NARA Visitor Center & Inn

10/10

Exceptional

24 Mar 2026

Shelby

My favorite hotel in Nara!!!! I hate that it is being closed.

10/10

Exceptional

21 Mar 2026

Courtney

The inn was perfectly located between the town and Nara park, and the view from our room overlooked a beautiful pond. Deer were roaming around everywhere. Walking around the area was quite lovely. The staff were so warm, welcoming, and helpful—it was truly a joy to spend the night here.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Mar 2026

Tom

Clean, spacious room. Very friendly and helpful staff. Very enjoyable stay and excellent value.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 Mar 2026

Ti

Our second stay in 7 years. Although the famous 5 story tower is in long term renovation, the location is still best in our opinion. It very quiet and typical Japanese style residential area.walkable distance to major attractions and shopping. Hope this facility will still be around. It’s a visit center too, so lot of information and culture activities.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Feb 2026

Gareth

Lovely room. Delightful location. Bowing deer right outside to greet you every morning. Usually with a headbutt for a cracker but it is lovely anyway. Such a pity that it is closing forever. Glad we got in two weeks before the end. It was a wonderful place to spend our final night in Japan.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jan 2026

Deshana

The Traditional Japanese style room was perfect. The location was fantastic!!!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jan 2026

Brandon

Big room for a very reasonable price. Staff are super friendly. Would recommend!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jan 2026

Krista

Lovely, special little spot. Great service as well.

10/10

Exceptional

10 Nov 2025

KOVID

All visitors must take a day or two and stay at the visitor center, they offer lots of activities and the staff is great. Overall a full package.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

27 Oct 2025

Johnathan

Really a great location and fine for the money. Beds are uncomfortable and rooms are small for a family

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

13 Oct 2025

Isaac

Staff was extremely friendly and accommodating, room was spacious clean and had great views of the surrounding area. Plenty of amenities and a great bath. Best place to stay in Nara hands down!

Self

10/10

Exceptional

27 Sep 2025

Alicia

Its a little bit of a walk away from the main stations, which makes it quite peaceful and lovely. Lovely surrounding area, we were lucky to have a view of the pond & deer.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

22 Sep 2025

Carter

Absolutely worth the stay amazing friendly staff who are happy to help when ever needed.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

04 Sep 2025

pashupati

Very helpful staffs, close to parks

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Sep 2025

Margaret

Very lovely place to stay in Nara, much more than what I expected! Very convenient location 10 minutes from subway, friendly staff, and even more, there's a sense of community since it's the visitor center. Definitely a hidden gem in Nara!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

02 Sep 2025

Jason

Hotel staff is very friendly and helpful, and the hotel is near Nara Park which is convenient.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Aug 2025

Mario

The staff very friendly. Enjoyed the free kimono dress up.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jul 2025

El Deane

Excellent property connected to the visitor center. Japanese room is fantastic. Staff are incredibly. Super close to Nara Park, shopping street and station.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jul 2025

Sebastian

Great stay. Located trully in heart of Nara. Perfect price, perfect room condition, perfect view. Staff very friendly and helpful. Would visit again!!

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2025

Gretel

Very convenient and lots to do.

It was an amazing stay! My family enjoyed the Traditional Japanese room. They provided jinbae to wear as PJ’s for each of us. We enjoyed being right on the visitor center and all the activities they offered for free. The Japanese bath room was a nice bonus! Will come back again.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jun 2025

Miguel

Excellent location, amazing staff & very nice room!

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jun 2025

Teresa

Great for families.

