Eager students from local universities can also take you around Nara. One-day tours of the major tourist areas and World Heritage sites offered.
Budget food
Around JR Nara
The JR station has a bunch of budget options, so consider picking something up from here for lunch or dinner if arriving at this station.
Matsuya (松屋) - Gyudon and burger eat-in and takeaway. Meals from 290 yen • From JR Nara station east exit, walk past Super Hotel and then Lawson convenience store on your right, then take a right turn. Matsuya is a short walk down
Honke-kamadoya Bento (本家かまどや) - Cheap bento takeaway shop. Bento boxes from 300 yen • From JR Nara station, take a left at the information center and walk under the track. The bento shop is on the right a little down the street
Yayoi Iken (やよい軒) - Reasonably priced Japanese teishoku (traditional set) meals. Meals from 680 yen • Inside JR Nara station
Around Kintetsu Nara and Nara Park
Head down Higashimuki and Sakura-dori for a host of options, including some convenience stores and a supermarket.
Sushi Maruchu (丸忠) - Take out sushi joint. Sushi sets from 540 yen • In Kintetsu Nara station, on the concourse
Sukiya (すき家) - Curry and gyudon eat-in and takeaway. Meals from 360 yen • Just outside exit 5 of Kintetsu Nara station.
West side
Heading towards the shrines on the west side there are a variety of cheap options for Japanese and western food in Ito Yokado shopping mall (イトーヨーカドー) and some road-side restaurants.
Yoshinoya (吉野家) - Gyudon eat-in and takeaway. Meals from 330 yen • From JR Nara station East, take a walk to the left past the information center and KFC. Take a left at the main road, and Yoshinoya is just after going under the rail bridge.
Kura Sushi (くら寿司) - Awesome 100 yen per plate sushi, worth visiting if you are heading to the west side. 1 plate from 108 yen • West of Kintetsu Nara station, just past Ito Yokado shopping mall (イトーヨーカドー), which is soon after you pass over the 2 narrow rivers.
Hanamaru Udon (はなまるうどん) - Udon chain, popular with all ages for its varied menu. Udon from 300 yen • Inside Ito Yokado mall (イトーヨーカドー).
Shopping
Sanjo-dori Street
Nara’s main shopping street, going all the way from JR Nara station to the park. A nice place to hang out, especially to pick up some touristy treats. Sanjo-dori has some large outlet shops and many antique stores. From JR Nara station, take the east exit. Sanjo-dori is the street that goes under the track north of the tourist information center. Head opposite the rail bridge for most of the action.
Higashimuki Shopping Arcade
A large variety of traditional Japanese goods and souvenirs. Prices can vary for shops and restaurants, so have a look around this busy area for the best deals. There is also a supermarket called Paket (パケット奈良店) at the entrance (8:30am-10pm). From exit 2 of Kintetsu Nara station
Mochiidono Shopping Arcade
Featuring a wide selection of ceramic, calligraphy, deer antler ornaments and other Nara specialty goods, this is Nara’s top window-shopping street. Next street down from Higashimuki arcade, after you meet up with Sanjo-dori
Naramachi Street
Traditional Japanese shopping street lined with merchant shops and warehouses from the old days. Loads of interesting shops and restaurants selling plenty of retro goods and meals. Best in the afternoon, when there is more of an atmosphere. Walk down Sanjo-dori Street, then go down the road beginning with the Circle K convenience store (changing to a Family Mart after time of writing).
100 yen shops
Seria (ビエラ) - In JR Nara station, 2nd floor. 10am-9pm
Daiso (ダイソー) - From Kintetsu Nara station, take exit 4. Walk down Sakura Dori, take the first left. Walk down, then Daiso is just around the next corner, on the left. 10am-9pm
Pharmacy (ドラッグ ストア)
Kintetsu Nara station has a Kokumin drug store (コクミンドラッグ), while the nearest to JR Nara station is Daikoku drug store (ダイコクドラッグ), just up Sanjo-dori.
