Nara is a quiet and underrated place to stay in the Kansai region. While most visitors base themselves in Osaka or Kyoto and make a day trip to Nara, spending a night or two in the city allows you to experience a completely different side of Japan. To help you find where to stay in Nara, we’ve put together our top recommended hotels in the city.Once the day-trippers leave, the crowds thin out, the streets become peaceful, and the city takes on a relaxed atmosphere that can be difficult to find in its larger neighbouring cities.

Known for its friendly deer that roam freely through Nara Park, the city is also home to some of Japan’s most significant historical and cultural sites, including Todai-ji, Kasuga Taisha, and Kofuku-ji. Staying overnight gives you the opportunity to explore these attractions during the quieter early morning and evening hours, when the park is at its most tranquil and the deer are often more relaxed.

In this short guide, we’ll share our favourite hotels in Nara. We’ll cover our best picks for those on a budget, the best for first time visitors, and those looking for a traditional ryokan experience.

Find the best hotels in Nara

Best Overall: Hotel Tenpyo Naramachi

Best for first timers: Henn na Hotel Premier Nara

Best Atmosphere: Kotonoyado Musashino
Best Budget Stay: Nara Royal Hotel

Best Ryokan: Nara Kasugaokuyama Tsukihitei

Best Budget Stay

Nara Royal Hotel

The Nara Royal Hotel is one of Nara's best-value hotels, combining comfortable rooms, natural hot spring baths, and excellent facilities at a surprisingly affordable price. With rates often available for under ¥10,000 per night, it offers travellers a chance to enjoy a full-service Japanese hotel experience without the premium price tag. Conveniently located near Shin-Omiya Station and the historic Heijo Palace site, it's an ideal base for exploring Nara while keeping accommodation costs low.

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Best for first time visitors

Henn na Hotel Premier Nara

Henn na Hotel Premier Nara is a great choice for first-time visitors looking for a convenient, modern base in the city. Just a short walk from Kintetsu Nara Station and within easy reach of Nara Park and the city’s main temples, it takes the hassle out of getting around while still keeping you close to the action. The hotel offers clean, comfortable rooms with a slightly futuristic twist, making it a fun and practical introduction to staying in Nara, all in a great location and reasonable price.

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Best Atmosphere

Kotonoyado Musashino

The Kotonoyado Musashino is a small, traditional-style Japanese ryokan found in the heart of Nara Park, near the base of Mt. Wakakusa. Surrounded by ancient temples, peaceful forests, and Nara’s famous free-roaming deer, it offers one of the most atmospheric and authentic places to stay in the ancient capital. Its location places guests within easy walking distance of major attractions such as Kasuga Taisha and Todai-ji, making it an ideal base for exploring the city's cultural treasures.

Unlike larger hotels, Musashino focuses on providing a classic ryokan experience. Guests stay in traditional tatami-mat rooms, sleep on futon bedding, and are welcomed with warm Japanese hospitality. Many rooms offer views of Mt. Wakakusa or the surrounding forests of Nara Park, while select rooms feature private open-air baths for an even more relaxing stay.

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Best Ryokan

Nara Kasugaokuyama Tsukihitei

When it comes to Ryokan stays in Nara, the Kasugaokuyama Tsukihitei is one of the top rated stays. Enjoy stylish modern rooms, or a more traditional tatami experience, tucked away in the peaceful forest on the outskirts of Nara city.

Kasugaokuyama Tsukihitei prides itself on offering the the best for their guests, which is why the strongly emphasise providing top quality wetsern-style rooms, as well as offering the traditional ryokan experience with tatami-rooms to suit the tastes of all their guests.

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Best Overall

Hotel Tenpyo Naramachi

Hotel Tenpyo Naramachi is one of the best mid-range accommodation options in Nara for travellers who want a modern hotel in an unbeatable location. Originally renovated and reopened in 2021, the hotel embraces a unique calligraphy theme. Each guest room features different works of Japanese calligraphy, poetry, and artwork created by monks, artists, and storytellers connected to the region, giving every room its own character.

For travellers looking for a balance between traditional Japanese atmosphere and modern hotel convenience, Hotel Tenpyo Naramachi is an excellent choice.

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Whether you’re looking for a traditional ryokan experience, a modern hotel in the city centre, or a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, Nara offers accommodation options to suit every style of traveller. Staying overnight allows you to experience a different side of the city after the day-trippers have departed, with quiet streets, tranquil temples, and the chance to enjoy Nara’s unique atmosphere at a more relaxed pace.