The location was great and the staff were friendly and helpful. I am not sure you can find a better deal in Nara. Not fancy but everything you need and more for your stay.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 May 2025

Jon

.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

13 May 2025

Caelan

The view from the room was amazing, the staff were lovely and very helpful. Would definitely stay there again next time I’m in town

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

22 Apr 2025

Stacey

Everything about this place is perfect. The staff were very helpful and kind, the traditional Japanese room was perfect, and the location was ideal.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

31 Mar 2025

Jacob

We loved the location and walking distance to Nara Park and temples. The staff was amazing and very intelligent! Some of them spoke many different languages. They had many fun things to do and everything we needed as far as amenities. Starbucks right across the pond and shopping centers as well.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

18 Mar 2025

Shelby

This spot was so unique if you’re looking for a traditional spot to stay in Japan. Nara is a beautiful city and ending up being my favorite in all Japan. The staff were fantastic and very helpful. I would recommend this spot to my family and friends.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

26 Dec 2024

Eileen

Some things may be a little outdated in the Nara Visitor Center & Inn but it is the best bang for your buck in town & the staff was outstanding - so friendly & helpful! I’m so glad we decided to spend a couple of days in Nara instead of just doing it as the day trip that it is so often marketed as. Nara is it’s own destination & my favorite part of my whole whirlwind journey through Japan.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

23 Nov 2024

JENNIFER

非常非常棒

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

10 Nov 2024

Adrian

Location, staff, facilities are excellent. Stayed in Japanese room was brilliant. Only downside was a little aged and as a municipal building labels on everything. But the best value for money hotel I’ve ever stayed in.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

23 Oct 2024

Lawrence

touristy but not in a bad way. refreshing from the local homogenous flow. lots of different cultures an races merging. beware of deer poop *)

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

23 Oct 2024

Alice

Japanese room was a cool experience. Very close to deer park. Can buy the deer crackers at convenience store downstairs. Cosplay was fun. Origami folding was great too

10/10

Exceptional

30 Sep 2024

A

Great location with cultural activities and a public bath, friendlt staff.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

28 Sep 2024

Chris

Staff helped us to get a refund from expedia, sleeping on the floor was very challenging for myself, girl friend was fine but we decided to leave. Staff was incredibly helpful, would recommend to any traveller.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Aug 2024

Tao

Good view from enclosed balcony, with Japanese beddings

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 Aug 2024

Mackenzie

Nothing compares for the value. Absolutely incredible people. Amazing staff. You will not be disappointed. I'm flabbergast at the quality to price ratio. You will have walking access to everything. This venue is incredible.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jul 2024

Motoko

Comfortable Japanese room and friendly staff and also price!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jun 2024

Martin

Very friendly staff and awesome location.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jun 2024

Anna

Wonderful!

What a wonderful hidden gem. My room was a traditional Japanese room with a wonderful view over the square and monuments. I have great memories of it. Such lovely staff too who went out their way to make me feel at home and offered lots of activities onsite (Origami etc).

Self

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jun 2024

Tzong-Yu

helpful staff.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jun 2024

MarieAndree

Simple but beautiful room, in front of a pond.
Easy to go the park and temple

Business_and_leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

31 May 2024

Madokatte

A lot of restaurant closes early nearby and there is no restaurant inside but there is a full shared kitchen area.
Wifi didn’t work in the room but it did on the 1st floor. There is a shared internet/computer room separately from the room we stayed on the floor so maybe that would have worked better if I got out of my room.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

25 May 2024

Gongming

100/100 nothing I could be picky on. We will book again for the next Nara visit. Thank you so much for the great service and experience.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 May 2024

Anne-Aliette

Vraiment accueillant, les gens souriants et collaborants!

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

23 May 2024

Yumi

All staff were very helpful. We enjoyed origami and calligraphy that the staff showed how to.
Tea ceremony was great, too. We definitely stay again next time.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

20 May 2024

John

Not Bad for the money

This place isn’t close to the stations but it’s very handy to see the shrines and other places like restaurants and convenience store. It doesn’t get 5 stars cause there isn’t even one cup in the room. Had to make coffee in a paper cup without a spoon and supply your own coffee! Nice view from the window. Friendly staff and spacious. Well priced.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 May 2024

Yuen

Tranquil, clean, close to Nara Park.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Apr 2024

Trudi

Great place to stay in Nara

Great hotel. Great location. Fabulous staff!

