This Nara travel cost guide will help you plan a realistic budget for your trip while still making the most of your time away. Our Nara trip cost calculator includes average costs from thousands of previous travelers, covering hotels, meals, attractions, entertainment, and local transportation. Nara is a natural city known for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer, and it would be a shame to miss out on anything because you did't plan your budget. Whether you're exploring the museums, enjoying the nightlife, or hiking in nature, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Nara that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Nara?
A typical traveler spends $101 (¥16,361) per day on a trip to Nara. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Nara based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $46 (¥7,481) on meals
- $5.54 (¥893) on local transportation
- $99 (¥15,956) on hotels
A one-week trip to Nara for two people costs, on average, $1,420 (¥229,054). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from thousands of other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Is Nara expensive to visit?
In Nara, budget travelers spend $61 (¥9,894) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $101 (¥16,361) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $176 (¥28,326) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Nara.
Nara is a charming destination that draws in visitors with an array of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary choices. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Nara can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
Within Asia, Nara is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Osaka or Nagano.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Nara Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Nara?
The average Nara trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Nara travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Nara cost?
Nara on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$39
(¥6,307)
|
$49
(¥7,978)
|
$69
(¥11,134)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$2
(¥384)
|
$6
(¥893)
|
$11
(¥1,807)
|
|
Food2
|
$20
(¥3,193)
|
$46
(¥7,481)
|
$96
(¥15,461)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$3
(¥526)
|
$7
(¥1,196)
|
$14
(¥2,244)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$2-7
(¥375-1,125)
|
$5-16
(¥857-2,571)
|
$10-30
(¥1,638-4,914)
|
Accommodation Budget in Nara
The price of hotels in Nara can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury and amenities, but with much higher price tags, especially during peak season. Off-season averages are around $97, while peak summer season averages can reach $181. Prices range from $39 to $396, but hostels are usually cheaper. Traveling during the low season and booking early are good ways to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Nara for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $99 (¥15,956). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $49 (¥7,978) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Nara? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Staying further from the city in Nara could save you money with the help of a great public transit system, but higher transportation costs and a longer commute could be a downside.
Nara is known as a family-friendly city, so if you're traveling with kids, be sure to look for an apartment with extra space.
By avoiding the peak summer season and traveling in the low or shoulder seasons, you will be rewarded with lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.
Exploring Nara by foot is a favorite activity for many, so it's wise to find a centrally located place to stay. Just be aware that this may cost more.
The city's unique old town is a major draw for visitors. Hotels here may be more expensive, but they typically offer a lot of character and convenient access to all the attractions.
Transportation Budget in Nara
Nara boasts a great public transit network. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots. For a budget-friendly and fast way to explore, public transportation is the way to go. Taxis and rideshares are also widely available.
Those who relish exploring on foot will find plenty to enjoy during their visit. Many of the sights are within walking distance of each other, so many visitors enjoy exploring on foot.
Public Transit: 
(great)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $5.54 (¥893) per person, per day, on local transportation in Nara. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Nara is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$5.54
¥893
Since Nara does not have its own airport, most visitors arrive via either Kansai International Airport or Osaka's Itami Airport (for domestic flights). From Kansai Airport, Airport Limousine buses run to the two Nara train stations every hour.
By train from Kyoto Station, both the JR Nara Line and the private Kintetsu Kyoto Line will get you to Nara quickly. The trip can take 35-50 minutes depending on the train. The fastest train route from Osaka is to take the private Kintetsu Nara Line from Namba Station.
As Nara is a major tourist attraction, there are a good number of buses that run between Nara and other locations throughout Japan, which are much cheaper than train fares. Major bus lines include JR Bus, Willer Express, and Nara Kotsu.
Should you plan on going hiking, you might need to plan your route to the trail, as public transit may not be an option.
