Escape the Crowds: Nara Becomes a Must-Visit Destination for Travelers in the Kansai Region

Published on December 5, 2025

Nara, located in the Kansai region of Japan, is gaining popularity as an alternative destination for tourists traditionally flocking to Kyoto and Osaka. Amid the rising costs of accommodation in central Osaka and Kyoto, Nara offers a more affordable and less crowded option while still providing access to the same rich cultural heritage and natural beauty that attract millions of visitors to the Kansai region each year.

Historically, tourists visiting Nara were often day-trippers, attracted by the city’s proximity to Kyoto and Osaka. However, in recent years, the city has transformed into a more prominent destination, as global and Japanese companies invest in hotels and lodging facilities across the prefecture. This shift is changing the flow of tourists in the Kansai region, offering a fresh alternative for travellers seeking both convenience and affordability.

Affordability Drives Tourism to Nara

The sharp increase in hotel room prices in Osaka and Kyoto has made Nara an appealing alternative for tourists looking to stay in the Kansai region without breaking the bank. As both cities experience challenges with overtourism, the cost of accommodations has skyrocketed, particularly in prime locations. Many visitors, especially those on a budget, have turned to Nara for a more economical stay while still being within easy reach of the cultural hubs of Kyoto and Osaka.

Nara’s affordable lodging options, combined with its historical and cultural offerings, have made it an attractive destination for both international travelers and domestic tourists. With a variety of hotels, ryokan inns, and guesthouses catering to different budgets, Nara provides a diverse range of choices for visitors seeking quality stays at a lower cost compared to Kyoto and Osaka.

Nara’s Cultural and Natural Attractions Draw Tourists

Nara is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, which includes numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Todai-ji Temple, home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha, and Nara Park, where friendly, free-roaming deer greet visitors. These attractions, along with Nara’s tranquil ambiance, make it an ideal destination for those seeking to explore Japan’s historical roots away from the crowded streets of Kyoto and Osaka.

In addition to these famous landmarks, Nara boasts a variety of other cultural and natural attractions. The Kasuga Taisha Shrine, another UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere for visitors. Mount Wakakusa, offering scenic hiking trails with panoramic views of the city, and the Naramachi historical district, with its preserved merchant houses, add further appeal to Nara for visitors interested in experiencing both nature and culture.

For those looking to immerse themselves in local traditions, Nara is also known for its vibrant festivals, such as the Nara Tōka-e (the Lantern Festival), which showcases thousands of lanterns lighting up the city, and the Omizutori (Water Drawing Ceremony), an important religious event at Todai-ji Temple. These events attract a steady flow of tourists who wish to experience Japan’s traditional culture and customs in a less commercialized environment compared to Kyoto or Osaka.

Growing Infrastructure and Improved Accessibility

One of the key factors contributing to Nara’s rise as a tourism hub is the improvement in its infrastructure and accessibility. Nara is easily accessible from both Kyoto and Osaka by train, with travel times of around 30-45 minutes, making it a convenient base for those exploring the Kansai region. Nara’s central location within Kansai also means that visitors can easily access other major tourist spots, such as the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara, as well as the modern city of Osaka, while enjoying a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere in the evenings.

In response to the growing number of tourists, Nara has significantly improved its tourism infrastructure. New hotels, shopping centers, and dining options have been developed, providing tourists with modern amenities while maintaining the city’s historical charm. These improvements, combined with efforts to preserve its cultural heritage, make Nara an appealing choice for those looking to experience the beauty of Japan’s past while enjoying modern comforts.

Local Economy and Job Creation Benefits

The influx of tourists has also brought positive economic impacts to Nara, with the increase in demand for hotels, restaurants, and retail businesses creating new job opportunities for local residents. As more tourists opt for longer stays in Nara, the city is benefiting from the economic boost that comes with increased spending in various sectors, including hospitality, transportation, and retail.

In addition, the rise in international tourism has led to the development of services that cater specifically to foreign visitors. Tour operators offering English-language tours, as well as more international cuisine options, have begun to spring up, making the city even more accessible and appealing to a global audience.

Conclusion

Nara’s rise as a prominent tourism destination in the Kansai region represents a shift in the flow of travelers within Japan. With its affordable accommodations, rich cultural heritage, and proximity to Kyoto and Osaka, Nara is positioned to continue growing as an attractive alternative for those seeking a unique and less crowded experience of Japan. The city’s ongoing investments in infrastructure, cultural preservation, and tourist services ensure that it will remain a key player in Japan’s tourism sector for years to come.

As more tourists seek alternatives to the overbooked cities of Kyoto and Osaka, Nara’s blend of history, natural beauty, and accessibility makes it an appealing choice for travelers looking to explore the heart of Japan without the crowds and high prices.