Nara Hotel
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
- Kintetsu-Nara Station · 15 min walk (Kintetsu Nara Line, Kintetsu Kyoto Line)
- Hours
- Check-in from 15:00, check-out by 11:00; Tea Lounge 11:00–18:00 (L.O. 17:30)
- Admission
- Free for public lounge areas; dining and accommodation charged separately
- Time needed
- 45–90 min
Hours can change on holidays — check the official site before travelling.
About
Established in 1909 as the 'State Guest House of the Kansai Region,' the Nara Hotel is a living museum of Meiji-era architecture designed by Tatsuno Kingo. Its gorgeous Momoyama-style wooden exterior and classic interior have hosted royalty, Albert Einstein, and Audrey Hepburn. Expect an elegant atmosphere blending Japanese temple-style aesthetics with Edwardian luxury, complete with beautiful views over Nara Park.
What Japanese guides note
Day visitors may enter the main building to view the architectural details of the lobby, visit the gift shop, or dine without an overnight reservation. The property borders both the southern boundary of Nara Park and the historic merchant quarter of Naramachi, making it a natural transition point between the two areas. Because private guest rooms directly flank the central atrium, visitors exploring the corridors are expected to keep voices down and respect designated guest-only zones.
Details from local sources
- Built by the Imperial Railway Board at an expense of 350,000 yen—double the cost of Tokyo's Rokumeikan—its hybrid exterior was dictated by a Nara Prefectural Assembly resolution mandating harmony with surrounding temple architecture. [source]
- The ornamental giboshi finials mounted on the central balustrade of the main lobby staircase are crafted from local Nara Akahada ceramic ware rather than metal. [source]
- The Sakura-no-ma lobby lounge displays the Harrington upright piano played by Albert Einstein during his 1922 visit, with lounge entry reserved exclusively for staying guests between 17:00 and 20:00. [source]
- Part of the hotel sits directly within the historic grounds of Daijō-in, an aristocratic monzeki sub-temple established in 1087 whose surviving designated scenic garden abuts the property. [source]
Insider Tip
Even if you aren't staying overnight, book their traditional afternoon tea or enjoy a classic cocktail at the historic 'The Bar'.
Frequently asked
Can non-staying visitors enter Nara Hotel to look around or have tea?
Yes. Non-staying visitors are permitted to enter the main building to view the common lobby spaces, visit the gift shop, and dine. The ground-floor Tea Lounge operates on a walk-in basis from 11:00 to 18:00 without advance reservations, while restaurant dining rooms also welcome outside guests.
How do you reach Nara Hotel from the local train stations?
Kintetsu-Nara Station is a 15-minute walk away, while JR Nara Station takes approximately 25 minutes on foot. Nara Kotsu buses depart regularly from both stations to the Nara Hotel stop in 8 to 15 minutes, and the hotel operates a scheduled free shuttle bus service connecting both rail stations.
Is parking available for daytime visitors driving to the hotel?
The hotel offers approximately 100 parking spaces on site. However, parking privileges are strictly limited to active dining and lodging guests, and parking prior to check-in or following check-out is prohibited. When lots reach capacity during peak seasons, drivers are redirected to commercial lots nearby.
Our Nara walking tours
On the same walk
Photos
