Nara, Japan π―π΅
#1855
34.684544, 135.804835
Nomad Score:
64%
Essentials
| ποΈ City | Nara is a city located in the Kansai region of Japan, known for its ancient temples, deer park, and rich cultural heritage. |
| π₯ Population | Approximately 360,000 residents. |
| π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 70 Mbps. |
| πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 JPY β 0.0067 USD, major credit cards accepted widely. |
| π° Tap Water | Safe and drinkable. |
| π Power | 100V, 60Hz, π Type A/B sockets. |
| πΆ SIM Card | SoftBank, NTT Docomo, and au are popular providers offering good coverage. |
| π³ Banking for Expats | Major banks include MUFG, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, and Shinsei Bank; ATMs accept international cards. |
| π Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and serviced apartments, with Airbnb also available. |
| π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are increasingly accepted, especially in urban areas. |
| π Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb and local guesthouses. |
| ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Nara Yuuen, offering beds from Β₯2,500 per night. |
Working and Networking
| π’ Best Coworking Space | Nara Coworking Space, located near Nara Park, providing high-speed internet and supervision. |
| β Best Cafe for Work | 'Coffee House R' is a popular spot with Wi-Fi and power outlets. |
| πΌ Networking Events | Regular meetups organized through the Nara Meetup group on social platforms. |
| π₯ Social Events for Expats | Nara International Association hosts monthly gatherings for expats. |
Transportation
| π Best Taxi/Ride App | JapanTaxi and Uber are available for on-demand transport. |
| π² Bike/Scooter Rental | 'Nara Park Bicycle Rental' offering bike rentals for exploring the city. |
| ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Kushimoto Beach, approximately a 2-hour drive from Nara. |
| βοΈ Top Regional Airline | ANA (All Nippon Airways) and JAL (Japan Airlines) offer regional flights. |
| βοΈ Top International Airline | Direct flights available via Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka International Airport (ITM). |
| π£οΈ Highway Access | Nara is accessible via the Nishi-Meihan Expressway. |
| π Main Train/Transit Hub | Nara Station connects to major cities like Kyoto and Osaka. |
| π Public Transport Passes | Kansai Thru Pass and Nara City Bus pass valid for various transport options. |
| βοΈ Regional Travel | Trains and buses connect Nara to surrounding cities like Kyoto and Osaka. |
Health and Wellness
| π₯ Best Hospital | Nara Medical University Hospital specializing in various medical services. |
| π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | 'Nara Yoga Studio' offering classes in various styles. |
| ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | 'Anytime Fitness Nara' open 24/7 with affordable membership options. |
| π§Ί Laundry Services | 'Coin Laundry Nara' located throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| π± Best Food Delivery App | 'Uber Eats' available for food delivery in Nara. |
| π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Kakinoha-zushi,' a local sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves. |
| π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | 'Tezukuri Kitchen Kiku' offers a range of vegetarian dishes. |
| π« Best Dessert Spots | 'Sweets Stage' serves exquisite matcha desserts and Japanese sweets. |
| π Affordable Shopping Spots | Naramachi Area hosts several budget-friendly shops. |
| π E-commerce/Online Store | 'Rakuten' and 'Amazon Japan' are local favorites. |
| π Grocery Delivery | 'Seiyu' and 'Aeon' offer online grocery delivery services. |
| πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Around Naramachi with several izakayas and bars. |
| π» Local Brewery | 'Nara Brewing Company' offers local craft beers. |
| π· Wine Bars | 'Wine Bar Kura' serves a selection of local and imported wines. |
| π² Street Food Stalls | Various stalls near Nara Park offering traditional snacks. |
| π Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like 'Italian Trattoria Ciao' provide international flavor. |
Culture and Attractions
| ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park, featuring free-roaming deer. |
| ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Nara National Museum hosts a collection of traditional Japanese art. |
| π° Historical Sites | The Great Buddha (Daibutsu) in Todai-ji Temple is a must-visit. |
| π Religious Sites | Kofuku-ji Temple and HΕryΕ«-ji Temple are important UNESCO sites. |
| π Annual Events | Nara Tokae Festival in August showcasing beautiful lanterns. |
| π¨ Cultural Districts | Naramachi district, a preserved historic area. |
| π Theater Venues | Nara-ken Minpaku Bunka Kaikan hosts performances. |
| ποΈ Local Markets | Wakakusa Yamayaki Festival for local crafts and foods. |
| πΌ Music Scene | Live music events regularly at Naramachi CafΓ©. |
| π¨ Street Art | Murals are featured in various neighborhoods across the city. |
| π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | 'Nara Cooking School' offers classes in traditional Japanese cuisine. |
| π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Nara Art Museum showcases the works of local artists. |
| π°οΈ Historic Buildings | Nara Palace site retains historical significance. |
| π΄ Local Heritage | Nara is viewed as the birthplace of Japanese culture and civilization. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| π Nearby Nature Escapes | Mount Yoshino, about an hour from Nara, offers stunning views. |
| ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Yoshino-Kumano National Park is accessible for hiking. |
| π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths around Nara Park are ideal for leisurely strolls. |
| π Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints on Mount Wakakusa provide panoramic views of Nara. |
| π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Nara Park offers opportunities for bird watching. |
| π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Yoshinoyama offers areas designated for campfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Japan Post and Yamato Transport provide parcel services. |
| π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Apple Store and various local repair shops located in Nara. |
| π Table Tennis Spots | Public gyms and community centers host table tennis tables. |
| π§βπ« Language Classes | 'Nara Language Institute' offers Japanese language courses. |
| π Libraries & Study Spots | Nara Prefectural Library provides a quiet place for studying. |
| ποΈ Community Centers | Nara International Center hosts cultural and educational events. |
| πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Various game centers available around the main shopping areas. |
| π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Nara does not have casinos, as gambling is heavily regulated in Japan. |
Business
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β₯300,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 30 mΒ² = Β₯9,000,000) |
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β₯220,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 30 mΒ² = Β₯6,600,000) |
| π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β₯320,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = Β₯19,200,000) |
| π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β₯250,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = Β₯15,000,000) |
| π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β₯300,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = Β₯24,000,000) |
| π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β₯240,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = Β₯19,200,000) |
| πΌ Corporate Tax | 23.2% |
| π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% |
| π¦ Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| π§Ύ VAT | 10% |
| π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Japan has strict CFC regulations. |
| π Property Tax | Annual property tax based on property value. |
| π Property Transaction Tax | 3% standard rate for property transactions. |