'''Nara''' (____) [http://www.city.nara.nara.jp/english/] is an ancient capital city in Nara Prefecture, Kansai region of Japan.

Overshadowed by its more famous neighbor Kyoto, Nara is omitted from many a time-pressed tourist's itinerary. However, Nara is home to many important scenic and historical sites, and today preserves its main sights much more attractively than Kyoto within '''Nara Park''' and neighborhoods like '''Naramachi'''.

Understand

Along with the development of '''Heijy?ky?''' (______), the capital of Japan between 710-784 AD, Nara flourished under the influence of Buddhism, leading to the creation of an enormous number of cultural assets, buildings and books, many of which are preserved today. Nara has the largest number of buildings designated National Treasures in Japan.

While the Heijy?ky? Palace (_____{) site turned into plain fields after the capital was moved to Kyoto, the shrines and temples were left on the east side of the palace (called Gekyo (_O__)), and Buddhism remained influential throughout the following centuries. Another part of the area developed as a merchant town, notably in the Edo period, known as Naramachi (________) today.

Get in

By plane

Nara does not have its own airport, so most visitors arrive via Kansai International Airport, or Osaka's Itami Airport.

From Kansai Airport, Airport Limousine buses run to the two Nara train stations every hour (¥1800, 1 1/2 hours). More frequent service is available by rail: If you have a Japan Rail Pass, you can take the ''Haruka'' limited express to Tennoji station and then transfer to the Yamatoji line for the run to Nara (¥2390, no charge with rail pass). Otherwise, it's cheaper to take the Nankai Railway's ''K?k?-Ky?k?'' (___`_}_s) express train to Shin-Imamiya, and then take the JR Yamatoji line from there (¥1510). Both trips take around 1 1/4 hours with good connections.

Limousine buses connect Itami Airport to the two Nara train stations for ¥1440; the ride takes about one hour.

By train

From Kyoto station, both the '''JR Nara Line''' and the private '''Kintetsu Kyoto Line''' will get you to Nara quickly. The Kintetsu Nara station is better located than the JR Nara station, and all-reserved ''Tokky?'' (___}) trains leave Kyoto twice an hour, making the run to Nara in 35 minutes. On slower but more-frequent ''Ky?k?'' (_}_s) services, the trip takes about 50 minutes and you may need to change trains at Yamato-Saidaiji station. The trip will cost ¥610, plus an extra ¥500 on the ''Tokky?''. For Japan Rail Pass holders, JR's ''Miyakoji Kaisoku'' (_______H____) runs during mid-day hours from Kyoto to Nara in 45 minutes (¥690, no charge with rail pass).

The fastest route from Osaka is to take the private '''Kintetsu Nara Line''' from Namba station. ''Kaisoku-Ky?k?'' (_____}_s) trains run three times per hour to Kintetsu Nara (40 minutes, ¥540). For Japan Rail Pass holders, JR runs up to three ''Yamatoji Kaisoku'' (___a_H____) trains each hour from Osaka, Tenn?ji, and intermediate stations on the Osaka Loop Line. The run to Nara is 45 minutes from Osaka Station and 30 minutes from Tenn?ji (¥780 and ¥450 respectively, no charge with rail pass).

Hanshin offers services from Kobe's Sannomiya station to Kintetsu Nara via the Hanshin Namba line for ¥940. Direct ''Kaisoku-Ky?k?'' services leave three times per hour during most of the day, otherwise you will have to change trains at Amagasaki.

If travelling between Kyoto, Nara and Osaka explore the '''Kansai thru-pass''' which enables unlimited travel for 2 or 3 days on private railways, buses and subways (not-JR) within the Kansai area.

By bus

As Nara is a major tourist attraction, there are a good number of buses that run between Nara and other locations throughout Japan, which can result in significant savings when compared to train fares.

The '''JR Bus Group''' [http://www.kakuyasubus.jp/kanto_kansai/index.html (Japanese Website)] is a major operator of the routes from the Tokyo area to Kansai. Buses operate via the '''Tomei Expressway''' to and from Tokyo Station, and make a stop at Kyoto Station en-route.

Seat reservations for JR Buses can be made in train stations at the same "Midori-no-Madoguchi" ticket windows used to reserve seats on trains.

