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Nara, Japan π―π΅
#1855
,
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
| ποΈ City | Nara is a city in the Kansai region of Japan, known for its historic monuments and shrines. |
| π₯ Population | around 360,000 |
| π» Internet Speed | 100 Mbps |
| πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 JPY β 0.0067 USD |
| π° Tap Water | Drinkable |
| π Power | 100V, 60Hz, π Type A/B sockets |
| πΆ SIM Card | Available from providers like NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and Au. |
| π³ Banking for Expats | Services available from banks such as Shinsei Bank and Japan Post Bank. |
| π Accommodation | Options include traditional ryokan inns, Airbnb, and guesthouses. |
| π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely; mobile payments with Suica and Pasmo accepted. |
| π Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com are popular for short-term stays. |
| ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel K's House Nara: Approx. Β₯3,500 per night. |
| ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Naramachi district for its historical charm. |
| ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Near Nara Park for accessibility and co-working options. |
Working and Networking
| π’ Best Coworking Space | NaraCo: A popular co-working space located near Nara Station. |
| β Best Cafe for Work | Kura Cafe: Offers free Wi-Fi and a quiet atmosphere. |
| πΌ Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized via Meetup.com for locals and expats. |
| π₯ Social Events for Expats | Nara International Association hosts regular social events. |
Transportation
| π Best Taxi/Ride App | JapanTaxi and Uber available. |
| π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Available through Nara City bike rental services. |
| ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Kozukushima beach, approximately 2 hours away by train. |
| βοΈ Top Regional Airline | ANA, Japan Airlines |
| βοΈ Top International Airline | All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines |
| π£οΈ Highway Access | Accessible via the Route 24 and the Nishi-Meihan Expressway. |
| π Main Train/Transit Hub | Nara Station, connecting to Kintetsu and JR lines. |
| π Public Transport Passes | Nara City Bus pass available for unlimited travel. |
| βοΈ Regional Travel | Frequent trains from Nara to Kyoto and Osaka. |
Health and Wellness
| π₯ Best Hospital | Nara Medical University Hospital |
| π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio Tenjinx |
| ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym Nara location |
| π§Ί Laundry Services | Coin laundry services available throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| π± Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and Demae-can are popular options. |
| π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Kakinoha-zushi: Nara's unique sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves. |
| π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Naramachi Kumano Restaurant offers vegetarian meals. |
| π« Best Dessert Spots | Yamazaki Cafe, known for its delicious traditional sweets. |
| π Affordable Shopping Spots | Nara's local markets like Naramachi, offering fresh produce. |
| π E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon Japan and Rakuten for online shopping. |
| π Grocery Delivery | Seiyu and Aeon offer grocery delivery services. |
| πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Nara Park area has some bars and izakayas. |
| π» Local Brewery | Miyoshino Brewery, known for its craft sake. |
| π· Wine Bars | Amanohashidate Wine House for local wines. |
| π² Street Food Stalls | Traditional food stalls along Naramachi. |
| π Popular International Cuisine | Italian at Trattoria Azzurro is popular among expats. |
Culture and Attractions
| ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha. |
| ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Nara National Museum showcases Japanese art. |
| π° Historical Sites | Todai-ji and Kasuga-taisha Shrine are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. |
| π Religious Sites | Horyu-ji Temple, another UNESCO site. |
| π Annual Events | Nara TΕkae Lantern Festival in August. |
| π¨ Cultural Districts | Naramachi has preserved traditional buildings. |
| π Theater Venues | Nara Showroom offers local performances. |
| ποΈ Local Markets | Naramachi Market with local crafts. |
| πΌ Music Scene | Local performances at various cafes around Nara. |
| π¨ Street Art | Murals in Naramachi area highlight local culture. |
| π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Kansai Cooking School offers Japanese cooking classes. |
| π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Gallery G: A space showcasing local artists. |
| π°οΈ Historic Buildings | Many preserved buildings in Naramachi. |
| π΄ Local Heritage | Nara is known for its rich history dating back to ancient Japan. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| π Nearby Nature Escapes | Nara Park offers vast green spaces and deer. |
| ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Ise-Shima National Park is accessible within a few hours. |
| π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Multiple scenic trails throughout Nara Park. |
| π Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints at Mt. Wakakusa give stunning city views. |
| π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Nara Park is great for observing local birds. |
| π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in Nara Park for picnics. |
Other Services and Amenities
| π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Yamato Transport and Sagawa Express offer delivery. |
| π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Apple Store and local tech shops available. |
| π Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
| π§βπ« Language Classes | Textbook Japan offers Japanese language courses. |
| π Libraries & Study Spots | Nara Prefectural Library is a quiet study spot. |
| ποΈ Community Centers | Nara Community Center offers various activities. |
| πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Available in malls, such as Town Square. |
| π° Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos are available; gambling is illegal in Japan. |
Business
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β₯400,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = Β₯16,000,000) |
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β₯300,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = Β₯12,000,000) |
| 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₯230,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = Β₯18,400,000) |
| πΌ Corporate Tax | 23.2% |
| π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 15.315% |
| π¦ Tax System | Residency-based taxation for residents. |
| π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| π§Ύ VAT | 10% |
| π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applies to foreign subsidiaries. |
| π Property Tax | Annual property tax applies to real estate. |
| π Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is 3%. |
| π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Special long-term visa options for freelancers and business owners. |