In Japan, trains are one of the fastest and lowest cost means of transportation. Getting a Japan Rail Pass can save you money if you plan to stay for several days or more. Regional and nation-wide passes are available, usually for the number of days of your choice.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Nara/Kobe ⇆ Osaka or Kansai Airport (KIX) Private Transfer for $97 details
- Kansai Airport (KIX): Private Transfer To/From Nara City Hotels for $172 details
- City-to-City Transfer, from Nara to Each City in Kansai for $199 details
How much does it cost to go to Nara? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Nara will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Nara
The cuisine in Nara is nice, but it's not the main attraction for tourists. There are still some delightful finds around the city that are worth exploring. The cuisine is simple and traditional with its roots in the history of the area. Many residents start their morning with a simple rice porridge. The area is also known for its persimmon leaf sushi and miwa somen (a thin, chewy noodle).
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Nara can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Nara is $46 (¥7,481) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$46
¥7,481
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Nara is around $46 (¥7481) per person, with previous travelers spending from $20 to $96. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Nara are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $14
- Lunch: $7 to $19
- Dinner: $14 to $32
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $7
One of the more renowned products of Nara is called kaki-no-hazushi, which is sushi (usually mackerel or salmon) wrapped in persimmon leaves and is used to make various foods from kudzu noodles to Japanese sweets. Somen are a type of thin wheat noodle also served in Nara, and can be either hot or cold. Another well-known culinary product is shika-senbei, a rice cracker sold around Nara Park, though it is mainly sold for the purpose of feeding the deer. The kaki-no-hazushi, mentioned earlier, is also popular take-out food, common with travelers passing through for a quick snack. As far as drinks go, yamato-cha is a locally-produced healthy green tea, and of course there is sake. Harushika brand is produced by one of the oldest existing sake breweries in Japan. Most restaurants are located in Downtown Nara or Naramachi, and range from local to international selections.
When you're on the road with kids, look for eateries that have a kids' menu. This can lead to considerable savings, as those meals are generally less expensive. Some restaurants might not highlight their kids' options, so don't hesitate to ask the waiter before you order.
Many establishments feature breakfast in their pricing, although some tack it on as an added expense. The price and quality can fluctuate depending on the hotel. Being aware of this beforehand helps you gauge if you'll need extra cash. The hotel buffet might be a delicious choice, or you could save some cash by heading to a nearby bakery or cafe.
Bring a water bottle to avoid frequent drink purchases. It's also a sustainable choice.
Planning a tour? Be sure to confirm in advance which meals are provided. You could find yourself footing the bill for some meals, which can affect your budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Nara, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Udon and Tempura Cooking Class in Nara for $60 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Nara
It's no surprise that Nara sees many visitors since it offers museums and attractions, nightlife, hiking, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Nara typically cost an average of $7.42 (¥1,196) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$7.42
¥1,196
In Nara, Nara Park is the place where most of the city's sights are concentrated. Temples, shrines, and semi-wild deer span across a wide, pleasant space of greenery. Visitors can enjoy the wildlife and even feed the deer in Nara. The Daibutsu-den, which houses the second largest Buddha statue in Japan, is said to be the largest wooden building in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. There is a giant front gate guarded by two fierce protectors, and there are many other giant statues and relics to be found on site.
Kofuku-ji is a temple with a three-story and a five-story pagoda that can be viewed beautifully from Sarusawa Pond. Other temples and shrines of the park include Himuro Shrine surrounded by cherry trees, Ukimido built upon Sagiike Pond, Shin-Yakushi-ji with fierce warrior statues and a Buddha of healing, and Kasuga Taisha with a giant rack of sake barrels near the front gate and the fountain-statue of a giant buck.
Nara National Museum has one of the world's best collections of Buddhist art and changing exhibitions, while some of the park's natural beauties can be viewed at the Kasuga-yama Hill Primeval Forest, Isui-en Garden, and the Yoshikien Garden.
With so much history and so many World Heritage Sites (both those mentioned above as well as others in the surrounding areas), sight-seeing can occupy most of a visit. Some worthwhile sights not yet mentioned include temple complexes like Yakushi-ji and Gango-ji as well as the Heijokyu Palace Site.