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

30 Mar 2024

Reiko

I stayed for 4 nights and had a great stay. Walking distance to area sightseeing spots and shopping arcades were just around the corner. I stayed in Japanese style room and it was spacious and comfortable. People who worked there are very nice and friendly.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

14 Mar 2024

Eugene

Pleasant, unique Japanese cultural experience in a hotel that also serves as the tourist welcoming center. Kitchen on every floor; friendly staff fluent in English; next to Nara park. Our family was very comfortable in their care.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

10 Mar 2024

Shauna

-excellent location, large rooms, friendly and helpful staff
-large window in room
-very comfotable room overall with small fridge and kettle
-would have been nice if dishes were provided in the kitchen, although dishes were available to rent

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Mar 2024

Elizabeth

We absolutely loved this place. The staff were so lovely and helpful. It is perfectly located and in waking distance to all of the best spots in Nara. It was quiet, comfortable, clean and we had an amazing view of the Pagoda. Also, downstairs in the lobby area, you can learn all sorts of things like Origami. It is a real treasure this spot. There is also a hot bath area for a soak after your daytime adventures. I highly recommend this place for your stay in Nara.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

29 Nov 2023

HIDEKI

A great place if you're visiting Japan. It's a hotel and visitors center. Foreign currency exchange, laundry, cultural exhibits, demonstrations, kitchen, convenience store all in the same building. The location is next to Nara Park so you can beat the crowds in the mornings.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

28 Nov 2023

Michele

Lovely place to stay. Large room with windows that open. We were there on November public holiday and happened to see short fireworks display in distance from our room. Kitchen area with stove and microwave on same floor. Kitchen supplies at reception. ¥300 for washing machine and ¥100 per 30mins dryer. Quiet little streets around the corner with little restaurants. Small ramen restaurant at edge of the pond out front is excellent. Easy walk from Kintetsu-Nara Station but to enter reception go round the back from the carpark if you have big luggage (rather than using the stairs via the visitor centre). Very helpful staff. For luggage transfer, reception can help you fill out the forms but take the lift down to convenience store to drop off luggage and pay.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 Nov 2023

Anh

Amazing staff! Nice area around the hotel. Clean and comfy

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 Sep 2023

Angela

Beautiful view. Amazing location and price. Super friendly.

10/10

Exceptional

27 Sep 2023

Lili

Loved this little \"government\" hotel! Walking distance to all of the amazing sights in Nara - friendly staff and very spacious Japanese-style room with a view of the pagoda!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Sep 2023

Emily

Very comfortable stay, amazing staff, close to things but quiet.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Sep 2023

Benoit

Japanese style room feels authentique and special. The view from the room is spectacular.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jul 2023

Fuli

The only comfortable bed and beddings since last ten years to make me sleep so deeply.
almost in the park. near to everything.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jul 2023

Angela

Great place to stay in Nara. This redone hotel ran by the Nara visitor's center is great! The people are great, the lodging is great, the prices are fantastic. Location is great. Recommend.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jul 2023

QIU PING

地段特别好，我们是睡的榻榻米，房间安静整洁。服务人员态度热情，给我们好的体验（ 手工折纸，免费和服照相，免费行李寄存）到各个景区都很方便，我们基本都是走路去的

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jun 2023

Arshile

We’ve stayed at a handful of hotels during our time in Japan, but the NARA Visitor Centre and Inn was by far the most wonderful. It’s such a special place, filled with people who will go out of their way to help make sure your stay in Nara is memorable and pleasant. I can’t thank everyone who works there enough.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jun 2023

Corey

Great place to stay while visiting Japan

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jun 2023

Eduardo

Kind staff, excellent location, room clean, recommend it 100%

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jun 2023

Melody

Great hotel for families

The location was fantastic. The hotel is a great space for families as it has some common spaces where you can heat up food you bring in, kids can relax, etc.
the visitor centre beneath the hotel has super helpful staff that run cultural programming like origami lessons, sumo games, and calligraphy. There is a convenience store on site as well.
The Japanese style room is spacious and beautiful. We would definitely stay there again.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

31 May 2023

Rie

Wonderful place to stay in Nara

Wonderful place to stay in Nara.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

