City, Japan
Nara
Compact, calm old capital with the Great Buddha, Kasuga Taisha and free-roaming deer. Works as a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto, or a quiet one-night stay; evenings are very quiet.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$1,270–1,900Comfortable, one person · ¥200,000–300,000Details
- Value for money75/100Better value than 74% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMar–May, Oct–NovWarmest: Aug, 31°CDetails
- Internet234 MbpsFixed broadband, Japan medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe to drink; fountains and vending machines are easy to find.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$22–57Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundWalkingVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards and IC cards work at stations and chains; small eateries, temple admission and shops in Naramachi often want cash.Details
Where to stay in Nara
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Nara Park–Naramachi | Walkable stays near temples, old merchant houses and cafés |
| Kintetsu-Nara Station area | Easy trains, restaurants and budget hotels |
| JR Nara Station area | Trains to Kyoto and Osaka, business hotels |
Apps that work in Nara
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber Eats | Limited coverage around the stations |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: LINE
- Visit Japan Web: Immigration and customs QR codes
- Suica or PASMO: Trains, buses and konbini payments
- Safety tips: Official quake, tsunami and weather alerts in English
- Taxis: Taxis wait at both stations and are fine for luggage or Horyu-ji; ride-hailing apps are limited here. No tipping.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Japan.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards and IC cards work at stations and chains; small eateries, temple admission and shops in Naramachi often want cash.
- Currency: Yen (JPY). US$1 ≈ ¥157.82 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: 7-Eleven, Japan Post and AEON ATMs take foreign cards; ¥100,000 per withdrawal at 7-Eleven; small fee; decline currency conversion.
- Tipping: Not done and can confuse staff. Some restaurants add a 10% service charge, and izakaya often add a small seating charge (otoshi).
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay, Google Pay and contactless cards widely accepted; Suica or PASMO in Apple Wallet; PayPay shops take Alipay+ wallets.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Register on Visit Japan Web before flying to get immigration and customs QR codes instead of paper forms.
- JESTA, an online pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt visitors, is planned by fiscal 2028; it is not required yet.
- The International Tourist Tax rose to ¥3,000 per departure on 1 July 2026, normally included in airfares.
Emergency numbers
Police 110 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 119 · Tourist police 050-3816-2787
Plugs
Type A, B. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Data-only SIMs and eSIMs sold at airports and Bic Camera or Yodobashi, about ¥2,000–6,000; voice numbers need a residence card. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Japan
Going to Nara solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Nara meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.