Recommended cheap accommodation
Hostels and guest houses
Guesthouse Naramachi
An old merchant’s building with a very old-school atmosphere. Really helpful staff, cheap bike rental and inexpensive rooms. Dorms from 2500, Japanese twin rooms from 7000 yen • Google Maps • http://nara-naramachi.com/
Deer Guest House
Often recommended by readers, this hostel has a decent shared kitchen and free computers to use. Right next to the park. Dorms from 2700 yen • Google Maps
Hotel Pagoda
This hotel has some great budget options, especially for families and large groups. Located near Nara Park, this hotel also has traditional Japanese rooms. Dorms from 3250 yen, doubles from 5000 yen, family rooms from 12000 yen • Google Maps
Love hotels (adults only)
Hotel Chapel Classic
6-minute walk from JR Nara station, this love hotel has all the basic mod-cons and free parking. Rooms are minimalist, but sophisticated. Reservations possible on Booking.com. Doubles from 3990 yen • Google Maps
Internet cafes
Comic Buster Shalala (コミックバスター Shalala)
This well-known chain has two locations in Nara, for both the JR and Kintetsu stations. Free drinks bar available, plus private booths and vending machines for cheap food, but no showers. Night packs (ナイトパック) available from 9pm: 6 hours (6時間ナイトパック) 1600 yen, 9 hours (9時間ナイトパック) 1900 yen, 12 hours (12時間ナイトパック) 2400 yen
JR Nara branch location: Take the east exit and walk up Sanjo-dori Street. Shalala is just past St. Marc Cafe (サンマルクカフェ) on the right (5th floor).
Kintetsu Nara branch location: Take exit 4, then walk left down Sakura Dori. Shalala is above Sun Drug (サンドラッグ), a few minutes down the street.
Getting around
As mentioned, walking is the best way to get around Nara Park, near Kintetsu Nara station. Almost all bus stops in the city have buses going here. JR Nara station is located to the south west. Frequent bus services operate between these stations such as the 100 yen Nara Grutto buses (奈良公園ぐるっとバス), which has 2 loop courses (one for Nara Park, one for Heijo Palace).
How to get there and away
By rail
From Kyoto station, take the JR Nara Line to Nara (44 mins, 690 yen) or Kintetsu/Kashihara Line to Kintetsu Nara (1 hour, 1130 yen). From Osaka, take the Kintetsu Nara Line from Osaka-Namba station (within Namba subway station) to Kintetsu Nara station (36 mins, 540 yen) or the JR Yamatoji Line from Osaka station to Nara (50 mins, 800 yen). Usable rail passes: Japan Rail Pass, Kansai Area Pass, Kansai Wide Area Pass, Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass, Kintetsu Rail Pass, Kansai Thru Pass
By bus
From Tokyo or other major cities, get a bus with Willer Express or JR Bus (from 5980 yen, 7 hours). Usable bus pass: Japan Bus Pass
Tourist information (観光案内所)
Nara City Information Center is just outside the JR station, east exit. Kintetsu Nara Station Information Center is inside Kintetsu Nara station.
Kobe (神戸)
Kobe is a stylish city not far from Kyoto and Osaka, that is known as one of the first ports in Japan to open up to foreigners. Kobe was therefore the city that brought many international foods, drinks and sports to Japan. Most people tend to spend a day here on the way from Osaka to Hiroshima, and it’s a great way to add a bit of variety to your trip. The main area is Sannomiya, which is the largest shopping area and best place to stay nearby. Along with the Kitano-cho area, Kobe is a good place to take a free stroll, meaning it can be a good spot for budget travelers.
Discount passes
Kobe Welcome Coupon
Special discounts and other benefits at m
ore than 50 tourism spots, shops and restaurants in Kobe. Also includes some transportation discounts, such as on the City Loop bus and on the water shuttle to Kansai International Airport. Print it off online at http://plus.feel-kobe.jp/coupon/ and be sure to bring your passport when you use it. Also available at Kansai International Airport and the tourism information centers.
Discount pass: City Loop Bus 1-Day Pass
Unlimited use of the City Loop bus, which takes visitors to all the major spots, for just 660 yen (children 330 yen). Available at the tourist information centers or on the bus. A great choice if you don’t want to be walking around all day. Also includes more than 30 discounts and benefits at some of the sightseeing areas.