17 May 2023

Nicola

An absolute gem

An absolute gem! Starbucks across of the adjacent pond which leads to Sanjo-dori St (food and local wares) as well as Konishicho (KN train line and food mall). Room was traditional tatami style and the public bath was not tattoo friendly per se but did not have a sign forbidding them (follow bathing rules and be respectful and no one will give you any problems). Some deer roamed about the area which was much quieter than other areas. Walking distance to Nara deer park, gardens and Todai-ji temple. Staff were friendly and attentive, visitor centre has activities available for visitors and patrons such as origami and the occasional tea ceremony. Absolutely would stay again.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

05 May 2023

Yoko

Staff were really nice and having the tourist bureau inside is so convenient

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

03 May 2023

Verified traveler

One stop place to visit or stay while in Nara

Wonderful location as it was right next to Nara Park. If you are a foreign visitor and not too familiar with the Japanese language, this is the place to stay. They have English (as well as other language) speaking staff. There is a travel center located in the lobby, a convenience store on the bottom level, cultural activities (some of which re free), bike rentals, foreign money exchange, and just about anything else you, as a foreign visitor, might require for a pleasant visit to Nara. I believe the center and inn are operated by Nara City.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Apr 2023

Verified traveler

Thank you Everyone at Nara Visitor Center & Inn

Inn is nearer to Kintetsu Nara station vs Nara JR station. The key world heritage places and many restaurants, cafes and retails were within short walking distance. Each staff at the inn and visitor center was able to speak a foreign language and they were very helpful and informative. I will stay with them the next time I visit Nara again.

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

18 Apr 2023

Kenneth

This property is located really close to the historic sites of Nara, and just down the pond from Starbucks. We did an overnight here with a personal size bag while our large bags shipped between hotels in Osaka and Hakone. It was nice to be at Tomodaji when it opened and get sunset photos of the historic places and avoid the crowds.
The price and location cannot be beat. Kitchen facilities down the hall and cultural activities mahe this ideal for families. As an older person with a bad back I found the bed too hard and the slope of the toilet for drainage in the wetroom bath a bit disconcerting. Not great if you have balance issues. But the staff are all nice, the price and location are fantastic for the right groups. Highly recommend for a fantastic value.

10/10

Exceptional

14 Apr 2023

Novianti

This hidden gem is just amazing! We regreted only staying one night in the Inn and in Nara. Prefered Nara to Kyoto that’s so crowded. Our traditional Japanese style room was very cosy but with modern amenities and bathroom. Cleanliness was top notch. Service was impeccable, typical Japanese hospitality. I wish i could have bought their pj’s! Most importantly, it felt like a ryokan experience without the high price tag. Best value for money. Will stay again for sure :)

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

22 Mar 2023

Verified traveler

Stay here.

Lovely, clean friendly place. Greta views from the room and perfect location for the park.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Mar 2023

suguna

Beautiful location near the Deer Park. There are restaurants and a Starbucks within walking distance.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 Feb 2023

SHENQI

Excellent experience. Definitely will come back again.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jan 2023

Ariene

Extremely kind and friendly staff who were very knowledgeable about Nara and tourist destinations. Hotel was in a great location and would gladly stay again.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jan 2023

Ryon

10/5 would reccomend to any solo traveler

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jan 2023

ZHIPENG

Great service. Nice view. Would def come visit again

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jun 2022

Etsuko

スタッフの方はどの方も親切で、丁寧でした。奈良出身ですが、朝目が覚めて布団の中から五重塔がみれるのは本当に素敵でした。、猿沢池や奈良公園を散歩して久しぶりの奈良を満喫しました。子供たちも物凄く良かったと言ってました。四人で布団で寝ましたが狭くなかったです。コンビニが一階にありますし、少し歩けばスーパーもレストランもあります。

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

14 Mar 2022

Sara

Great location, great staff

Great location (by a pond, view of the pagoda, at the top of the walking street, by the entrance to the park). The staff is super helpful (the 1st floor is a visitor's center, so there are maps and cultural activities) and the western style room is very generously sized for a Japanese hotel.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

14 Nov 2021

Stephen

Staying at the Nara visitor center was delightful and added to our cultural experience while visiting Nara.

