Nara is an extremely popular Japanese city that attracts more than 13 million annual visitors to its ancient sites.
The capital of Nara prefecture was once the capital of Japan and has so many ancient sites that have earned the city designation of UN World Heritage Site.
This must-visit city not only has awesome nightlife and great food but also has herds of sacred deer roaming the city!
If you’re ready for an amazing break in Nara I’ve rounded up great hotels and hostels in the heart of this historic city.
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5 Best Hotels in Nara
Nara may not be the first destination you think of when planning a Japanese City break but it is one of Japan’s best destinations and is beloved by the Japanese.
The temples, shrines, and ancient Imperial Palace are still revered by the Japanese who flock to the city for a packed calendar of festivals.
In addition, Nara is the home of flocks of deer that are reliant on tourists for treats, so they are definitely waiting for your goodies!
Nara has some great hotels, but I’ve found the very best options for a great stay no matter your budget.
Here are my top five hotel picks for Nara.
1. Hotel Nikko Nara
| Location | 630-8122 Nara, Nara, Sanjohonmachi 8-1, Japan |
| Star rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Property type | Hotel |
| Book today | booking.com |
| Are children welcome? | Yes |
| Are pets welcome? | No |
| Nearest airport | Itami Airport (23 miles) |
| Nearby landmark | Nara Prefectural Art Museum (1 mile) |
Hotel Nikko Nara is one of Nara’s finest hotels. It is centrally located with direct access to JR Nara Station and is moments from city landmarks like Nara National Museum and Nara Park.
This luxury hotel has great amenities for a great break, including an onsen, spa (with massages), gym, and bicycle rental for exploring the local area.
The air-conditioned single, double, twin, deluxe, and family rooms sleep up to six guests. All rooms are equipped with a kettle, a fridge, satellite TV, and free Wi-Fi.
More photos on expedia.com
Guests wake up to a delicious Nara Breakfast, a hotel specialty that features delicious local cuisine.
Staff are super-helpful and will go out of their way to ensure that you are comfortable, supplying extra pillows or even arranging an early check-in.
2. Super Hotel Lohas JR Nara Eki
| Location | 1-2 Sanjo Honmachi, Nara City, Nara Prefecture |
| Star rating | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Property type | Hotel |
| Book today | booking.com |
| Are children welcome? | Yes |
| Are pets welcome? | No |
| Nearest airport | Itami Airport (23 miles) |
| Nearby landmark | Heijo Palace Ruins (1.6 mile) |
Super Hotel Lohas is a smart business hotel in the heart of Nara, conveniently located by the east exit of JR Nara Train Station.
It provides great value accommodation with stylish guest rooms that sleep up to four guests.
All rooms are air-conditioned and ensuite, with a kettle, TV, free Wi-Fi, yukata robe, and slippers.
Other amenities at the Super Hotel Lohas include a beautiful boulder-lined public onsen and a stylish public lounge.
The hotel serves breakfast daily with freshly baked items for an additional fee.
3. Nara Royal Hotel
| Location | 630-8001 Nara, Nara, Hokkeji 254-1, Japan |
| Star rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Property type | Hotel |
| Book today | booking.com |
| Are children welcome? | Yes |
| Are pets welcome? | No |
| Nearest airport | Itami Airport (22 miles) |
| Nearby landmark | Daibutsu railways memorial park (1 mile) |
Nara Royal Hotel is another of Nara City’s fine hotels, located just moments from the World Heritage Site of Heijō Palace Site Historical Park.
Guests can stay in twin, deluxe, and superior rooms that sleep up to five guests.
All rooms are en suite with TV, refrigerator, kettle, and complimentary toiletries.
More photos on expedia.com
This hotel has a strong culinary tradition and boasts the largest banqueting hall in Nara prefecture.
There are four restaurants and a tea lounge that boasts outstanding views of the nearby waterfall.
Other amenities include a public onsen, sauna, and hot tub.
There are English-speaking staff on hand to assist international guests.
4. NARA Visitor Center and Inn
| Location | 630-8001 Nara, Nara, Hokkeji 254-1, Japan |
| Star rating | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Property type | Hotel |
| Book today | booking.com |
| Are children welcome? | Yes |
| Are pets welcome? | No |
| Nearest airport | Itami Airport (22 miles) |
| Nearby landmark | Daibutsu railways memorial park (1 mile) |
The Nara Visitor Center and Inn is a cost-effective and practical accommodation option that’s perfect for new visitors to Nara.
You’ll be staying in the location of Nara City’s main tourist information desk, so there’s immediate English, Chinese, and Korean language assistance.
Plus there are perks like transport and meal vouchers, maps, and other great offers that’ll help you get the most out of the city.
More photos on expedia.com
The guest accommodation includes Japanese and Western-style rooms for up to seven guests.
The air-conditioned rooms have a refrigerator, flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, and nightwear provided.
Other amenities include an onsen, luggage storage, and complimentary cultural activities like origami making.
5. Bakery Hotel Chateau D’or
| Location | 630-8214 Nara, Nara, Higashimuki Kitamachi 15, Japan |
| Star rating | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Property type | Hostel |
| Book today | booking.com |
| Are children welcome? | Yes |
| Are pets welcome? | No |
| Nearest airport | Itami Airport (23 miles) |
| Nearby landmark | Nara Prefectural Art Museum (200 meters) |
Bakery Hotel Chateau D’or is a Nara restaurant and hotel with a cool neighborhood atmosphere, just a few steps from Kintetsu Nara Station. Its fifth-floor roof terrace provides great city views.
The hostel attracts an international clientele and the staff speak English.
The three-star accommodation is clean and spacious, including dorms and private rooms that sleep up to four guests.
More photos on expedia.com
All rooms are air-conditioned with linen, towels, Wi-Fi, tea, and coffee-making facilities provided.
Given the name, you can expect a delicious continental breakfast of baked goods served daily.
Rounding Up
Nara is a great Japanese city that combines history and heritage with a contemporary cosmopolitan vibe.
These five hotels make the ideal base for your exploration of Nara City and the wider prefecture. Book your Nara accommodation today!