Things to do
Around Sannomiya
Chinatown (南京町)
One of Japan’s top three Chinatowns, this is a great place for a nice walk-around. The grand Changan Gate sits at the eastern end, with the Xian Gate on the other side. In between there are lots of rather exotic Chinese goods on sale. It’s a bit of tourist trap for prices, so best to eat dinner elsewhere. There are some small shops selling dumplings, Chinese sweets and toys though, so budget travelers may see the odd gem. Near Motomachi station • Google Maps
Meriken Park (メリケンパーク)
Great place to eat your cheap bento or have a beer in the evening. Full of all sorts of strange sculptures, architecture and some fancy powerboats on display. FREE • 24h • 15-minute walk south of Chinatown • Google Maps
Sorakuen Garden (相楽園)
Kobe’s best traditional Japanese garden. The elegantly designed garden seems unchanged since it was built in 1885. Originally built for a wealthy merchant by the name of Taijiro Kodera, the splendid garden is now open for all to see. Adults 300 yen, children 150 yen • 9am-5pm • Near Kenchō-mae station on the Kobe Subway • Google Maps
Kitano-cho (北野)
This was the area where foreigners were first allowed to stay when Kobe opened up to them. Have a stroll around and you will see lots of nice European-style architecture, with countless old embassies, residences and new country-themed shops and amusements. Some are free to walk around, and we have found that, unless you are particularly interested in the country of the site, it’s not really worth paying to go inside. To access Kitano, take the loop bus or walk north from Sannomiya (15 minutes).
Kitano Tenman Shrine (北野天満宮)
Provides amazing views over the city. The deity of study, Sugawara-no-Michizane, is enshrined at this temple. The main hall was constructed 260 years ago, and is surrounded by various officially designated cultural assets, such as a hall of worship and a torii gate. FREE • 24h • Just north of the Kitano tourist information center, across the road • Google Maps
Walk it and save!
If you like a bit of walking, then most of the main spots can be accessed on foot. For example, Kitano is a 15-minute walk from Sannomiya, while Chinatown is only 10 minutes away. Use the arrows on the Kobe map for directions.
Volunteer guides and tours
Kobe SGG club - http://www.kobesgg.org/
Focuses on the many sites around Kobe, plus specialist tours such as the sake and wine tour. Two weeks’ notice required.
Kobe Voluntary Good-Will Guides (K.V.G.G) [email protected]
Another good volunteer guide group, this one also ventures out to nearby towns and cities. At least a few days’ notice required.
Budget food
Budget restaurants on map
1) Mos Burger (モス) - Japanese burgers. Burgers from 220 yen • 7am-11pm
2) Matsuya (松屋) - rice bowls and curry. Gyudon bowls from 290 yen • 24h
3) Ootoya (大戸屋) - Japanese set meals. Sets from 750 yen • 11am-10pm
4) Yoshinoya (吉野家) - gyudon and curry. Bowls from 330 yen • 24h
5) Nakau (なか卯) - gyudon and curry. Bowls from 290 yen. • 24h
6) Origin Bento (オリジン) - bento boxes. Bentos from 390 yen • 7am-11pm
7) Honke Kamadoya (本家かまどや) - bento boxes. Bentos from 399 yen • 10am-8:30pm
8) Hotto Motto (ほっともっと) - bento boxes. Bentos from 390 yen • 10am-9:30pm
Cheap supermarkets (スーパー)
Sogo Department Store has a Pantry & Lucky supermarket (そごうパントリー) in the basement floor (10am-8pm), and next door is Ikari (いかりスーパー), which has a good choice of foreign goods and drinks (10am-10pm). There is also a Kohyo (Peacock) supermarket, which has the MaxValu brand of cheap food and drinks, in the Mint Kobe (ミント神戸) department store (11am-9pm). All the above department stores are connected to the Hanshin Kobe-Sannomiya underground station.
Shopping
Uniqlo
Large branch of the best Japanese budget clothing brand. 11am-9am • South west of Sannomiya station • Google Maps
3 Coins
Everything is 300 yen! Like the 100 yen shops, but better quality and more choice. 11am-9am • South west of Sannomiya station • Google Maps
100 yen shops
Can Do (キャンドゥイ) - Two locations, one in the Daiei Kobe (Aeon) shopping mall (10am-9pm) and another in the Hankyu Sannomiya station building, on the north side near the Namco gaming arcade (11am-10pm).
Daiso (ダイソー) - This larger 100 yen shop is just down the road from the above Daiei Kobe, in Hankyu Oasis department store. 9am-10pm
Seria (セリア) - Inside the shopping arcade near Uniqlo. 10am-9pm
Pharmacy (ドラッグ ストア)
The easiest to locate is the Kokumin pharmacy (コクミンドラッグ) at the east exit of JR Sannomiya.