The following overnight services are available: ''(Current as of January, 2009)''

  • The '''Seishun Dream Nara''' departs from Tokyo Station every night at 21:50, with the returning service leaving Nara at from Kyoto at 21:10. ¥5000 each way. The bus offers 4-across seating (2x2) with limited amenities.
  • The '''Dream Nara''' departs nightly from Ueno Station (21:20) and Tokyo Station (22:00), with the returning service leaving Nara at 20:50. ¥8400 each way; ¥1000 discount on most departures if ticket is purchased 5 days in advance. The bus offers wider, comfortable 3-across seating (1x1x1) and offers more amenities such as blankets.
  • Both of these services reach Nara in about 9 1/2 hours.

    '''The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on the Tokyo-Nara bus route.''' However, you can take a bus into Kyoto Station (daytime or overnight), which is covered under the pass, and change there for rail service on the JR Nara Line for the final part of the journey.

    Get around

    Central Nara

    Once within Nara Park, you can simply '''walk''' to almost all the other major sites. The conventional round course (from Kintetsu Nara Station to K?fuku-ji, Nara National Museum, T?dai-ji, Kasuga Taisha and back to Kintetsu Nara Station) is about 6km long, usually a quite pleasant work for a tourist.

    Also, Nara Kotsu Bus service(City Loop Route) is available every 30 minutes between 9:00 and 16:30 at flat fare(180yen per adult, 90yen per child at 12 years old or less). [http://www.narakotsu.co.jp/news/pdf/shinaijunkan.pdf PDF Map]

    Outskirts

    T?sh?dai-ji, Yakushi-ji, and Horyu-ji Temples are accessible from JR and Kintetsu Nara train stations without change by Nara-Nishinokyo-Ikaruga Excursion Bus line(Line No. 97) . [http://www.narakotsu.co.jp/rosen/kaiyu/pdf/kaiyu-line.pdf PDF Map]

  • Fare to T?sh?dai-ji(E-8) from JR and Kintetsu Nara stations(E-6, E-7) is 240yen.
  • Fare to Yakushi-ji(E-10) from JR and Kintetsu Nara stations(E-6, E-7) is 320yen.
  • Fare to H?ryu-ji(E-15) from JR and Kintetsu Nara stations(E-6, E-7) is 760yen.
  • ''See also World Heritage Tour in Nara''

    <!-- Considering which transportation is the best for tourists It is recommended to take buses for visiting Heij?ky? Palace Site -->

    See

    If you only have one day to spend in Nara, focus on Nara Park. With more time, though, there's more to see. Three days in Nara provides suggestions for longer trips to the area.

    In Nara Park

    Most of Nara's sights, including temples, shrines and famously mercenary deer, are concentrated in '''Nara Park''' (________ ''Nara-k?en''), a wide, pleasant space of greenery. According to legend, the god of the Kasuga Taisha came riding a white deer in the old days, so the deer enjoy protected status as envoys of the god; however, based on their current behavior, either the deer have lost the job, or the god has taken an extremely passionate interest in biscuits from tourists (¥150), empty food wrappers and harassing shopkeepers.