Upon arriving we were enthusiastically greeted by English speaking docents. One docent took our six year old daughter under his wing, and taught her how to make an origami deer, while another docent took all our names and made Kanji scrolls for us to take away.

Our room was in a traditional Japanese style; Ryokan. We slept on futons on the floor, had a clean private bathroom and were provided a tea kettle and tea. It is a no frills facility, and has a bit of an hostile-like quality to it, but the room and the warmth of the staff made the stay very comfortable and cozy.

Reasonably priced rooms. Very close to the park, shrines and shopping district. No parking on site. Found a small lot nestled on some small side streets for a reasonable price.

Don't hesitate to stay here.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

05 May 2021

Fumie

Perfect location

The hotel is located in the center of the sightseeing area. It’s not luxurious but comfortable. All staffs are smiley and very helpful.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Apr 2020

Annie

It was very near to nara's park with dears. Its perfect cause the visitor information is in the same building. Very good place. I gonna go back in the futur !!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

13 Mar 2020

Jules

The property had the tourist center and convenience store built right in. The staff was super friendly and very helpful finding anything you need. Jay was especially great, helping us find stuff to do and a great place to eat. Absolutely fantastic.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

29 Feb 2020

John

Amazing place

Amazing place, perfect place to stay. Only fault I found, it would help if there was a chair outside room for taken off and putting on shoes

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

23 Feb 2020

Michal

Best place in Nara

The nicest, friendliest and best located place in Nara. I just didn’t want to leave!!

Self

10/10

Exceptional

30 Dec 2019

Verified traveler

Room very clean, great location close to Nara park. Staff very friendly.

Leisure Family

4/10

Poor

04 Dec 2019

Mehran

This hotel didn't even have a phone in the room. The futon mattresses provided were not clean.
However the people were very nice and respectful as many Japanese are.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

23 Nov 2019

Mary

Room with a view

We had a wonderful room with huge picture window overlooking the pond and pagoda. It was my birthday and the staff was so helpful finding a place to dine. Plus they gave me a birthday card! so sweet. Wished we had spent at least another night there.Family mart for breakfast.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Oct 2019

Matt

Very big room...clean with everything you need. I highly recomend

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

18 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

Cosy Inn

Amazing check-in experience, nice side activities and good hotel to try out tatami room.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Sep 2019

Rong

Perfect location

Perfect location. It is very close to railway station, Nara Park and a shopping street. Staff is nice and helpful.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

Simply wonderful!!

Simply great!! Loved the place. Everyone working there seemed to love their job and teaching everyone about Japanese culture. The room was clean, comfortable, etc. I wish we had more time to stay there. We took part in some activities the centre had to offer as well. Love Nara and loved Nara Visitor Centre and Inn!!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

The staff here are really friendly and welcoming, and the traditional Japanese style inns are a great experience!

Business

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

Cool Japanese style room and great view, 2 min away from nara park

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jun 2019

Verified traveler

This is the best location in Nara. The hotel staff was very friendly and helpful. The hotel even has a convenient store in the first floor, access to a cultural room, and to a kitchen in each floor. Our room was a Japanese style room with view to the lake and temple. The hotel needs some updates, but it is a good place for the money we paid. The only real concern I had was that even though it looked clean, there was a strong smell, like if someone cooked with strong spices in the room. Overall, the hotel was a good choice for my family of 4 for one night. I would recommend it and stay there again.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jun 2019

Verified traveler

Short walking to the PARK and train station, the staffs are very friendly, one lady can speak Chinese very well.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

28 May 2019

Sarah

Great place and excellent value

I stayed here for two nights on my own. I had a great stay at this comfortable little hotel right next to Nara Park. The staff here were incredibly friendly, helpful and proficient in English. I stayed in the Japanese-style room. This was very spacious for one person. The shower was excellent. I had a beautiful view from my window of the pagoda and the nearby pond. There were no frills with the room, but it had everything I needed.

I thought this was an excellent place to stay, with very good value for money. I would definitely come back.

6/10

Pleasant

07 May 2019

Verified traveler

a bit old, but clean and functional nonetheless. Great position and price, nice bath, and amazing view of the pagoda from our room.

Leisure Partner