NARA Visitor Center & Inn is located by the Sarusawa Pond in Nara City, a short walking distance from Kintetsu Nara station and Nara station. It is the hub for all travel resources when visiting Nara. If you have any questions, need travel recommendations, or are looking for transportation guidance this is the stop to make.
The visitor center offers services that will ease your travels in Nara. Find an ATM serving overseas cards and foreign currency exchange at the service counter. Drop your bags off at the baggage storage to rid the excessive weight off your shoulders as you explore the nearby areas. The travelers lounge is equipped with computers and i-pads available for use free of charge. If they are taken, use the free Wi-Fi, to start planning your adventure on your own devices. Find pamphlets and maps for basic information and tips on where to go. The multilingual staff are also extremely helpful and are happy to share the must-see sights and eats that you will not find in travel pamphlets.
In addition to the many services offered here, you will find daily walking tours and free cultural activities to participate in. This is a great chance to learn and experience the art of Ikebana (flower arranging), dress in a Tempyo gown, or challenge yourself with Japanese calligraphy. Take the free excursion buses available every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday until October 31st, for a ride to either Asuka Village or Mount Yoshino. The famous sights and activities are not limited to Nara City so don't miss out on this opportunity to explore all the beauty Nara Prefecture has to offer!
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Located next to the Sarusawa Pond, it's a 5-6 minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station or a 10-15 minute walk from JR Nara Station.
Le tout nouveau NARA Visitor Center ouvrira le 23 juillet 2015. Pour la cérémonie d'inauguration de ce centre pour les touristes, de nombreuses festivités sont prévues, dont l'ouverture et la dégustation d'un tonneau de saké ainsi qu'une cérémonie du thé et un summer matsuri.
Excursions en bus gratuites pour accéder au village d'Asuka (berceau du Japon) et Yoshino-cho (classé au patrimoine mondial de l'UNESCO) à partir du vendredi 24 juillet 2015.
Appréciez une nuit sous le signe de l'hospitalité japonaise dans le ryokan Matsumae à Nara.
Restaurant Hiyori à Nara : au menu, saveurs locales et fraîcheur incomparable !
Difficile à remarquer, まぐろ小屋, ou Maguro Koya (soit "petit établissement servant du thon") est un restaurant servant du thon farci/la partie charnue de l'abdomen du thon qui mérite le détour si vous vous trouvez à Nara.
Le parc de Nara a été créé en 1880 et est situé dans la ville de Nara, facilement accessible depuis Kyoto ou Osaka. La vaste région s'étend sur près de 670 hectares et est connue pour sa nature magnifique et ses cerfs en liberté qui errent librement et se laissent approcher sans crainte par les visiteurs. Il abrite également les attractions principales de Nara, notamment Todai-ji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji et le musée national de Nara. Le millier de cerfs de Nara, considérés comme des messagers des dieux, est devenu un symbole de la ville et ils sont même considérés comme un trésor naturel. Ils peuvent être nourris avec des friandises spéciales et vous pourrez les voir saluer les visiteurs d'un signe de tête.
Todai-ji Temple, also known as the Great Eastern Temple, was originally built in 752 at the behest of Emperor Shomu. It is one of the most famous and historically significant temples in all of Japan and one of the landmarks of Nara. The Todai-ji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Until recently, the main hall of Todai-ji, Daibutsuden, was the largest wooden building in the world. The massive structure houses one of the largest cast bronze Buddha statues (Daibutsu) in Japan, which is 15 meters tall. Another popular attraction is a pillar with a floor-level hole that is exactly the size of the Buddha's nostril. Whoever manages to squeeze through this opening will supposedly reach enlightenment in the next life.
The great Kasuga Shrine (Kasuga Taisha) is located in Nara Park. It was built at the same time as the capital and is dedicated to the deity responsible for protecting the city. The shrine was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. The most distinctive feature of the shrine is its 3,000 lanterns. Both stone lanterns and bronze lanterns were donated by believers and decorate the interior of the shrine. All 3,000 lanterns are lit twice a year. The first celebration in February (Setsubun Mantoro) represents the beginning of spring. The second celebration in August (Chugen Mantoro) honors the gentle transition into autumn. The shrine is also home to the Kasuga Taisha Museum, which houses some of the relics. This includes two sets of large, ornate drums.
