Daian-ji Temple is Nara’s hidden Zen sanctuary—nestled among city streets yet untouched by chaos. Ancient tiles, a tranquil rock garden, and the soft rustle of bamboo in the wind create a space where stillness speaks louder than words. Sit on the veranda with a cup of matcha, let the quiet wash over you, and rediscover peace in its purest form.

This international luxury hotel is the perfect choice for your Nara getaway! Featuring 158 elegantly decorated rooms, including 16 suites, all equipped with modern amenities. Enjoy diverse dining options at the multi-concept food theater "Silk Road Restaurant" or savor authentic Japanese cuisine at "Azekura". Unwind at the 24-hour fitness center, take a dip in the indoor pool, or pamper yourself at the luxurious spa. Upgrade your room for executive lounge privileges, including concierge services and private meeting rooms. Whether for family trips or business travel, the hotel offers everything you need, from kids' play areas to wedding services, making it a truly comprehensive stay.

Planning a trip to Nara? This family-friendly accommodation is your perfect choice! Just 0.5km from Todai-ji Temple and 1km from Kasuga Taisha Shrine, it offers free private parking and a shared kitchen for your convenience. With three cozy bedrooms, a hot tub, and a kids’ play area, everyone in the family will have a great time. Plus, pick-up and drop-off services make transportation hassle-free. Book now for an unforgettable family getaway!

Yearning for an authentic Japanese retreat? This is the perfect pick! Walk barefoot on wooden floors and unwind in tatami spaces, with rooms featuring warm minimalist wood tones. The natural hot spring and sauna will melt your stress away. Superbly located – just 1 minute walk from JR Nara Station, and 75 minutes from Osaka Airport. With great value, unique style, and Chinese signage, it’s hassle-free bliss!

















Everything you need to know about Daian-ji
Nara Hilton Hotel is a top choice, located just 1.5 km from Daian-ji Temple with convenient access to major attractions. The hotel blends modern amenities with traditional Japanese design, featuring tatami rooms and serene garden views. Complimentary shuttle service connects guests to Nara Park and key temples, making it ideal for exploring Daian-ji’s ancient architecture and sacred relics. Guests can also enjoy an authentic tea ceremony experience, offering deep insight into Japanese Zen culture.
Take Bus Line 37 from Nara Station and alight at "Daian-ji Mae"—a 2-minute walk from the temple gate. This direct route avoids transfers and saves time. For convenience, taxis take about 5 minutes (approx. ¥800), ideal for travelers with luggage or mobility concerns. Alternatively, rent a bike at many stations across Nara City; cycling offers scenic views of the historic cityscape and a sustainable, immersive way to reach Daian-ji Temple.
Near Daian-ji Temple, visitors can join daily morning meditation sessions led by experienced monks, featuring zazen (seated meditation), sutra copying, and mindfulness practices. The annual Daian-ji Lantern Festival in spring transforms the temple grounds into a luminous sanctuary with traditional lanterns and chanting, creating a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere. Additionally, hands-on wood carving workshops allow guests to craft miniature Buddhist statues using traditional tools—perfect for taking home as a meaningful keepsake. All activities require advance HopeGoo, reflecting the site’s deep religious and artisanal heritage.
Adjacent to Daian-ji Temple, Nara Historical Park offers spacious lawns perfect for children to play, along with interactive signage that explains temple history through illustrated panels. The park features a family-friendly Zen garden with sand pits and miniature rock gardens, allowing parents and kids to create calming compositions together, fostering creativity and focus. Nearby café serves healthy light meals and Japanese desserts in a tranquil setting—ideal for family relaxation. Fully wheelchair-accessible with barrier-free pathways, the park welcomes visitors of all ages.
Daian-ji Temple’s main hall showcases early Heian-period (8th century) architecture with Tang-style roofs and intricate wooden truss systems. The roof’s copper katsuogi finials reflect Sino-Japanese cultural exchange. Inside, the National Treasure Buddha statue of Shakyamuni exhibits serene expression and finely detailed robes, illustrating Tang dynasty sculptural mastery. Faded Tang-era murals on walls still reveal flying apsaras and lotus motifs—key evidence for East Asian Buddhist art studies. Additional structures like the bell tower and scripture hall feature well-preserved wooden pillars and beams, highlighting ancient craftsmanship.
See what other travelers say about Daian-ji

This is easily one of the best hotels in Nara town. The atmosphere is peaceful and elegant, and the staff goes above and beyond to make you feel welcome. From the moment we arrived, everything was seamless—friendly service, clean rooms, and a lovely ambiance. The breakfast spread was already quite good, but it could be even better with a wider variety of hot dishes and more local specialties. Still, it's a standout choice for anyone visiting Nara. Comfortable, well-located, and truly memorable. I’d definitely stay here again.

I've stayed at this property multiple times now, and each visit has been absolutely fantastic. The staff are incredibly attentive and genuinely care about guest comfort—friendly, helpful, and always with a smile. The atmosphere is peaceful and clean, with rooms that feel cozy and well-maintained. The natural hot spring bath is a standout feature—rich, mineral-filled water that leaves your skin feeling refreshed and relaxed. After soaking, they offer complimentary shaved ice and access to massage chairs, which was such a nice touch. In the evening, they even provide free ramen and drinks—perfect for unwinding after a long day. Location-wise, it's unbeatable: just a 1-minute walk to the train station, and there's convenient parking nearby. Whether you're traveling by train or driving, getting here is easy. I’ve already recommended this hotel to friends and will definitely be returning. A truly memorable stay.

