What affordable attractions should backpackers visit in Nara?

Nara Park is a must-see, with its friendly deer roaming freely. It's free to enter, and you can buy inexpensive snacks to feed them. The Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha, is another great option. Entry is around 500 yen, but it's worth it for the impressive architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

What are the best hostels in Nara?

Among the hostels in Nara, Yuzan Guesthouse , Hilo Hostel and Bakery Hotel Chateau D'or are the most popular ones.

What nightlife options are popular among hostel guests in Nara?

Nara isn't known for its vibrant nightlife like some other Japanese cities. However, there are a few bars and pubs in the Naramachi district, known for its traditional houses. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, perfect for meeting other travellers.

What are the best hostels with a jacuzzi in Nara?

The best hostel with a jacuzzi in Nara is Bakery Hotel Chateau D'or .

What are the top social spots in Nara for hostel guests to meet other travelers?

The Nara Guesthouse K's House is a popular spot for backpackers. They often organise social events and activities, making it easy to meet other travellers. The Nara Hostel, located near Nara Station, also has a communal area where guests can mingle.

What are the best hostels for families and kids in Nara?

Bakery Hotel Chateau D'or and Deer Hostel - 外国人向け - 日本人予約不可 are the best hostels for families and kids in Nara.

What’s the best budget-friendly way to reach Nara?

The most affordable option is to take a direct train from Osaka or Kyoto. The journey takes about an hour and costs around 1,000 yen. If you're travelling from Tokyo, consider taking a Shinkansen bullet train to Osaka and then a local train to Nara.

What are the best hostels with parking in Nara?

Yuzan Guesthouse , Bakery Hotel Chateau D'or and Guesthouse Nara Backpackers are the best hostels with parking in Nara.

What should you know before renting a hostel in Nara?

Nara has a good selection of hostels, but it's always a good idea to book in advance, especially during peak season. Check the reviews and make sure the hostel is located near the attractions you want to visit. Most hostels offer free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and kitchen access.

What's the best time of the year to visit Nara?

Spring and autumn are the most popular times to visit Nara, with pleasant weather and stunning scenery. However, prices tend to be higher during these seasons. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider visiting in winter or early summer.

Where in Nara can you find the best areas to stay in a hostel?

The areas around Nara Station and the Kasuga Taisha Shrine offer a good selection of hostels. Nara Station is a convenient hub for exploring the city, while Kasuga Taisha Shrine is close to many popular attractions and restaurants.

Nara Hostels at the Best Price

8.1 1505 reviews

Haruya Naramachi

hostel, Nara-shi

Haruya Naramachi offers accommodation in Nara-shi's historic Naramachi district, a 15-minute walk from Kofuku-ji and a 30-minute walk from Todaiji Temple and Nara Park.
This traditional Japanese townhouse provides air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, a shared kitchen, and bike hire for exploring the area.

9.9 35 reviews

Natomi宿

hostel, Ikoma-shi

Natomi-yado guesthouse is situated in Heguri, Ikoma-shi, conveniently located 8.9km from Hanazono Rugby Stadium and within a 10-15km radius of Nara's main attractions.
This one-bedroom guest house offers two bathrooms, a garden, parking, and free Wi-Fi, along with American and Asian breakfast options; guests can also enjoy a communal garden and lounge.

9.3 27 reviews

Mini Inn Nara 1

hostel, Nara-shi

Mini Inn Nara 2 is a registered Japanese inn located in Nara-shi's historic district, offering convenient access to its renowned landmarks.
This accommodation for two guests provides air conditioning, a jacuzzi, internet, and a kitchen, alongside a single bedroom and bathroom.

No reviews

近鉄奈良駅から徒歩３分！　ホステル一部屋貸切プラン、最大24名可

hostel, Nara-shi

This hostel, offering the '近鉄奈良駅から徒歩３分！　ホステル一部屋貸切プラン、最大24名可' package, is situated in Nara city centre, a mere 0.2 kilometres from Kintetsu Nara Station, providing easy access to both Todai-ji Temple and Kyoto and Osaka.
The single-room lodging, sleeping up to 24 guests, features three bathrooms, air conditioning, internet access, and is licensed by Nara City Health Centre; shared facilities are available.

