NaraExplorer
Up-to-date and essential English tourist information about Nara for international visitors
Nara Explorer is Nara's first and only English tourist magazine.
Our inaugual first issue will be published in June.
For further information,click here.
- Special feature
- Event
- Essential Sightseeing
- NE Recommendations
Stay in Nara and Discover All the Charms of this Ancient Capital with its 1300-year History!
According to statistics, the number of foreigners visiting Nara in 2009 was more than 500,000 yet only about 9% stayed overnight. Compared to the figure of Kyoto (more than 1 million foreign visitors with more than 60% staying in the city for more than one night), this is a surprisingly low rate. Well, we can guess some of the reasons for this: no Shinkansen bullet train line to Nara, Nara is internationally unknown, a major guidebook says just a day-trip is enough to cover all of Nara…
Well, if you are in Nara right now with a copy of the Nara Explorer, what do you think? Haven’t you found that there are too many attractions in Nara to cover in only a single day? Well, just in case you change your mind now or for your next visit, here are some recommended accommodations in and around Nara which all offer not only hospitable service but will help you to make your time in Nara even more enjoyable!
- Guesthouse Yougendo
Yougendo is an extremely popular guesthouse in Nara, conveniently located very close to JR Oji Station (between Osaka and Nara). The 130-year-old traditional Japanese house covers a large area and has been beautifully refurbished into a warm and distinctive guesthouse. They have five rooms in both Japanese and western styles. The interior decoration, Japanese garden and furniture all reflect the owner’s artistic sense and love for Japanese culture. A variety of breakfast dishes are available and they also cater for vegetarians and special food allergies.- Tel: 0745-32-0514; Fax: 0745-72-2166; Access: One minute walk to the north from JR Oji Sta. (15 min. from JR Nara Sta.); http://www.yougendo.com/ ; guesthouse@yougendo.com
- Number of rooms: 5 rooms; Rates: From 4,000 yen/person (breakfast included); check-in: 15:00-22:00, check-out: 11:00; all rooms non-smoking (smoking space available), free Internet access, shared kitchen space, rental bicycle service.
- What’s special about Yougendo!?An old storage area converted into a fine bar, DINING BAR Yougendo
Offering Mediterranean-style dishes, homemade pizza and other carefully prepared selections, Guinness draft beer and Sapporo draft Edelpils (only here in Nara!); Open: 18:00-23:30, closed Mon.
- Recommended neighborhood tourist spots
Horyu-ji Temple (map C, pg 7; next station from JR Oji): Japan’s first World Heritage site. Founded in the early 7th century and the location of the world’s oldest wooden structure.
- Hotel Sunroute Nara
The five-story pagoda of Kofuku-ji Temple, Sarusawa Pond, the historical Naramachi area and shopping streets… all are within a-few-minutes walk of Sunroute Nara. Some rooms have a superb view of the five-story pagoda of Kofuku-ji Temple and the sound of the temple bell can be distinctly heard a few times a day. Unique goods from Nara are on offer at the souvenir shop such as a herbal bath agent (700 yen) which is used by the monks of Todai-ji Temple when they have a special event in winter.- Tel: 0745-22-5151; Fax: 0742-27-3759; Access: On the southeast side of Sarusawa Pond, about 200 meters on the left; http://www.sunroute-nara.co.jp/
- Number of rooms: 50 rooms; Rates: Single room: 8,400 yen; check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00; free Internet access in all rooms, souvenir shop.
- What’s special about Sunroute Nara!?Start your day with a special breakfast!
Sunroute’s buffet style breakfast is a full selection of both Japanese and western dishes. Especially noteworthy are the Nara traditional local food choices including cha-gayu (rice porridge cooked with brown tea).
- Recommended neighborhood tourist spots
Naramachi area (map A, D-2/3, pg 6): Historical vistas still remain in this area of traditional houses and shops.