  • '''T?dai-ji''' (______) is home to the '''Daibutsu''' (____), the largest Buddha statue in Japan and one of the largest in the world, appropriately, the Daibutsu-den, which houses it, is said to be the largest wooden building in the world. It's listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The giant front gate, '''Nandai-mon''', is guarded by two fierce, awe-inspiring protectors. (It's also swarmed by deer, who know this is the best place to come looking for a hand-out.) Through the gate is a stone path leading to the outer walls surrounding the Daibutsu-den. Follow the signs to the left to enter the inner courtyard; if you happen to have a stick of incense with you, join the crowd around the incense offerings before you head onward.
  • *The '''Daibutsu-den''' (8am-4:30pm Nov-Feb, to 5pm Mar / Oct, 7:30am-5:30pm Apr-Sep; admission ¥500) also contains four other giant statues. Once you've taken in the Daibutsu itself, walk around it to the left to see the other statues, as well as a few old tiles and leftover relics. There's a stand inviting you to sponsor a tile in order to help with the upkeep of the temple, and English-language fortune scrolls (''omikuji'') are on sale year-round. Take a final look at the Daibutsu as you leave; don't let the souvenir stand be your last memory of this incredible sight.
  • **Just before the souvenir area, behind and to the right of the Daibutsu, is a wooden column with a small hole carved through the bottom. Enlightenment is reportedly promised to anyone who can squeeze through this hole. In practice, this means a lot of kids have enlightenment in store (thanks in part to other kids who kick their feet to "help" them through), and all but the skinniest adults can only look on in envy.
  • **To the right of the entrance to the Daibutsu-den is a statue of the '''Yakushi Nyorai'''. Though a bit scary-looking on first glance, it's actually a Buddha of medicine and healing. Touching a part of the Yakushi Nyorai and then the corresponding part of your own body is said to heal any ailments you have there.
  • '''K?fuku-ji''' (______) (9am-5pm; admission to the Eastern Golden Hall ¥500) [http://www.kohfukuji.com/kohfukuji/index.html] has a three-story and a five-story pagoda; historically, the latter has contended with Kyoto's Toji for the title of Tallest Pagoda in Japan, although Kofuku-ji seems to have surrendered for now.
  • * '''Sarusawa-no-ike''' (_______r) This small pond at the east end of Sanj?-d?ri with Nara Park behind or Naramachi to its south is a very popular viewing spot for K?fukuji.
  • '''Nara National Museum''' [http://www.narahaku.go.jp/index_e.html] has one of the world's best collections of Buddhist art and changing exhibitions. The National Treasure Hall has an impressive collection of statues. Entrance fee ¥500.
  • Across the street from the Nara National Museum is '''Himuro-jinja''' [http://narashikanko.jp/english/kan_spot_data/e_si45.html], a shrine dating from 1217 and home to several fine cherry trees. Although the architecture is unremarkable, the trees in front of the shrine explode into beautiful clouds of pale pink and white blossoms during the spring blooming period (late March-early April). Open 7 AM to 5 PM. ''Access: 10-minute walk from the Kintetsu Nara station.''
  • '''Ukimid?''' (______) A hexagonal building built on Sagi-ike (___r) Pond in Nara Park so that it appears to float on water.
  • '''Kasuga Taisha''' (_t______) is worth a visit for the beautiful approach, through the Kasuga-yama Primeval Forest (see below), more than the temple itself. What Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Taisha is for ''torii'', Kasuga Taisha is for stone lanterns. Notice the giant rack of sake barrels near the front gate and the fountain-statue of a giant buck. The temple is occasionally closed for services, but a walk around the outside is likely to be no less rewarding.
  • '''Kasuga-yama Hill Primeval Forest''' (_t___R______) is a gorgeous hill and wild, undeveloped forest leading to Kasuga Taisha and some of the other sights in Nara Koen. The path is clearly marked, though, so don't worry about getting lost. It's a magical, quiet walk at any time of day. If you're determined to feed some deer, save your biscuits for the ones out here instead of the loafers by Todai-ji.
  • '''Isui-en Garden''' (______) (9:30AM-4PM, Entrance fee ¥650) [http://www.isuien.or.jp/] is located on the way to Kasuga Taisha Shrine from Kintetsu Nara Station. Enjoy the magnificently arranged garden with full of flowers, surrounded by all the rest of Nara Park.
  • '''Shin-Yakushi-ji''' (9am-5pm; admission ¥500) can be reached through the forest; follow the signs from Kasuga Taisha. It's a single hall with twelve ferocious warrior statues (each with his own collection plate) standing guard by a Buddha of healing. The statues are quite impressive; this is as well-protected a Buddha as you're likely to find.
  • Other sights

  • '''Nara City Museum of Photography''' is near Shin-Yakushi-ji, a couple blocks outside Nara Park. The steel-and-glass building sits as if reflected upon the linear pond that surrounds it. Inside, there are reasonably interesting exhibits of photography on local subjects like the Mount Wakakusa Fire Festival (see below).
  • '''Yakushi-ji Temple''' (___t__) (8:30am-5pm; admission ¥800) [http://www.nara-yakushiji.com/]
  • '''Gang?-ji Temple''' (______)
  • '''Heij?ky? Palace Site (Nara Palace Site)''' (_____{__)[http://www.nabunken.go.jp/index.html] ('''Suzaku Gate'''(restored) (______), '''Daigoku-den''' (under restoration) (_____a))
  • '''T?sh?dai-ji Temple''' (________)
  • '''Nara Century Hall''', next to JR Nara station. Events, concerts, and musicals. Sometimes a flea market is held in front of the hall.
  • Do

