Nara Overview
Nara is the capital city of Nara Prefecture, Japan. As of 2022, Nara has an estimated population of 367,353 according to World Population Review, making it the largest city in Nara Prefecture and sixth-largest in the Kansai region of Honshu. Nara is a core city located in the northern part of Nara Prefecture bordering the Kyoto Prefecture.
Nara Key Statistics
Population352377
Area277 km²
Parks / Museums / Cafés185 / 38 / 202
Practical Essentials for Nara
Meet-ups & Expat Community
Chat with locals tonight or join a language-exchange near the station.
Find Events ↗
Emergency Phones
Police: 110 · Fire/Ambulance: 119
Nation-wide numbers, English assistance usually available.
Safety Tips ↗
Getting Around Nara
Nara Main Station & Rail Lines
奈良 (Nara)
Train Travel to Nara
Nara is connected via Japan Rail and local private lines.
Driving to Nara
Accessible via Tomei Expressway and other national highways.
Real-Time Air Quality in Nara
Cover Your Trip to Nara
Flight delays, medical bills, lost gear – SafetyWing backs you up from US $45 / 4 weeks.
Get Instant Quote ↗What to Eat in Nara
Hungry for more?
Street-food crawls, cooking classes & sake tastings — reserve now, pay later.
Book Food Tours ↗Things to Do in Nara
Book Tours Now
Walking tours, food crawls, day trips & more – reserve today, pay later.
View Tours ↗Income & Living Costs in Nara
¥4,300,000*est
Median household income / year
86*est /100
Price level vs Tokyo
Moving money internationally?
Send or spend Japanese yen with mid-market FX rates via Wise.
See Wise fees ↗Best Hotels in Nara
Plan & Book Your Trip
FAQ about Nara
When was Nara founded?
Nara was founded on February 1, 1898.
How old is Nara?
Nara is roughly 128 years old.
What is the population of Nara?
The latest estimate puts the population at about 352,377.
What is the land area of Nara?
Nara covers roughly 277 km².
What is the main railway station in Nara?
The primary hub is 奈良 (Nara).
How many parks, museums and cafés are in Nara?
The city has roughly 185 parks, 38 museums and 202 cafés within a 5 km radius of the center.
Is Nara expensive to live?
Nara is generally more affordable than Tokyo, with lower rents and food costs outside the tourist core.
Do I need travel insurance for visiting Nara?
Yes — hospitals in Japan can be costly for visitors. SafetyWing covers flight delays, medical emergencies and lost gear from about US$45 / 4 weeks. Get an instant quote ↗
How can I send money internationally while in Japan?
Wise lets you hold Japanese yen, move money at the mid-market rate and spend with a debit card for a small fixed fee — popular with both expats and long-term travellers.
Where can I book food tours or cooking classes in Nara?
From street-food crawls to sake tastings and hands-on cooking classes, Nara has flavour for every budget. Book food tours ↗
What tours are available in Nara?
Guided walking tours, cultural excursions and day-trips run year-round. Most allow free cancellation and pay-later options. Explore tours ↗
Where can I access official city services in Nara?
All resident services — permits, taxes, public records — are handled by the City Hall. Visit the official site ↗
Are there expat meet-ups or language exchanges in Nara?
Nara hosts a friendly international community with weekly events near the main stations and cafes. Find events ↗
Where can I charge my EV in Nara?
CHAdeMO and CCS-compatible chargers dot convenience-store car-parks and highway rest-areas. View stations ↗
Can I rent a bike in Nara?
Yes, hire a bike by the hour or day and cruise the riverside paths. Rent a bike ↗
How can I check public-transport routes in Nara?
Use the official route planner for live subway, bus and tram times. Open planner ↗
Where is Nara?
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
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