10 27 reviews

【Hilo Hostel】5min From Station / Mixed Dormitory

hostel, Nara-shi

【Hilo Hostel】in Nara-shi offers exceptional proximity to JR Nara Station, placing guests within easy walking distance of Nara Park and Todaiji Temple.
This budget-friendly guesthouse features a shared kitchen with a fridge and microwave, accommodating one guest in a single room with shared bathroom facilities, and provides free toiletries and Wi-Fi.

No reviews

Bnb+ Sarasa Nara

hostel, Nara-shi

Bnb+ Sarasa Nara, a modern guesthouse in Tsunofuricho, Nara, offers convenient access to Nara Park, just 700 metres away, and Todai-ji Temple, providing a prime location for exploring the city's cultural attractions.
This accommodation, situated on the second floor of the Iseya Building, provides complimentary Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and on-site parking, with friendly staff available to assist guests exploring the abundant nearby restaurants and shops.

8.4 622 reviews

Bnbplus Sarasa Nara

hostel, Nara-shi

Bnbplus Sarasa Nara is a guesthouse located in Nara-shi, a 17-minute walk from Nara Station, with Iwafune Shrine and Hanazono Rugby Stadium approximately 19-22 kilometres away.
This accommodation offers rooms with air conditioning and a fridge, shared bathrooms with a shower and hairdryer, and free WiFi, with a floor area of 2 square metres and one bedroom and one bathroom.

9.3 3304 reviews

The Deer Park Inn

hostel, Nara-shi

The Deer Park Inn is situated in Nara Park, just 0.7km from Kasuga Taisha Shrine and 1.2km from Todaiji Temple, offering a tranquil setting amongst the famous tame deer. The property has received excellent ratings for location, cleanliness, and overall experience.
This charming guesthouse features a shared kitchen, perfect for preparing meals, and a garden where you can relax. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a coin-operated laundry, and luggage storage.

8.6 2330 reviews

Nara Guesthouse Kamunabi

hostel, Nara-shi

Nara Guesthouse Kamunabi is located just 2 kilometres from Nara Station, making it a convenient base for exploring the city's historical temples and parks. The guesthouse has received very good ratings for its location, cleanliness, and overall experience.
The guesthouse offers a shared lounge, garden, and bar, creating a social atmosphere for guests to interact. Amenities include air conditioning, a shared kitchen, free Wi-Fi, and a continental or American breakfast, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

No reviews

奈良旅館 Villa East・west

hostel, Nara-shi

奈良旅館 Villa East・west is a hostel situated in Nara-shi, offering convenient access to local attractions.
This 55 square meter accommodation features one bathroom and a kitchen equipped with a fridge, freezer, and microwave, alongside air conditioning and free internet access.

9.4 8 reviews

Kohaku

hostel, Nara-shi

Kohaku Hostel is located in the Naramachi district, a short 600-metre walk from the Naramachi Museum and Gango-ji Temple, known for its well-preserved 17th-century traditional houses. The hostel has consistently received excellent ratings for its location, cleanliness and overall experience.
The hostel offers a choice of private rooms with tatami flooring and dormitory-style rooms with personal lockers and bunk beds. Guests can enjoy a cozy lounge area, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and the opportunity to experience traditional Japanese activities like sutra transcription.

8.9 42 reviews

Comfy Stay Sarusawaike

hostel, Nara-shi

Comfy Stay Sarusawaike is located in the Naramachi district, a short walk from Nara Park and Sarusawa Pond Park, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. The hostel has received very good ratings for its cleanliness, location, and overall experience.
The hostel features a communal living room, perfect for meeting fellow travellers. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi and air conditioning, as well as the convenience of parking on-site.

Top-Rated Hostels in the Old Town of Nara

Reach lively local pubs and bus links on foot from centrally located hostels in Nara.