  • '''Naramachi''' is ten minutes on foot south of Kintetsu Nara station. The neighborhood, originally founded in the 8th Century when Heij?ky? was the capital of Japan, today contains several small museums, ''machiya'' (____) (traditional Japanese merchant houses from Edo Period), unique cafes and restaurants and much more. (David Bowie is rumored to have owned a house here.) It's well worth the time to stop and do a tasting at Harushika (_t__), Naramachi's fabulous Nihon-shu (sake) brewery.
  • * Saturday '''walking tour''' of the old town district called "Nara-machi" leaves from Kintetsu Nara Station at 10:00. It's led by a professional English-speaking local guide. You will see old "machiya" houses and lively local alleys full of interesting sights. This area is not easy to see unless you know where to go. Seeing the area with a local guide is recommended. The tour costs ¥2000 (children under 15 free) and is available every Saturday in April-July and Sep-Nov.(No tours in August or winter.) No reservation required; just meet the guide and fellow walkers by 9:55am in front of the Tourist Information Center on the ground floor of Kintetsu Nara Stn.(not JR Nara Stn.) The tour ends near Kasuga Shrine and Todaiji Temple around 13:00 so that you can visit these major sights of Nara after the tour. URL:http://www.eonet.ne.jp/~naramachiwalk
  • '''Mount Wakakusa Fire Festival''' (''Wakakusa-yamayaki''), Nara Park - Wakakusayama. Night before second monday on New Year (but it is good to call before going, because they sometimes change the date, mainly due to weather reasons). Great fireworks and the dry grass on the slopes of this mountain is set on fire by two temples. The size of the burn depends on how dry the grass is.
  • '''Shuni-e (Omizu-tori)''' (_C____ (________)), Nigatsu-d? of Todai-ji Temple (____________.) At nights every 1-14 Mar. An annual Buddhist memorial service that has been carried out first in 752 AD and continues today without one single break. Priests will run around the Nigatsu-d? carrying 1m large fire torches.
  • '''Nara T?ka-e''' (__________) is a light festival held 6-15 Aug every year. 10,000 candles illuminate the area around Nara Park and major temples.
  • '''Deer-horn Cutting Ceremony''', at Roku-en (____) inside Nara Park. Every Oct. The deer have their horns cut to prevent people from being injured.
  • Learn

    Three organizations offer free tours in English:

  • '''Nara YMCA Goodwill Guides''' 0742-45-5920
  • '''Nara Student Guide''' 0742-26-4753.
  • '''Nara S.G.G. Club''' 0742-22-5595.
  • Work

    Nara features the typical range of English conversation schools near the Kintetsu station.

    Buy

    What to Buy

    '''''Narazuke''''' (______). A local specialty pickle made of various vegetables and fruit, traditionally melon cucumber (_Z ''uri''). The distinctive strong flavor comes from the use of ''sakekasu'', the sediment of sake fermentation, and the pickle also has some residual alcohol. Shops are found on any of the shopping areas listed below.

    '''Handmade writing brushes''' ('''''fude''''',_M) '''and ink''' ('''''sumi''''',_n). Nara is famous for its calligraphy brushes called ''Narafude'' (_____M), which are available in the specialist stores on Sanj?-d?ri Avenue. However, as these brushes are made with a special kind of animal hair, they are expensive and rare, and customers will need to make a specific request for them. Other brushes sold in the specialist stores will be less expensive than ''Narafude'', but still generally of reputable quality.

    '''''Nara Sarashi''''' (_____N), or Nara fabrics, is another traditionally artisanal product of Nara. Originally made of boehmeria variation plants in the older ages, cotton has become the major material since Edo Period, mainly due to availability and cost. Towels, handkerchiefs, blankets, blinds and many other cloth material products can be found in stores located on Mochiidono Shopping street or in Naramachi area.

