Visiting Nara on a trip to Japan is pretty much a rite of passage. I have to admit, I honestly thought it was going to be a total tourist trap packed with deer just for the gram. But it turned out to be one of the most incredible memories from my two months travelling around the country.

Nara was Japan’s very first permanent capital way back in the 8th century, so its historical roots are incredible. Beyond the famous wild deer roaming free, the city is packed with UNESCO World Heritage temples and monuments that are well worth your time.

Most travellers visit on a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto (and full disclosure, that is actually how I did it at first). But the city is so lovely and peaceful around sunset that spending at least one night here is genuinely worth it.

In this guide, I am going to walk you through the absolute best areas to stay, the hotels and ryokans I had my eye on, plus a few practical tips so you can plan your Nara getaway without a hitch. Shall we?

Staying Overnight in Nara vs Day Trip

To be completely honest with you, doing a day trip to Nara from Osaka or Kyoto is usually enough. In fact, you can easily do it on your own (just like I explain in my one day Nara guide) or by joining an organised tour. Nara Park, where the shika deer hang out, and the main temples are all super close to each other, so you can easily cover them in a few hours.

So if you are tight on time, lugging around heavy bags, or feeling a bit tired from switching hotels every couple of days, going back and forth in one day might be your best move.

However, about 90% of tourists heading to Nara have that exact same plan. That means you are going to run into queues everywhere and huge crowds (and I mean huge) around the parks and temples.

Staying overnight in Nara gives you the chance to experience everything at a much slower pace. You get to soak in the lush green scenery, stroll around without rushing, and take your time taking in every single spot. Trust me, it is such a gorgeous place that taking a breath and slowing down is totally worth it.

Reasons Why Staying Overnight in Nara Is Worth It

• Traditional ryokans are cheaper and far more relaxed than in Kyoto
• You get the temples and Nara Park all to yourself without the crowds
• Getting around on public transport is much easier outside peak hours
• The famous deer are way calmer and friendlier early in the morning

Where to Stay in Nara | Best Neighbourhoods

Nara Park Area | The Most Magical Option and My Top Pick

If you are going to take the time to stay overnight in Nara, this is THE spot in my opinion. Staying here means sleeping right next to the forest, the main temples, and the quiet pathways where the deer wander around. You get all the magic right on your doorstep!

The downside: It gets super quiet and dark at night, meaning there are fewer restaurants open past 8pm (you will need to walk a bit further if you do not eat at your accommodation).

Best Hotels in Nara Park:

Budget: The Deer Park Inn, a straightforward hotel with the absolute best location and a very reasonable price tag.

Boutique Stay: Both Villa Communico and Kotonoyado Musashino are top tier choices. They are traditional, include breakfast, and offer lovely park views.

Naramachi Old Town | History, Charm, and Local Vibe

This is Nara’s old merchant district, filled with traditional wooden townhouses, cute boutique shops, and trendy cafes. It sits right between the main train stations and Nara Park on the southern side. This would be my second favourite area to recommend.

Best Hotels in Naramachi:

Budget: I reckon Nara Ryokan is the best overall option for staying in Nara. It comes at a great price, offers classic Japanese comfort, and is super close to local dining spots and the park.

Luxury: Ryokan Asukasou right near the Nara Park entrance. It features beautiful internal gardens and private onsen baths.

Nara Station and Downtown | The Most Practical Choice

This is the area surrounding the two main train hubs (JR Nara Station and Kintetsu Nara Station). If you have heavy luggage, want to get around easily without walking too far, or are using a JR Pass, this is the most convenient spot. You have supermarkets, coffee shops, convenience stores, and traditional izakaya bars right at your fingertips. It is ideal for dropping your bags and heading straight out to explore.

The downside: It feels a bit more like a standard city street, so it lacks that idyllic charm of the park or the historic wooden houses.

Best Hotels in Downtown Nara:

Henn na Hotel and Yuzan Guesthouse are two fantastic options that offer great value within easy walking distance of everything.

BUUUUT ⚠️

You will notice online that people often recommend a few really cute places that are actually quite far from downtown and Nara Park (out in the suburbs or near smaller local train stations).

If you end up staying far out in Nara, you lose the whole perk of being close to the temples and end up wasting time on transport. If you were going to do that, you would honestly be better off staying in Osaka or Kyoto where you have endless transit options and nightlife. If you are doing an overnight stay in Nara, stick to one of these three main areas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Accommodation in Nara

How Many Nights Should You Stay in Nara?

For the vast majority of trips, just 1 single night is more than enough. It gives you plenty of time to visit Todai ji Temple, wander through Nara Park with the deer without the daytime crowds, stroll around Naramachi, and enjoy the experience of staying in a traditional ryokan.

How Far in Advance Should You Book a Hotel in Nara?

Ideally, you will want to book 2 to 3 months in advance. While Nara does not get quite as chaotic as Kyoto, the supply of good quality ryokans and hotels near the park is much smaller. If you are travelling during peak seasons (like spring cherry blossom season or autumn foliage), try to book between 4 and 6 months early because the best spots book out insanely fast.

Is There an Accommodation Tourist Tax in Nara?

Yes, Nara Prefecture charges a small accommodation tax per person per night that depends on your room rate (it usually ranges between 100 JPY and 500 JPY). This tax is almost never included in booking platforms and is usually paid directly in cash at the hotel.

Can You Stay in Nara and Use It as a Base for Kyoto or Osaka?

I would not recommend it at all. Even though everything looks super close on the map and there are direct 35 to 45 minute trains, commuting back and forth every single day eats into so much of your precious sightseeing time. The smartest move is switching bases: book your nights in Osaka, your nights in Kyoto, and treat yourself to just 1 overnight stay in Nara to soak in the experience without rushing.

Continuing Your Trip Around Japan?

Nara was my second stop in Japan, right after Osaka, and it blew me away SO much. From there, I carried on to Kyoto and Uji, then hiked the Kumano Kodo visiting the 3 grand shrines and lovely little spots like Yunomine Onsen.

Next up was the Shimanami Kaido, that epic 70 km cycling route across 6 islands! After that, we caught a ferry over to Beppu, Japan’s hot spring capital, and shortly after soaked up the beach vibes in Ishigaki.

Tokyo came next, along with the scenic Kiso Valley, and the ultimate grand finale was Mount Fuji. You can check out all of these adventures (and more articles getting added constantly) over in the Japan section.

I really hope this guide was helpful and that you have the most amazing time in Nara!

💡 PS: If this article popped up right when you needed it and helped you plan your trip, you can support this blog project by buying me a coffee!

Guadi.