This is the best place you can stay at for the price, I can assure you. The rooms are clean and comfortable. So is the bathroom, shower, etc. The location is fantastic, you can walk everywhere in Nara: The Park and Temples, the Naramachi district, the train station... The staff is amazingly nice and kind, you can tell they like their job and they enjoy dealing with travellers. I had the chance to meet Mrs Gao in the Reception Desk, and she was absolutely marvellous!!! I want to thank her again and again for her attention and kindness. I will 100% stay here again if I am back in Nara.

Everything was fantastic and exceeded my expectations!

The Nara Visitor Center & Inn, located in the heart of Nara, is a truly unique establishment that seamlessly combines the functions of a tourist information center and a charming hotel, and as such, its not comparable to standard hotel-like accommodations. Do not expect communal areas or rooms to be adorned with fresh and fancy designs, but if you're looking for value for your money, you'll have to look far and wide to find something even close. Nestled just a stone's throw from the serene Sarusawa Pond and within walking distance of Nara's most revered temples and shrines, the Nara Visitor Center & Inn offers an unparalleled experience for those seeking to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Japanese culture. But what really stood out to me was the consistently exceptional customer service I received from the Nara Visitor Center & Inn staff throughout my stay. Their attentiveness, friendliness, and genuine passion for Japanese culture were evident in every interaction. They went above and beyond to ensure that my stay was nothing short of exceptional, answering my questions with patience and providing valuable insights into Nara's rich history and traditions. My six-night stay at the Nara Visitor Center & Inn was an unforgettable journey into the heart of Japanese culture. It was a place where I could truly slow down, appreciate the beauty of simplicity, and reconnect with myself. If you seek an authentic and transformative cultural experience, I wholeheartedly recommend the Nara Visitor Center & Inn. It is a place where you can truly embrace the essence of Japanese hospitality and create memories that will last a lifetime.

-traditional Japanese room had lots of space for 3 futon mattresses and a separate seating area. 2 adults and 2 younger primary school aged kids. -we used the bath on the lower level for bathing - there was no one else using it whilst we were there so it was nice. Water is clean and good temperature. -towels and bedding very clean -close to temples and undercover shopping street -big pond/lake in front where you will find a few deer's. Very picturesque when you take a photo from this spot with the lake, deers and temple in the background -Jinbei provided (kind of traditional loungewear) to use during your stay -activities in the visitor centre in the same building on ground floor included free activities like cosplay (Yukata, kimono, sumo wrestler, ninja, deer), Japanese name writing, origami of a deer -free WiFi. -convenience store on lower level. Not the biggest selection but handy to have. Can get the deer crackers here for 200yen (standard price all around nara). -coin laundry on the lower level. -We stayed on level 4 - they had a common area which had a 2 seat table, microwave, cooktop. Cooking utensils and pots can be borrowed from front desk if you want them - we didn't cook, plenty to eat around the area even with the typhoon Lan hitting us right in the middle of the obon holiday -shutting down the rail network everywhere for most of the day.

Everything was great

i would give this place an 11 if i could. It’s an absolute enjoyable place. The staff….is….. wonderful. english speaking but even if they didn’t they are involved. pPre authentic friendliness. The building radiates joy, professionalism and friendliness. It’s a visitorscentre slash hotel, right along the pond in the middle of town. The building has a swedish, blank wood-touch to it, clean, a common kitchen, washing machines, onsen, a konbini in the basement believe it or not and all kind of restaurants around the corner. Next time I only want to stay here!

nothing.

You get a very spacious Japanese style room with very good noise cancellarion, which is uncommon in Japan. It feels like you’re living in a traditional Japanese household. You get a Japanese style pajamas as well! The outside view is tranquil and peaceful. You can spot wild deers roaming around in the daytime. You can buy deer crackers from the convenience store nearby the inn. For such a cheap price, it’s immense value that you get! Not tonkention there’s also a cultural and information center nearby the checkout desk where you can participate in Japanese arts and crafts and other activities. 10/10!

Nothing.

The accommodation is inside the Nara tourist information centre. The staff speak a little bit of english which was impressive, but even more so they were all warm and very friendly people. The information staff are enthusiastic to tell travellers all about Nara and local events. Special shout-out Hiroe (hope I am spelling that correctly). The room was a traditional Japanese style room complete with tatami mats, sliding screens, and floor futons. The room was slightly dated but that is part of the appeal. The accommodation is very central to Nara park.

The first night was a bit uncomfortable as the mattresses were thin and placed on the floor, making it harder than we were accustomed too. We messaged the staff via the booking app and they happily added extra mattresses while we were out exploring. The only very minor issue is that it could be helpful to just have extra mattresses stored in the room closet. But, again, the staff were great in helping us out.

Genuinely stunned by how good this place is while being so affordable. I had a really spacious room with view of the pond and temples, traditional tatami floor, really beautiful experience. There is a common bath available from afternoon to evening which was a nice surprise. Lots of information about activities is shared, and I spontaneously booked a tea ceremony for the afternoon. Special mention to the lovely receptionist who could have not been any more friendly and helpful!

Location is the best. Close to everywhere. The staff speaks english very well. Many activities such as origami and calligraphy for free cause this place is basically a visitor center.

Quite a walk from 24 hour convenience store. However, there’s a vending machine on the basement and a small convenience store that doesn’t open 24 hours. Central AC/Heating. Japanese likes it a few degrees warmer, so we were sweating on our sleep, had to open the window, and got bitten by mosquitoes. Poor ventilation as sometimes we can smell when people are smoking or taking a dump on the other rooms. It’s a bit old so there’s a strong old wood smell if you got the tatami room.

Very kind and wholesome environment, made origami deer with the the extensive help of the staff. Theres an onsen on the property that I didn’t get a chance to use but it was a great bonus! They have a list of objects you can borrow from a kettle to a desk lamp, extension cord, cooking utensils etc. great location and very nice property.

No fault of the hotel but the five story pagoda is under renovation until 2031, which really detracts from the view and general ambiance. Otherwise very beautiful spot right next to a small lake. I added a silly bad photoshop of what the view from my room *should* look like :p

I really enjoyed my stay at the Nara Visitor and Inn. The location is great; very close to Nara Park and, if you’re lucky (or rather, have booked early enough) you get a room with a view of the pond and Kofuko-ji Temple and can watch the sunrise. These rooms are allocated on a first to book basis. The traditional Japanese room, with tatami mats and bedding on the provided a ryokan type experience. The room I was in (6 tatami room) was quite large, with a separate seating area by the window (only one chair though so that might be problematic if there’s more than one of you. Super clean throughout; staff were friendly and helpful. There’s a small public bath in the basement open from 17h00 to 23h00. Complementary PJs/loungewear is provided as are full size bottles of shampoo, conditioner and body wash. I spent some time initially wondering why there was no sink, only to realise that it is not in the bathroom at all but by the window in the seating area (in my defence, I was tired). The free activities in the adjoining Visitor Centre were enjoyable (make an origami deer, write your name in kanji using a calligraphy brush, try on a kimono). Kitchen on each floor and a kettle and local tea available for your room. In addition there’s a convenience store in the building.

Checkout is quite early, at 10am.