    Where to Buy (Central City)

  • '''Higashimuki Shopping Street''' _i_________X_X), a covered shopping arcade of about 250m stretching south from Kintetsu Nara Station, where many souvenir shops as well as restaurants can be found.
  • : '''Yamazaki-ya''' (_R____) 5 Higashimuki Minamimachi (''along the covered Higashimuki Shopping Street'') 0742-22-8039. A well-known purveyor of ''narazuke''.

  • '''Mochiidono Shopping Street''' (_____________X_X), another covered arcade further into south, connecting from Higashimuki Shopping Street, is the main street leading to the center of Naramachi.
  • '''Sanj?-d?ri Avenue''' (_O______), most shops are located within the apporx. 800m zone, between JR Nara Station and sounth end of Higashimuki Shopping Street, of this Avenue. Many souvenir shops, traditional writing brush (''fude'',_M) and ink (''sumi'',_n) stores, ''narazuke'' stores as well as various bars and restaurants are located on this avenue. Most of the major banks are found on this Avenue, too.
  • Shopping Malls

  • '''Nara Family''', 3 minutes walk from Yamato-Saidaiji station, [http://www.narafa.jp/]. One of the largest shopping malls in Kansai.
  • '''Flower shop''', takes 15 minutes by train from Yamato-Saidaiji station,you can see flower shop ,the owner in this shop can speak English. [http://www.toruku.jp/shop/flower/].
  • Eat

    A local specialty is '''''kaki-no-hazushi''''' (_`___t____), or sushi (usually mackerel and/or salmon) wrapped in persimmon leaves, which actually originates from nearby Yoshino. '''Kudzu''' from Yoshino too is a very renowned product of Nara, which is used for making various food ranging from kudzu noodles (______ ''kuzu-kiri'') to Japanese sweets (_a___q ''wagashi''). The '''thin wheat noodles''' (somen) from Miwa region (_O__________ ''Miwa s?men'') has a long history as old as Nara; the noodles are served either hot or cold.

  • '''Sansh?-tei''' (_O_G__) (in the Isui-en Garden, ______) is worth a visit more for the attractive old house and garden than the menu, which consists of two very traditional dishes: ''mugi tororo'' (plain rice with ground yam, ¥1200), and ''unagi tororo'' (the same with grilled eel, ¥2500). Open 11:30AM-1:30PM only, daily except Tuesday.
  • '''Hiraso''' (___@), 30-1 Imamikadocho (''south of Sarusawa Pond''), 0742-22-3900 10AM-8PM Closed on M. [http://www.kakinoha.co.jp/] (Japanese only) A nice sampling of local foods such as ''kakinohazushi'' and ''chagayu'' ("tea gruel", but it tastes better than it sounds) are included in dinner sets ''miyoshino'' and ''heijou'', around ¥2500. English picture menu available.
  • '''Udon-tei''' (________), 6 Higashimuki-Nakamachi ''(inside Higashimuki Shopping Street arcade)'', 0742-23-5471 Daily 11AM-8:30PM. Served ''udon'' (thick wheat noodles) in various ways, hot or cold, plain or with tempura, etc, mostly less than ¥1000. Always fully packed with local people at lunch times. Suitable for time-savers and relatively small appetites. Sample display at front of entrance.
  • '''Okaru''' (______), 13 Higashimuki-Minamimachi ''(inside Higashimuki Shopping Street arcade)'', 0742-24-3686_@11AM-9PM Closed on W except if Holiday. A restaurant specialized in '''''okonomiyaki''''' (___D______), the pan-fried cabbage cake with selection of meat. ''Okonomiyaki'' is definitely shortlisted on Kansai people's most beloved dishes. ¥530-1400. English menu available. Samples displayed at front.
  • '''Yatagarasu''' (__________), 13-1 Hayashi-k?ji-cho, 0742-20-0808. Daily 5PM-0AM. Fresh poultry from local farms cooked and served in many different ways (eg. grilled, fried, even raw) with a variety of either local or other regional sake available. Budget around ¥2500 depending on your appetite.
  • '''Nara Sh?ya''' (________), 48-5 Takama-cho (Keiwa building B1F), 0742-24-2151. Daily 11:30AM-2PM, 4:30PM-11PM. A branch of large chain pub restaurant with traditional food like raw fish (______ ''sashimi''), sushi, tempura, yakitori available. Though little (except for sake) is Nara local, quality of food is excellent for a chain type of restaurant. The restaurant is always filled with a dynamic, yet agreeable mood.
  • '''Maguro''' (______), a tiny hole-in-the-wall place that specializes in tuna. Tekka don (rice bowl with raw slices of tuna and thinly sliced nori), tuna karaage (breaded deep fried pieces of tuna), tataki (seared on the outside, raw on the inside slices of tuna), and many other methods of preparations. For most meals you can choose a maguro (tuna), hon-maguro (Japanese tuna), or toro (fatty tuna) version of the dish. The proprietor is an ojiisan (elderly gentleman) who seems to really like what he's doing, is friendly and welcoming. An English menu is available. Exit Kintetsu Nara station, and you'll see a fountain of a Buddhist monk. Cross the lights to the other side of the big street there, and go into the small street that runs perpendicular to the big street. Walk a couple hundred meters, passing an am/pm convenience store on your right, and you will see an Asahi beer sign on the road, with the words ______ (tuna) written on it in hiragana on your left side.
  • Take-out