- Hotel Nikko Nara
Nara’s largest hotel with four superb restaurants. Some rooms have a panoramic view of Mount Wakakusa adorned in verdant green in summer and the venue of the Fire Ceremony in winter. Their concierge knows everything you need to know to enjoy your time in Nara, so ask whatever questions you have. The location is very convenient as it is situated just next to the JR Nara Station. The city circular bus departing from the station will take you to almost all of the tourist attractions around Nara Park.- Tel: 0742-35-8831; Fax: 0742-35-6868; Access: Directly connected to the west exit of JR Nara Sta.; http://www.nikkonara.jp/ ; info@nikkonara.jp
- Number of rooms: 330 rooms; Rates: from 12,000 yen/person; check-in: 13:00, check-out: 11:00; free Internet access in all rooms, non-smoking rooms, rental bicycle service, large shared bath facility
- What is special about Nikko Nara!? Yamato-nabe Hotpot: One of the best 10 local dishes of Japan!
Yamato-nabe is Nara’s local and traditional hotpot dish. The soup is very unique. Milk and soy milk are added to a broth of sea kelp and bonito, in which Nara’s local chicken, yam and other vegetables are then cooked. Yamato-nabe has been recently introduced on a nationwide TV program and became extremely popular. Japanese Restaurant, Yoshino (3F): Open: 11:00~14:30, 17:30~22:00
- Recommended neighborhood tourist spots
Todai-ji Temple (map A, A-4, pg 6): The most famous temple in Nara and renowned as the home of the Great Buddha.
- Another Hotels
- Hotel Asyl Nara
Asyl Nara offers a variety of rooms to suit your traveling style. Facilities include a large shared bath as well as small private baths made from cypress or ceramic. An internet café, souvenir shop and a fine Japanese restaurant are also available.- Rates: single: From 7,500 yen; twin: from 13,000 yen/room; Tel: 0742-22-2577; Access: a 5-min. walk to the north from JR Nara Sta.; http://worldheritage.co.jp/
- Kasuga Hotel
Located adjacent to tranquil Nara Park. Some rooms (western and Japanese) have a luxurious open-air bath attached. There is also a large shared bath with fine view of a classic Japanese garden. Guest can also savor traditional Japanese dish at their restaurant.- Rates: from 29,400 yen/person (Japanese room with open-air bath; with dinner & breakfast); Tel: 0742-22-4031; Access: 100 meters to the east of Kintetsu Nara Sta.; http://www.kasuga-hotel.co.jp
- Ryokan Kikusuiro
A superlative ryokan in Nara with a more than century-old history. Experience the traditional elegance of Nara in this time-honored ryokan. Their restaurant offer exquisite Japanese and western cuisine in a sophisticated atmosphere.- Rates: single: from 35,500 yen/person (with dinner & breakfast); Tel: 0742-23-2001; Access: west of the Ichi no Torii shrine gate of Kasuga Grand Shrine.
- Guest House NARA UGAYA GUESTHOUSE
More than just accommodation, this is the place to meet people, make friends, learn about Nara’s culture and history and guarantee that your stay in Nara is unforgettable. Guests can enjoy their comfortable lounge space stocked with a library of Nara-related books! - Rates: 2500 yen (dormitory), from 3,000 yen/person (private Japanese room); Tel: 0746-32-8081; Access: a 5-min. walk from JR Nara Sta. or a 10-min. walk from Kintetsu Nara Sta.; http://www.ugaya.net
- Bed & Breakfast B&B Asuka
A comfortable, feel-at-home B&B in the rural and historical Asuka area. The owner welcomes guests with a warm smile and traditional hospitality. They provide both Japanese and western style rooms and the bath is equipped with a Jacuzzi to revive guests after a long day of exploration and fun.- Rates (breakfast included): 6,700 yen/room for 2 people; Tel: 0744-54-3810; Access: from Kintetsu Asuka Sta. (see pg 12 for access details), take a bus bound for Kashihara Jingu-mae and get off at Kawahara (about 10 min.); http://www.bb-asuka.jp/
- Ryokan Chikurin-in Gumpoen
Situated in the sacred mountain area of Yoshino, Chikurin-in Gumpoen offers guests an incredible dining and hot spa experience. Some rooms have a private open-air bath. Enjoy summer specialties (ayu (sweet fish) from Yoshino River, local fresh vegetables, etc.) as part of their authentic traditional cuisine. - Rates (dinner and breakfast included): from 15,750 yen (with shared bath & toilet), from 31,500 yen (with private open-air bath); Tel: 0746-32-8081; Access: from Kintetsu Yoshino Sta. (see pg 12 for access details), take a cable car or bus (Kamisenbon Chikurin-in Mae stop); http://www.chikurin.co.jp/
