Topic: Nara Park Bus Terminal, Nara tours, Nara Park FAQ
The Nara Park bus terminal is a stylish and modern wooden building located right across Nara Park. This terminal isn’t just for boarding city buses, but it also has kimono rentals, plenty of resting areas, bathrooms, restaurants, information about Nara, and a rooftop garden (3F) with benches where people can look over Nara Park from a vantage view. Several tours buses which lead to Mt.Wakakasa have drop offs around the area.
Table of contents:
- General Information
- 1F (Souvenir Store + Information Desk)
- 2F (Nara Story– interactive information about Nara)
- 2F (Indoor Rest Space & Cafes)
- 3F (Outdoor Panoramic View Resting Space)
- Nara Park FAQ
General Information
Currently two tours are running in Nara, the World Heritage Tour with Kamameshi and Matcha and the Perfect Nara Park course. To book a tour in Nara, check here for tours administered by the prefectures main bus company. Tours can be booked online or at the Nara Kotsu Sightseeing Bus Information Center, located a 8 minute walk from Nara Park Bus Terminal.
Facility hours: 7:30 AM ~ 8 PM
Access
🟢From Kintetsu Nara: take Exit 1 and walk 10 minutes
🟢From JR Nara Station: head towards bus stop #2 and board bus 2, 77, or 97 and get off at Kencho-mae (Kenchozen) bus stop
1F (Souvenir Store + Information Desk)
Pick up an assortment of Nara souvenirs such as famous Nara snacks, Nara letter prints, and even Nara leaf wrapped sushi from the famous souvenir branch Nara Meihinkan! Inside is also an information desk, a stylish brunch like cafe serving roasted meats and smoothies, a 7-11 convenience store, and an ATM where you can withdraw international currency.
Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM (Open year-round)
Location: 76 Noborioji-cho, Nara City (Inside Nara Park Bus Terminal)
Phone Number: 0742-81-3735
Information desk hours: 7:30 AM ~ 8 PM
2F (Nara Story– interactive information about Nara)
Resembling a small museum, “Nara Story” is a newly constructed area packed with information about Nara, its history, and even quizzes for guests of all ages to enjoy. Nara Story introduces the several power spots in Nara, the origin story about Nara deer, Japan’s oldest history scriptures (Kokiji and Manyoshu), and trivia about different Nara sake.
Nara Story hours: 7:00AM ~ 8PM
2F (Indoor Rest Space & Cafes)
On the second floor there is also a large indoor rest space with plenty of seating and a view of Nara Park. There are also two bathrooms on this floor. On this floor is Starbucks and also a Gyukaku restaurant, famous for its deep fried beef cutlets. The second floor is separated into two parts, one which holds lecture halls and exhibitions, and one with stores.
Starbucks hours: 7 AM ~ 8 PM
Gyukaku hours: 7:30 AM ~ 8 PM
3F Outdoor Panoramic View Resting Space/Playground
Up the stairs and outside is a spacious rooftop garden space with benches and a grass area where you can enjoy a view of Mt.Wakakusa, Nara Park, and Todai-ji Temple! The large grass area is a great spot for children to play and there are even deer sculptures you can take a photo op with while looking at the panoramic view of Nara. The rooftop closes at 8 PM each night.
Rooftop hours: 7:30 AM ~ 8 PM.
Nara Deer Park FAQ:
1. What is Nara Park’s opening time?
Nara Park is open all hours as it is a public area. That being said, some of the gardens don’t open until 8 AM and the deer appear usually from 9AM until before sunset.
2. Is there a Nara Park Playground nearby?
While there is not a playground around the main area of Nara Park, by Tenri Station is a massive outdoor trampoline dome playground attraction called Kokofun which is completely free to use! In front of Tenri Station Square is also a parking lot which is free for 90 minutes.
3. Are there events in Nara Park?
Nara Park occasionally holds concerts and events. To check updates of all events in the Nara Park area, check the Nara Tourism website (event page in Japanese only).
4. Are there Nara Park entrance fees?
Nara Park has no entrance fees. Areas such as Sarusawa Pond, Ukimido, Ukigumo Garden, Kasugano Garden, Noborioji Garden, are also free to enter.
5. How do you get Nara Park deer food?
You are only allowed to feed the deer in Nara with the crackers sold locally. Around the park are several carts selling 10 crackers for 200 yen. You can also buy them at souvenir stores or teahouses. Though the crackers are made of rice and wheat, it is not recommended for human consumption.