    Alternatively, you can take out ''kaki-no-hazushi'', which is actually very popular for domestic travellers. There are three ''kaki-no-hazushi'' stores that can be easily spotted around Kintetsu Nara Station. Packages of various size and combination are available.
  • '''Hiraso''' (the same brand as mentioned above), close to the north entrance of Higashimuki Shopping arcade, next to a bakery called Douce.
  • '''Nakatani Honpo''' (___J_{__), inside the Kintetsu Station concourse.
  • '''Honpo Tanaka''' (_{________), in front of Bus terminal & Taxi zone above Kintetsu Nara Station.
  • Otherwise, a take-out sushi store, again in the Kintetsu Nara Station concourse named '''Maruch?''' (____) has a selection of prepared packages ranging ¥400-1000 with good quality.

    Another well-known culinary product is ''shika-senbei'', a rice cracker sold around Nara Park. Don't try eating it yourself though — it's meant for the deer!

    Note that closing times are generally as early as 10 PM in Nara.

    Drink

    ''Yamato-cha'' (___a__) is the locally produced Japanese green tea which is healthy and tasty. There are also numerous sake brands, among which is ''Harushika'' brand, produced by one of the oldest existing sake breweries in Japan.

  • '''Kuramoto Hoshuku''' (_____@_L_j), 28 Higashimuki (Nara Kintetsu building B1F / ''in the Kintetsu Nara Station concourse''), 0742-26-2625. Daily 11:30AM-2PM, 4PM-9PM. Directly operated by a local brewery Nara Toyosawa. "Sake testing Set" (_______Z_b_g ''kikizake-set''), including three small glasses of different homebrew sake by the brewery at ¥350. "Hoshuku Set" is a mini combi set with either a glass of Hoshuku brand sake or beer plus small snack dishes at ¥500. A popular drop-by place for people commuting back home on Kintetsu lines.
  • Sleep

    Budget

  • '''Ryokan Seikans?''' (______), 29 Higashi-Kitsuji-cho (''15 minutes south of Nara Kintetsu station, along Mochiidono Street''), 0742-22-2670 (fax 0742-22-2670 , seikanso@chive.ocn.ne.jp). Tatami mats, classical architecture, and a well-kept inner garden feature in this tra?ditional ryokan. The rooms are showing their age, but each features a samovar for tea and a small room with a table overlooking the garden. The shared bathrooms have been recently remodeled. Japanese/Western breakfast for ¥700/450 is served in the tatami dining room. The manager speaks limited (but sufficient) English. ¥4200/person.
  • Ryokan Matsumae. 8-1 Higashi-Terabayashi-cho, Nara, Nara Pref. 630-8362. 742-22-3686. anami626@yahoo.co.jp. 742-26-3927. yen;5250-5750 1 person without/with bath, ¥8820-9450 2 people, ¥13,230-14,175 3 people. ttp://www.matsumae.co.jp/english/index_e.html. Located off Sanjo-dori, close to Sarusawa Pond and Gango-ji, about 7 minutes from Kintetsu Nara station or 15 minutes from JR Nara. The owners profess to be "familiar with Buddha statue carving" and calligraphy.