Recommended cheap accommodation
Hostels and guest houses
Yume Nomad
A cool guesthouse with nice communal areas to meet people and get some good travel advice. Also has bicycle rentals for a small fee. Dorm beds from 2100 yen • Google Maps
Kobe Sannomiya R2 Hostel
Friendly hostel with a good kitchen, plus free coffee and tea. Various types of rooms available, including some with dividers between the beds for more privacy and a better night's sleep. Dorm beds from 2600 yen • Google Maps
Capsule hotels
Capsule Hotel Kobe Sannomiya
Near to the station, this capsule hotel also has public baths and a sauna included. Capsules from 2800 yen • Google Maps
How to get there and away
By rail
Shin-Kobe is on the Shinkansen line, with frequent services. Shin-Kobe is 12 minutes from Shin-Osaka, 28 mins from Kyoto and about 3 hours from Tokyo. For those without a rail pass coming from the east, first make your way to Osaka, then take the JR Special Rapid to Sannomiya station (22 mins, 390 yen). Recommended rail passes: Japan Rail Pass, Kansai Thru Pass, Kansai Area Pass, Kansai Wide Area Pass, Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass
By bus
From Tokyo or other major cities, get a bus with Willer Express or JR Bus (from 4590 yen, 9 hours). Recommended bus pass: Japan Bus Pass
Tourist information (観光案内所)
The Kobe Information Center is located on the south side of JR Sannomiya station (9am-7pm). There is also an information center in Kitano, near Kitano Tenman-Jinja (9am-6pm, until 5pm Nov-Feb).
Uji (宇治)
Byodoin Temple
Uji is a well-known day trip from Osaka, Nara or Kyoto, famous across Japan for its high quality matcha tea production, and now across the world for its two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Over the centuries its location allowed Uji to blossom as a crossroad connecting Nara and Kyoto. Uji has also been blessed with amazing nature and is a good place to come for a light walk or hike. There is therefore lots to do for budget travelers, and it’s very easy to fill up a day without spending too much.
Discount passes
If coming from Osaka or Kyoto, then a Sightseeing Pass from Keihan Railway may save you a bit. These two passes allow unlimited us
e of the Keihan lines for one or two days, and also include coupons for more than 20 locations. The wider area pass may really make sense for you if doing Uji as detour between Osaka and Kyoto. If just doing a day trip from Kyoto station, it’s a little cheaper to just take the JR train without a pass. Get at Keihan stations or on their website. Kyoto + Uji area: Adults 500 yen, children 250 yen (1 day). Osaka, Kyoto and Uji area: Adults 700 yen, children 350 yen (1 day), Adults 1,000 yen, children 500 yen (2 day)
Things to do
Walk it and save!
The area is all super walkable, another plus for budget travelers. All the below sites are well signposted and easy to access from the stations.
Byodoin Temple (平等院)
Set on the west bank of Uji River, it’s hard to imagine that this spectacular temple used to be a villa of the powerful lord Fujiwara-no-Yorimichi. The main temple structure will really take your breath away, and it’s soon understandable how it became a UNESCO World Heritage site. Converted into a temple in the 17th century, it’s said to have been designed to create a kind of paradise for the noblemen of the time. A stunning example of Buddhist architecture and gardening, this temple also features a great modern treasure museum. Adults 300 yen, children 100 yen • 9am-5pm • Google Maps
Byodoin Omotesando (平等院表参道)
The main shopping street to Byodoin Temple is a good place to try the hugely popular Uji green tea, especially as many shops are giving out free tea to try! All sorts of variations are on offer, from ice cream to biscuits to matcha drinks.
Uji River and Kisen Bridge (喜撰橋)
Head over Kisen Bridge, a large traditional red bridge, to enter a small island containing a few pieces of Japanese architecture and some statues to admire. The walk there is actually more interesting though, lined with tiny shops and warehouses that look like they came straight from the Edo period. Also provides a nice view of the surrounding mountains. FREE • 24h • Just to the east of Byodoin Temple • Google Maps
Koshoji Temple (興聖寺)
A quiet temple that is especially great during autumn colors. Has some unique and striking garden features that make it a must visit, it’s a real surprise that so few people venture up to see it. FREE • 9am-5pm • Head down south on the north side of Uji River, then take the 3rd left after the red bridge (through the small temple gate and up) • Google Maps
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