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Natural disasters, extreme weather and the Corona virus pandemic can abruptly affect the opening hours of tourist spots, temples, shrines and other places of interest.
Stay abreast of these changes with our regularly updated spreadsheet on Tourist Facilities
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Useful Links
This live spreadsheet contains useful links to weather sites, transport updates, medical emergency links, information hotlines and useful travel phone applications.
Live emergency and weather updates will be posted on our Facebook page.
Official Closure Announcement
NARA Visitor Center & Inn (Sarusawa Inn) will officially close on March 31, 2026. Thank you so much for your support and for being a part of our journey over the years. Furthermore, this official webpage will also go offline at 5:00 PM on March 31, 2026.
Once deactivated, this site will no longer be updated or provide any information. Please be aware that after shutting down, the current domain may be acquired by a third party.
Nara Prefecture Licensed Guides
Our free introductory service of professional licensed guides.
The Nara Prefecture Regional Interpreter Guides are knowledgeable individuals who have received training and registration from the Prefectural government. Guides available in English, Chinese, French and Korean.
Itadaki Nara
Itadaki Nara is our growing collection of amazing places to dine in Nara, mostly located within walking distance of our facility. In Japan, before we start a meal we say “Itadakimasu” which roughly translates to ‘I gratefully receive.’ It is with this ethos in mind that we proudly share these fabulous eateries with you – all subdivided into genres or food categories.
The Sarusawa Blog
A collection are articles from the Sarusawa team sharing suggestions, tips and tricks for travel in Nara. Coupled with general interest pieces covering topics such as history, culture and cool Japan, our goal is to grow the blog into the most valuable resource for travel in Nara on the web.
Proud members of
Japan National Tourism
Organization
Brought to you by the Nara prefectural government, the NARA Visitor Center & Inn offers guests absolutely everything necessary to enjoy Nara to its fullest.
From accommodation, expert travel advice and experiencing Japanese culture first hand with our fantastic cultural events, to free phone charging, and free Wifi…we have it all!
Cultural Activities
World heritage views
from outside your window
All the comforts of one’s bedroom with a view of the World Heritage Kofukuji Temple, Nara Park and the historic Sarusawa Pond.
Calling it a day has never been this comfortable.
*Not all Japanese Superior or Western Twin rooms have views facing the Five Story Pagoda. These rooms are given on a first-come, first-served basis. The pagoda is currently undergoing extensive renovations. During this time, the pagoda will be completely covered by protective sheets and scaffolding.
Sightseeing, tour
downloads & links
For your convenience, we are compiling an ever expanding collection of downloadable PDFs, pamphlets and maps along with links to trusted sources of tourism related services, such as bike rentals and guides.
Our Partners
Helping you discover more of Nara
Our Partners
Helping you discover more of Nara