  • Guesthouse YOUGENDO. O____. 3-25 Kudo 2 chome Oji Cho Kita Katsuragi Gun, Nara 636-0003. 5 min by train from JR Nara. 745-32-0514. uesthouse@yougendo.com. 745-72-2166. ttp://www.yougendo.com. A stately, budget-style home/BnB/hostel in the Nara area. Run by an international couple.

    Mid-range

  • '''Hotel Fujita Nara''' (_z_e___t_W_^____),47-1 Shimosanj?-cho ''(on Sanj? Avenue)'', 0742-23-8111 (fax 0742-22-0255)[http://www.fujita-nara.com/e/index.html] A modern western style hotel, very conveniently located in the middle of JR and Kintetsu Nara stations. ¥7500-18000/room (wide variety of reservation/price plans available)
  • '''Nara Washington Hotel Fujita Nara''' (_______V___g___z_e___v___U),31-1 Shimosanj?-cho ''(on Sanj? Avenue)'', 0742-27-0410 (fax 0742-27-0484)[http://nara.wh-at.com/](Japanese only) A nationwide chain hotel of modern western style. Convenient location. All rooms equipped with free Internet access. ¥6900-16500/room
  • '''Tempy? Ryokan''' (_V______), 9 Higashimuki-Nakamachi ''(situated inside the Higashimuki Shopping Street arcade)'' 0742-22-0551 (fax 0742-22-0553) [http://www.tenpyo.com/](Japanese only) Budget type accommodation with both Japanese and western style rooms available. ¥6500-8000/person
  • Splurge

  • '''Kikusuir?''' (_e___O), 1130 Takabatake-cho, 0742-23-2001 (fax 0742-26-0025) Typical Japanese-style deluxe ''ryokan'' inn._@¥+/-40000/person depending on days and season.
  • '''Nara Hotel''' (_____z_e__), 1096 Takabatake-cho, 0742-26-3300 (fax 0742-23-5252)[http://www.narahotel.co.jp/english/index.html] Classic westernized style hotel of de luxe class, since 1909._@¥12000-90000/room.
  • '''Hotel Nikko Nara''' 8-1 Sanj?-Hommachi ''(close to JR Nara Station)'' 0742-35-8831 (fax 0742-35-6868)[http://wwd.jalhotels.co.jp/english/detail/index.php3?basicno=80] A JAL (Japan Airlines) group chain hotel. ¥10500-27000/room
  • Contact

    Tourist information centers operate in Nara:

  • '''Nara City Tourist Information Center''' (''on Sanjo-dori'') 0742-22-3900. 9 AM to 9 PM
  • '''JR Nara Station''' 0742-22-9821. 9 AM to 5 PM.
  • '''Kintetsu Nara Station''' 0742-24-4858. 9 AM to 5 PM.
  • '''Sarusawa Pond''' 0742-26-1991. 9 AM to 5 PM.
  • Cope

    Stay safe

    The deer in Nara Park tend to be friendly and perhaps overly eager to eat ''shika-senbei'' (¥150) biscuits from the hands of tourists. Small children may be frightened to have the suddenly manic deer coming after them, so it may be best to feed the deer yourself and let the kids watch. While in the Kasuga-yama forest, steer clear of any deer which still have their antlers. They can be aggressive and their antlers can injure you.

    If you are allergic to pollen, beware: the heaviest cedar pollen fluctuation in this area is usually from mid-February to April.

    Get out

    As the center of a plain dense with history, Nara makes a good hub for exploring the vicinity.

  • 3 days World Heritage Tour in Nara
  • * Asuka (____) — the homeground of Japan's earliest historical capital city, Asukakyo (______)
  • * H?ry?ji (_@____) — A World Heritage site with an ancient temple complex housing some of the oldest existing wooden buildings in the world
  • * Yoshino (_g__) — the mountain area which comprises a part of another UNESCO World Heritage, and possibly Japan's most famous cherry blossom viewing spots
  • Kashihara (____) — the site of Japan's capital city, Fujiwarakyo (______), before Nara.
  • Imai (______) — part of contemporary Kashihara City, preserving full of old merchant houses dating back from Edo period.