The Mount Wakakusa Fire Festival is a celebration usually held the night before the 2nd Monday in January. Great fireworks and the dry grass on the slopes of this mountain are set on fire by two temples, and can make for a spectacular show. There is also an annual light festival in August called Nara Toka-e, where 10,000 candles illuminate the area around Nara Park and major temples. The most traditional, however, is Shuni-e (Omozu-tori) which has been celebrated annual since 752 AD. During the first two weeks of March, priests perform a Buddhist memorial service every evening, running around the Nigatsu-do carrying large flaming torches
Museums and Attractions:
Museums and historic landmarks are a big part of what makes Nara so popular. The city is filled with history. There are many ancient temples such as Tōdai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple, and Tōshōdai-ji Temple. You can also visit the Nara National Museum as well as the many parks and gardens.
Hiking:
Many hikers rave about the trails surrounding Nara. The city is all about its surrounding nature. There are historic pilgrim routes that pass through the hills and mountains, taking you by sacred sights and ancient forests. In the area you'll find some of Japan's most ancient byways.
Shopping:
Visiting this shopping destination is an experience you can't afford to miss. Sanjo-dori is the main street through town. This is where you'll find many souvenir shops that sell local items and traditional food. Mochiido Center Town is the oldest shopping arcade in town and it is filled with history.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Nara. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Perfect Nara Park Half-Day Bus Tour with English Speaking Guide for $63 details
- Private Nara Tour and Sake Tasting (Departing from Kyoto/Nara) for $158 details
- Sushi Making Experience Luxury Course in Nara for $111 details
Nightlife Budget in Nara
With its fun and active nightlife, Nara attracts visitors eager to experience the local bars, clubs, and parties. The town offers a serene and relaxed atmosphere at night. There are plenty of bars around town that are known for their friendly bartenders and you'll find many of the bars in Naramachi, which is the old town area.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $11 (¥1,714) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Nara per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$11
¥1,714
Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.
Stay sharp if you're out at night and enjoying a few drinks. You might attract pickpockets or worse, so stay close to friends you trust and avoid being alone.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Nara. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Nara Afternoon Sake Brewery Tour with an Expert Guide & Tastings for $107 details
Travel cost data last updated: May 10, 2026
Traveling in Nara
Ukimido Pavilion, Nara, Japan (©NARA TOURISM FEDERATION/©JNTO)
As Japan's first capital, Nara offers a world of tradition and culture second only to the city of Kyoto. It is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are largely concentrated in the area of Nara Park. Here, it is also common to see many deer wandering freely amongst the temples and shrines.
Neighborhoods & Around
Downtown Nara is the area built up around the city's two main train stations-JR Nara Station and Kintetsu Nara Station. The two main streets, Sanjo-dori Street and Noborioji-dori Street, are where you will find most of Nara's hotels, shops, and restaurants. Noborioji-dori Street marks the north side of downtown and takes you up to Nara Park, where most of the historic sight-seeing can be done. Naramachi is the more traditional district of Nara where you will find some ryokan (Japanese-style inns), restaurants, cafes, and shops. Easy walking distance to Nara Park and the two train stations, Naramachi is a pleasant part of town to take a stroll and enjoy the peaceful side of a traditional city for an afternoon.
Related:
Looking for a hostel in Japan? In search of a party in Tokyo? Traveling alone to Osaka or Tokyo?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your budget for Nara. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.
Who are Budget Travelers?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $61 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Nara is packed with plenty of hostels, including Yuzan Guesthouse. At hostels like these, you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation and a lively social scene, but amenities might be quite minimal. In addition, the city provides solid public transit, making it easier for budget travelers to skip costly taxi or Uber fares.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. It's a common desire for visitors to Nara to experience the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $101 per person, per day.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
For those wanting a high-end experience complete with every luxury and high-quality service, expect to spend about $176 each day. To enjoy nicer accommodations, award-winning dining, extravagant adventures, and convenient transport like taxis or private chauffeurs in the city, prepare for a pricier experience. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide - offered by Viator.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
