Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Nara is a city in the Kansai region of Japan, known for its historic monuments and shrines. |
| 👥 Population | around 360,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | 100 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 JPY ≈ 0.0067 USD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 100V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from providers like NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and Au. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Services available from banks such as Shinsei Bank and Japan Post Bank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include traditional ryokan inns, Airbnb, and guesthouses. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely; mobile payments with Suica and Pasmo accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com are popular for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel K's House Nara: Approx. ¥3,500 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Naramachi district for its historical charm. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Near Nara Park for accessibility and co-working options. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | NaraCo: A popular co-working space located near Nara Station. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Kura Cafe: Offers free Wi-Fi and a quiet atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized via Meetup.com for locals and expats. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Nara International Association hosts regular social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | JapanTaxi and Uber available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Available through Nara City bike rental services. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Kozukushima beach, approximately 2 hours away by train. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | ANA, Japan Airlines |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via the Route 24 and the Nishi-Meihan Expressway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Nara Station, connecting to Kintetsu and JR lines. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Nara City Bus pass available for unlimited travel. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Frequent trains from Nara to Kyoto and Osaka. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Nara Medical University Hospital |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio Tenjinx |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym Nara location |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Coin laundry services available throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and Demae-can are popular options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Kakinoha-zushi: Nara's unique sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Naramachi Kumano Restaurant offers vegetarian meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Yamazaki Cafe, known for its delicious traditional sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Nara's local markets like Naramachi, offering fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon Japan and Rakuten for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Seiyu and Aeon offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nara Park area has some bars and izakayas. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Miyoshino Brewery, known for its craft sake. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Amanohashidate Wine House for local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Traditional food stalls along Naramachi. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian at Trattoria Azzurro is popular among expats. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Nara National Museum showcases Japanese art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Todai-ji and Kasuga-taisha Shrine are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Horyu-ji Temple, another UNESCO site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Nara Tōkae Lantern Festival in August. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Naramachi has preserved traditional buildings. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Nara Showroom offers local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Naramachi Market with local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local performances at various cafes around Nara. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals in Naramachi area highlight local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Kansai Cooking School offers Japanese cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery G: A space showcasing local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Many preserved buildings in Naramachi. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Nara is known for its rich history dating back to ancient Japan. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Nara Park offers vast green spaces and deer. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Ise-Shima National Park is accessible within a few hours. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Multiple scenic trails throughout Nara Park. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints at Mt. Wakakusa give stunning city views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Nara Park is great for observing local birds. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in Nara Park for picnics. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Yamato Transport and Sagawa Express offer delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Apple Store and local tech shops available. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Textbook Japan offers Japanese language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Nara Prefectural Library is a quiet study spot. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Nara Community Center offers various activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Available in malls, such as Town Square. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos are available; gambling is illegal in Japan. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥400,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥16,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥300,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥12,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥320,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥19,200,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥250,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥15,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥300,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥24,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥230,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥18,400,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 23.2% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15.315% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residency-based taxation for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applies to foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax applies to real estate. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is 3%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Special long-term visa options for freelancers and business owners. |