Staying at THE KAKU was an absolute delight! The traditional Japanese machiya design is beautifully preserved, yet the rooms are equipped with all the comforts of a luxury hotel—think plush bedding, modern amenities, and thoughtful touches throughout. The staff went above and beyond with their warm, attentive service, making us feel truly welcome. Location-wise, it couldn’t be better—Nara Park is just a short walk away, perfect for morning deer encounters and exploring the historic area. There’s also a great selection of cafes and restaurants within easy reach, so dinner options are never an issue. I was lucky enough to be the first guest after renovation, which meant everything felt fresh, clean, and brand new. It’s rare to find such a unique stay with such high standards—my family and I will definitely return. Thank you for such a memorable experience!

The corner room has amazing natural light and feels more spacious than expected. You can see the train station right from the window, making travel super convenient—especially with the second-floor skywalk connecting directly to the station. No need to worry about the weather when heading out. There's a 7-Eleven on the ground floor, and just a 2-minute walk brings you to cozy cafes and a local bakery for breakfast or an afternoon treat. The bus to Todai-ji Temple is located on the opposite side of the station plaza, so it’s easy to access. The front desk staff were incredibly polite and patient—answered all my questions clearly and warmly. From location to service, everything was top-notch. This place offers excellent value and made our stay in Nara smooth and enjoyable. Definitely coming back.

Staying at the Bakery Hotel Chateau D'or in Nara was an absolute delight. The location is perfect—within walking distance to several popular Instagram-worthy spots, making it ideal for travelers who want to explore the city at their own pace. The rooms were spotlessly clean and well-maintained, with a cozy, home-like atmosphere that made us feel right at home. Breakfast was a highlight—freshly baked pastries and local flavors delivered in a delicious way. But what really stood out was the restaurant right next to the hotel. The menu was diverse, and every dish we tried was flavorful and well-prepared. We left already planning our next trip to Nara just so we could stay here again. This place offers excellent value and a truly memorable experience—definitely a top choice for anyone visiting Nara.

Staying at AB Hotel Nara was an absolute delight! The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from the JR station, with a 24-hour convenience store right nearby, perfect for late-night snacks or essentials. The room service was incredibly attentive and friendly, making our stay feel seamless and comfortable. What really stood out was the amazing value—affordable rates without compromising on quality. Breakfast was a highlight: generous portions, diverse options including both Japanese and Western dishes, and plenty of seating so we never felt rushed. Everything about this hotel felt thoughtfully designed for travelers. I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting Nara—it’s cozy, convenient, and full of charm.

Staying at Miroku Nara by the Share Hotels was an absolute delight! The atmosphere is incredibly peaceful and quiet, making it a perfect retreat after a day of sightseeing. The room was spotlessly clean and well-maintained—every detail felt thoughtfully designed. I especially loved the breakfast: fresh, delicious, and varied, with a nice mix of Japanese and Western options. It made my mornings so much more enjoyable. The location is also great—just a short walk from major attractions and convenient for public transport. If you're visiting Nara, this hotel is a must-book. I’ll definitely be back!

The location is incredibly convenient—just a short walk from the subway station, making it easy to get around. Check-in was smooth and self-managed, which I really appreciated. The room was small but charming, with a cozy and stylish vibe that made the stay feel personal and relaxing. Everything about this place felt well thought out, from the design to the comfort. Definitely a great value for the price, and I’d happily come back.

The hotel is spotless and incredibly clean, with a prime location just a short, relaxing walk from Nara Park—perfect for spotting the friendly deer without feeling rushed. I received my room number and access code in advance, making check-in seamless and stress-free. The common areas are quiet and peaceful, ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring. Everything about this stay felt thoughtfully designed—from the efficient service to the serene atmosphere. A truly memorable experience with excellent value. Highly recommended!

Staying at Toyoko Inn Nara Shin Omiya Ekimae was a fantastic experience. The location is incredibly convenient—just a 5-minute walk from the station, making it perfect for travelers who want to get around easily. Right across the street is a surprisingly elegant teppanyaki restaurant with a quiet, upscale vibe; unfortunately, reservations are required, so we missed out on trying it—but it definitely adds a touch of local charm. The breakfast was an absolute highlight: huge rice balls that were filling and satisfying, with plenty of variety to choose from. It’s rare to find such generous portions at this price point. Overall, the hotel delivers great value, comfort, and convenience. I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting Nara—this is definitely a place I’d stay again.

Staying at Hotel Hanakomichi was a fantastic experience. Located just steps from Nara Station, it’s incredibly convenient for getting around the city and visiting nearby attractions. The area is bustling with great dining options and local shops—perfect for exploring on foot. The room was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, with thoughtful touches that made the stay feel personal. Staff were friendly and helpful, adding to the overall positive vibe. It’s an ideal choice for travelers who value location, convenience, and a cozy atmosphere. I’d definitely stay here again if I return to Nara.

Staying at Hotel Asyl Nara Annex was a fantastic experience! The price is incredibly affordable, and the room is surprisingly spacious—perfect for families with a queen bed and two single beds. It comfortably accommodated my family of three without feeling cramped. The location is ideal: both Todai-ji Temple and Kōtoku-in (Tōshōdai-ji) are within easy reach, and you can get there by simply taking bus routes 77 or 97. The neighborhood is quiet and safe, making it a peaceful place to rest after exploring the city. I was especially impressed by how well-located and budget-friendly this hotel is—great value for money. If you're visiting Nara and looking for a comfortable, convenient, and affordable stay, this one’s definitely worth considering. I’ll be coming back again!
Explore more amazing destinations