The ancient city of Nara was named Heijō-kyō when it served as Japan’s capital from 710 to 784, which was known as the Nara Period (Nara Jidai). The city’s three UNESCO World Heritage Sites are protected historic monuments, Buddhist temples, and pilgrimage routes showcasing artifacts from the city’s past days. Tôdai-ji, a Buddhist temple on the UNESCO list, should be on your bucket list along with Omiwa Jinja Shinto shrine. Make room as well for Nara Park, a 511-ha (1,262.71-ac) paradise where you can interact directly with deer. The experience of onsen, the hot mineral-rich Japanese bath and cleansing ritual, is another must-try experience in Nara. This city in southern Honshu is less than an hour away from Osaka and Kyoto by rail and is home to outstanding accommodations. Keep reading to find the top villas in Nara, Japan.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 14, 2024.
1. Tsuruga Inn Kawakami (from USD 537)
This self-catering accommodation offers an experience of modern Japanese living near must-see temples in Nara. This traditional-style Airbnb boasts an authentic tea room and a Japanese garden. The bathroom space is tiled, spacious, and well-drained, with a window peeking into the garden. The entire house is designed to create a unified and harmonious space where you can completely unwind.
A family or group of travelers will find ample room in the first-floor living area and second-floor sleeping areas. The air-conditioned rooms with minimalist design, luxury bedding, and handpicked decor, serve to be the perfect vacation spot.
Top guest reviews
Host:
the host was responsive and flexible with our check-in time which was much appreciatedRead more reviewsLocation:
a little far from the city center but easy enough to bus or taxigreat little place to get awaythis place is truly amazing
Superhost
2. Vacation home with an indoor stone court (from USD 341)
This organized and well-appointed rental in Nara is perfect for a large group of travelers. The many rooms are equipped with updated amenities, such as air conditioning, a game console, and laundry facilities. Aside from the three tatami rooms, there are two Western-style bedrooms fitted with quality linen and pillows.
There’s a well-equipped kitchen for cooking needs. For families traveling with children, the property is not suitable for infants two years old and younger. Further, guests are welcome to utilize the outdoor dining area and the stone court.
Top guest reviews
Host:
the owner couple are very nice people and very consideratemiyu was always helpful and friendly giving us tips around the area and asking how we were doingRead more reviewsLocation:
this is a relaxing space and an ideal place to also work
Nearby villas
3. Minimalist apartment along Arashiyama bike route (from USD 230)
This roomy apartment in Kizugawa is ideal for vacationers planning a car and bike tour of Kyoto and Nara. You can park as many as three vehicles in this Airbnb’s parking lot. There are bicycles available for rental if you decide to leave your two-wheeler at home. You can end your day of exploration with a soak in the hot tub on the second-floor balcony.
You will find toiletries and basic kitchen supplies, so there’s no need to pack towels and cutlery. If you prefer to cook your own rice, then make a note to bring a rice cooker for the trip.
4. Kyo-no-Yukyu ・ Tomino
An authentic experience awaits the occupants of this charming accommodation in Jōyō-shi. Through the Funo-style sliding door at the entrance, you will find an Izaka-style bar where you can savor delicious dishes upon prior booking. As many as eight guests can sleep comfortably in the spacious tatami room on the second floor. If you are visiting during summer, you can count on the Kyoto Nishikawa quilts to keep you cool and comfy. Moreover, the bathrooms have hot water for your convenience.
You can purchase quality produce from supermarkets in the immediate vicinity and cook in the well-equipped kitchen. Don’t forget to check out the unique treats at Samdoriya, a 100-year-old fruit shop nearby.
Jōyō-shi, Kyōto-fu, JapanAccommodates: 7
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsHost:
the host decorate with old and beautiful japanese furniture make us feel involving deeply with local vibe
5. Traditional Japanese home with a lovely garden (from USD 344)
This historical villa in Kyoto has enough room to accommodate an extended family. This traditional home has an updated kitchen, heated floors, and complimentary WiFi for your convenience. Choose this rental if you aspire to be surrounded by a stunning courtyard garden featuring sakura, momiji, and plum trees. A famous local gardener tends the stunning 100-sq-m (1076.39-sq-ft) garden, which changes color each season.
A large parking lot is available for guests driving to Nara with their cars. What’s more, there are bicycles on the premises that you can use to go to a local onsen for a soothing bath.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it would be top top perfect with a bit higher wifi bandwidth - but it did workgreat traditional house super cozy and fits lots of peopleanother great comfortable and fun stay many thanks aki and teamCleanliness:
as always very clean spacious and convenientcozy warm and very cleanit was spacious clean with a beautiful gardenthe place was very clean and could accommodate our groupthe beautiful spacious house was clean and very relaxing to stay inHost:
aki was a great hostthank you to the hosts for a lovely stayhost was very helpful from the very beginning of reservation processthey were all very kind and welcomingvery nice house and host overallRead more reviewsLocation:
beautiful place and pretty close to railway stationthe location is a quiet and peaceful neighbourhooda wonderful spacious traditional japanese house in a great location in kyotoit's a quick walk and has a great menugreat location and plenty of room for a sizable group
6. Stylish lodgings with open-air bath near Kyoto Station (from USD 266)
The gorgeous interiors of this Kyoto townhouse showcase a harmonious fusion of modern and traditional sensibilities. You can live like a local and sleep soundly in the tatami rooms with heated floors. The relaxing atmosphere of the natural stone open-air bath will loosen your muscles while you wash up.