9.2 2167 reviews

Hilo Hostel

hostel, Nara-shi

Hilo Hostel is located in Nara, just an 11-minute walk from Nara Station and a short distance from the city's main attractions. The hostel has received excellent ratings for its location, cleanliness, and overall experience.
Hilo Hostel offers a single bedroom and bathroom, providing a comfortable and affordable stay for solo travellers. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, a shared kitchen, and a bar, making it easy to connect with other travellers and enjoy the local atmosphere.

9.5 965 reviews

Guest House Oku

hostel, Nara-shi

Guest House Oku is conveniently located in Nara-shi, just a 0.8 kilometre walk from Kintetsu Nara Station and a 1.2 kilometre walk from JR Nara Station, making it easy to explore the city's attractions including the nearby Kofuku-ji Temple. This family-friendly guesthouse offers a peaceful retreat in a residential area with free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, and a limited capacity of three rooms, providing a more intimate and budget-friendly option for travellers.

8.9 1936 reviews

Guesthouse Nara Komachi

hostel, Nara-shi

The 41-2 Surugamachi - Hotel / Vacation Stay 8338 is located in the Surugamachi district of Nara, a short 10-minute walk from Nara Station and 18 kilometres from Iwafune Shrine. The hotel has received excellent ratings for its location and cleanliness, and very good ratings for its overall experience.
The hotel offers a comfortable and functional space for guests, with air-conditioned rooms, a TV, and a desk. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the property, and the hotel is also pet-friendly and family-friendly.

10 6 reviews

【Hilo Hostel】5min From Station / Female Dormitory

hostel, Nara-shi

【Hilo Hostel】in Nara-shi is located near JR Nara Station, offering easy access to Nara Park and Todaiji Temple, both within a short distance.
This female-only dormitory, with a single bedroom and bathroom, provides guests with a shared kitchen featuring a fridge and microwave, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning; a nearby supermarket is approximately 0.8 km away.

Best Nara hostels with air conditioning

8.2 2569 reviews

Deer Hostel

hostel, Nara-shi

Deer Hostel - - 外国人向け - 日本語予約不可 is located just a 10-minute walk from Nara Station, making it easy to explore the city's main attractions. It has received very good ratings for its location, cleanliness, and overall user experience.
The hostel offers a range of amenities, including a kitchen with a fridge and microwave, air conditioning, and a terrace. Guests can also enjoy free WiFi and room service.

9.0 23 reviews

Mini Inn Nara 2

hostel, Nara-shi

This Nara-shi guesthouse offers a peaceful stay in a traditional neighbourhood, steps from Nara Park and its famous wild deer.
The self-catering property features one bedroom, one bathroom, sleeps two guests, and includes Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a kitchen.

9.4 3939 reviews

Yuzan Guesthouse

hostel, Nara-shi

Yuzan Guesthouse Annex is conveniently located near Nara Station, a short walk from both Kintetsu and JR lines, putting it within easy reach of the city centre and major attractions. The guesthouse has excellent user, location, and cleanliness ratings, making it a popular choice for travellers.
The guesthouse has one bedroom and one bathroom, with a shared kitchen and lounge for guests to socialise. The guesthouse has a garden and terrace, offering a tranquil outdoor space to relax, and provides free Wi-Fi and luggage storage.

8.3 133 reviews

Comfy Stay Sarusawaike

hostel, Nara-shi

Comfy Stay Sarusawaike is a highly-rated hostel in Nara-shi, offering convenient access to local landmarks and attractions.
This accommodation provides complimentary Wi-Fi, air conditioning in some rooms, and tea and coffee making facilities, with linen service and basic toiletries available in select areas.

