the perfect starting point for discovering the city's temples, shrines, and Nara Park.

Plan your visit

A brief summary to NARA Visitor Center & Inn

Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.

Plan your visit

📍
3 Ikenocho, Nara, Ikenocho, Nara, 630-8361, JP
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
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

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

Local know-how to help you travel smarter and make the most of every moment.

Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi and comfortable lounge area to plan your Nara itinerary.
Check the center's schedule for cultural experiences like tea ceremonies and calligraphy lessons.
Store your luggage at the center to explore Nara hands-free.
Ask the multilingual staff for recommendations on local dining and attractions.
Book accommodations and tours directly at the center for convenience.

Discover more about NARA Visitor Center & Inn

The NARA Visitor Center & Inn is more than just a place to stay; it's your gateway to experiencing the ancient capital of Nara. Situated next to the scenic Sarusawa Pond and a short walk from Kofuku-ji Temple and Naramachi, the center provides easy access to Nara's main attractions. Established in July 2015 as a tourist information center, it aims to support international visitors with multilingual staff and a range of services. In November 2016, the center expanded to include an inn, offering comfortable accommodations with views of Kofuku-ji Temple and Sarusawa Pond. Here, you can find expert travel advice, foreign currency exchange, and free Wi-Fi. The center also hosts cultural events like tea ceremonies and calligraphy lessons, offering a hands-on experience of Japanese culture. Luggage storage is available, allowing you to explore the nearby areas without the burden of heavy bags. The friendly staff can assist with booking accommodations, sightseeing tours, and transportation arrangements. The NARA Visitor Center & Inn is ideally located for exploring Nara Park, home to Todai-ji Temple and its giant bronze Buddha statue, as well as the roaming wild deer considered a national treasure. Naramachi, with its preserved traditional merchant houses, is also within easy walking distance.

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    Getting There

    Walking

    From Kintetsu Nara Station, exit and walk east towards Sanjo Dori Street. Continue along Sanjo Dori, passing shops and restaurants. The NARA Visitor Center & Inn is located next to Sarusawa Pond, about a 7-minute walk from the station. From JR Nara Station, walk east for about 15-20 minutes towards Nara Park. You'll pass through Sanjo Dori Street. The Visitor Center is located next to Sarusawa Pond.

    Public Transport

    From JR Nara Station, take a Nara Kotsu bus (lines 1, 2, 6, 7, 55, 56, 57, 58, 61, 62, 77, 78, 97, 98, 123, or 124) to a stop near Kintetsu Nara Station or Nara Park. From there, walk to the NARA Visitor Center & Inn next to Sarusawa Pond. A single bus ride costs ¥250. Consider purchasing a Nara Bus Pass for unlimited rides.

    Taxi

    Taxis are available at both JR Nara Station and Kintetsu Nara Station. A taxi from either station to the NARA Visitor Center & Inn will take approximately 5-10 minutes and cost around ¥1,100 - ¥2,100. Taxi stands are located near the stations.

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