Meanwhile, the kitchen contains seasonings and basic cooking utensils. Guests can prepare family staples using the stove and the microwave. The dining area is an elegant space with wooden furniture and a view of the well-maintained garden.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the bathroom amenities were greatwe especially love the onsen style bathroomthe house is very good and seems newly renovated one of the rooms has a double bedCleanliness:
a beautiful and very clean houseplace is clean and as describedvery clean quite area safe areahouse was also clean and comfortablekitchen is good clean and kitchen towels readily availableHost:
host was responsive tooour host is very responsive and kindthe host was super helpful and answered all our questions quicklythe host’s communication was excellent with timely responsesthe host was super friendly to allow us store the luggages early at the place before check-inRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is greata great location well within walking distance of the torii gatesvery close to many attractionsthe house was located in an excellent spot close to transport sights etcthe house was in a great location
7. Family-friendly Osaka house (from USD 111)
Eye-catching decoration, such as the iconic Hokusai paintings on the walls and fittings, complement the charming furniture and bright color palette of this Airbnb. Use the air humidifier as you see fit to keep the air-conditioned interior in optimal condition. Before entering the tatami room, make it a point to leave footwear at the door. Moreover, the upper-floor bedrooms are accessible via a flight of stairs.
Book this rental for a hassle-free stay and complimentary use of bathroom and kitchen supplies. Furthermore, the host requests close adherence to recycling guidelines from guests.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
wonderful place to stay and it’s very cozy and comfortableCleanliness:
very nice and clean housevery clean place with tatami floored roomsit is clean spacious and well-equippedthe place is clean and supplies are adequatethe house is very beautiful super clean and peacefulHost:
the host friendly and responsive toothe host has been super helpful flexible and responsivethe host was also kind enough to give a puzzle toy to my daughterwe love it thank you for your quickly response and so helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
great location with close to station and close to convenient stores and shopsan easy walk to the train station and several restaurants and shops just a couple minutes awaythe place is in a quiet neighborhood with a few neighborhood cats and friendly neighborswe all like this place and highly recommendednice place and big house
8. Neat apartment near Fushimi Inari Taisha (from USD 67)
This renovated apartment is ideal for a small family looking for affordable accommodation with air conditioning. Guests will find the cozy bedrooms at the top of a narrow, rather steep staircase. It is a homey lodging in Kyoto featuring sliding doors, Japanese-style futons, and tatami mats.
You can cook on the induction stove and microwave before heading to Nara for sightseeing. You can also do laundry here using the washer before 9pm, after which its use is prohibited.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the best thing is the rooms (even bathroom) have heaters which make it bearable during the cold seasonCleanliness:
great place to stay very clean and modernit was nice clean and big enough for a familyeverything was very clean and there was a closet with plenty of extra linensHost:
the host is very helpful as wellhost was very kind and came to pick us up and drive us to the placethe owner had a good detailed map towards the locationconvenient area to get around thanks to subway and host responsive and helpful when requiredthe host was very nice and always helpful we didn’t have any problems the house is clean and tidyRead more reviewsLocation:
location is peaceful and walkableit has convenience stores & good restaurants close by as wellthe place was in a great location only 3 stops from universalamazing stay nice location 8n a quiet neighborhood close to fushimi inari and walking distance to metro/train lineslocation as described and good price
9. Akira (from USD 288)
Detach from your daily routine and unplug from social media at this spacious accommodation located in a traditional building in Kyoto. Guests are requested to unfasten their shoes at the door and refrain from placing heavy bags on the tatami mats. Every room is air conditioned, and there’s a kitchen with standard cooking amenities. There are auspicious artworks, a century-old table, and a hand-painted tea set in the living room.
There is no television or WiFi access here to distract you from practicing mindfulness. Focus your attention instead on the carefully chosen elements in the calming courtyard garden.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the only inconvenient part is that there is no wifi but overall we had good experiencerelax in the living room with a stunning garden to look out onbed was extremely comfortableCleanliness:
it was quiet super clean and comfortablethe space felt very clean and cozyvery clean quite and good locationmr derrick house was spotless clean and has everything listed and as the photosgreat place very clean and good locationHost:
the host was very responsive and provided clear instructionsRead more reviewsLocation:
great and cute place close to train station and all major attractionsexcellent place and great locationlocation is fabulous short distance to tofukuji train direct to and from kyotoits near to tofukuji station and the walk to the place is quiet but safebeautiful stay close by to stations and temples
10. Expansive vacation home with an open-air bath (from USD 369)
The hot tub and the open-air bath are the highlight of this property. If you’d rather stay indoors for the day, then hang out in the theater room and stream the latest movies on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. This villa is also equipped with good-quality pots, kitchen knives, and appliances, including a rice cooker. Meanwhile, every bathing amenity a modern traveler requires is on the bathroom shelf. The Western-style bedrooms are on the second floor of the property, and you can also sleep on the sofa beds in the first-floor living room.
Guests with cars must inform in advance for a guaranteed reserved parking space.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the beds were very comfortable for all of usthere is also a separate movie room which was greatCleanliness:
the towels and bed linens smelled fresh and cleannice house with great ambiance house was clean and tidyapartment is very spacious and cleanit was very clean and in a great locationthe best place clean and good locationHost:
the host was very responsive and kindfast response rate and great support from the hostextremely thoughtful hosts with a very warm innthe host provided helpful manuals in english for all appliancesthank you for hosting us and letting us stay a bit laterRead more reviewsLocation:
great spot close to the train stationnice location easy to accessstylish place in a great locationloved the outdoor bath location was great very close to train stationlocation is great and very spacious
Live like a local in updated villas in and around Nara
Nara is an ancient city with compelling World Heritage Sites and open spaces for nature immersion. A number of Japan’s bucket list attractions are situated in Nara and neighboring Kyoto and Osaka. Choose these beautifully-garbed villas for chances to engage with the landscape and savor the benefits of living in and around Nara.
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