Frequently asked questions about hostels in Nara

What affordable attractions should backpackers visit in Nara?
Nara Park is a must-see, with its friendly deer roaming freely. It's free to enter, and you can buy inexpensive snacks to feed them. The Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha, is another great option. Entry is around 500 yen, but it's worth it for the impressive architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
What are the best hostels in Nara?
Among the hostels in Nara, Yuzan Guesthouse, Hilo Hostel and Bakery Hotel Chateau D'or are the most popular ones.
What nightlife options are popular among hostel guests in Nara?
Nara isn't known for its vibrant nightlife like some other Japanese cities. However, there are a few bars and pubs in the Naramachi district, known for its traditional houses. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, perfect for meeting other travellers.
What are the best hostels with a jacuzzi in Nara?
The best hostel with a jacuzzi in Nara is Bakery Hotel Chateau D'or.
What are the top social spots in Nara for hostel guests to meet other travelers?
The Nara Guesthouse K's House is a popular spot for backpackers. They often organise social events and activities, making it easy to meet other travellers. The Nara Hostel, located near Nara Station, also has a communal area where guests can mingle.
What are the best hostels for families and kids in Nara?
Bakery Hotel Chateau D'or and Deer Hostel - 外国人向け - 日本人予約不可 are the best hostels for families and kids in Nara.
What’s the best budget-friendly way to reach Nara?
The most affordable option is to take a direct train from Osaka or Kyoto. The journey takes about an hour and costs around 1,000 yen. If you're travelling from Tokyo, consider taking a Shinkansen bullet train to Osaka and then a local train to Nara.
What are the best hostels with parking in Nara?
Yuzan Guesthouse, Bakery Hotel Chateau D'or and Guesthouse Nara Backpackers are the best hostels with parking in Nara.
What should you know before renting a hostel in Nara?
Nara has a good selection of hostels, but it's always a good idea to book in advance, especially during peak season. Check the reviews and make sure the hostel is located near the attractions you want to visit. Most hostels offer free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and kitchen access.
What's the best time of the year to visit Nara?
Spring and autumn are the most popular times to visit Nara, with pleasant weather and stunning scenery. However, prices tend to be higher during these seasons. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider visiting in winter or early summer.
Where in Nara can you find the best areas to stay in a hostel?
The areas around Nara Station and the Kasuga Taisha Shrine offer a good selection of hostels. Nara Station is a convenient hub for exploring the city, while Kasuga Taisha Shrine is close to many popular attractions and restaurants.

Popular destinations

Choose the Right Hostels with Breakfast Included in Nara

There is no need to hunt for a café, as these hostels in Nara include a complimentary breakfast to start your morning right.

8.7 2225 reviews

Bakery Hotel Chateau D'or

hostel, Nara-shi

Bakery Hotel Chateau D'or is conveniently located in Nara, within walking distance of Kofuku-ji Temple and a mile from Todai-ji Temple, offering easy access to the city's main attractions. The hostel has received very good ratings for location, cleanliness and overall experience.
The hostel has a shared lounge for guests to relax and socialise. Amenities include air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a terrace, a jacuzzi, a restaurant and a bar.

Best Nara hostels with a locker

8.4 262 reviews

Mori ノ Guesthouse

hostel, Tenri-shi

Mori ノ Guesthouse is situated in Tenri-shi, just 10.6 kilometres from Nara Station and within 32 kilometres of several notable shrines, including Takochi Shrine and Sugawara Shrine, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of larger cities. The guesthouse has received very good ratings for cleanliness, location, and overall satisfaction.
The guesthouse features a single bedroom and a shared bathroom with a shower. Amenities include a fridge, microwave oven, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.

8.8 10 reviews

Guesthouse Nara Backpackers

hostel, Nara-shi

Guesthouse Nara Backpackers is situated in Nara-shi, just a short walk from Nara Park and a 10-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Train Station, making it a great base for exploring the city's many attractions. The guesthouse has received excellent ratings for its location, cleanliness, and overall experience.
Nara Backpackers is housed in a traditional Japanese building, offering a unique and authentic stay. Guests can enjoy modern amenities like a kitchen with a microwave, a garden, and bicycle rental, as well as a friendly atmosphere and privacy in the dormitory rooms.

Best Nara hostels with laundry available

9.0 23 reviews

Mini Inn Nara 2

hostel, Nara-shi

No reviews