Smile Hotel Nara, Nara ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

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Key details

About the Hotel

4-21 Sanjo-Honmachi, Nara, Nara, Japan, 630-8122

Steps from Sanjo Street

Very good

7.7

7.9

/10

4.3

Loved by Smile Hotel Nara guests

Clean room
Friendly staff
Good water pressure
Handy laundromat
Inexpensive hotel

"It's central to the station; the shopping area and a leisurely walk to the gardens"

Richard from New Zealand

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"The hotel is located right by Nara JR Station, so everything you would need for a short city trip is easily within walking distance."

Luke from United Kingdom

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"Located close to Jr train station, thus very convenient for my family to go to the airport."

Chun Ming

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Amenities

Smile Hotel Nara offers a restaurant and the popular Smile Café, where guests can savor a variety of breakfast options. A business center with meeting facilities is available for professional needs. The hotel also provides laundry services and vending machines for added convenience.

Rooms

The hotel includes 200 guest rooms that come equipped with air conditioning and flat-screen TVs. Each room features an en-suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries. Upgraded rooms provide additional space and amenities for an enhanced stay.

Location

Located in Nara, the hotel is just a 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station. Nara Park, known for its free-roaming deer and temples, is only a short distance away. Guests can easily explore local cultural attractions and historical sites.

Dining

Smile Hotel Nara features an on-site restaurant that serves both Japanese and Western breakfast options. The dining area allows guests to enjoy meals while considering the city's local flavors. Furthermore, the hotel provides vending machines for snacks and beverages.

Business Services

The hotel offers a variety of business services, including meeting rooms and printing facilities. High-speed internet access is available in common areas for professional use. Guests can easily organize business meetings without leaving the premises.

Highlights

Location: 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station .

Rooms: 200 guest rooms with flat-screen TVs .

Dining: on-site restaurant serving breakfast .

Business: meeting rooms and printing facilities .

“Smile Hotel Nara is a no-frills but practical choice, especially appreciating its proximity to JR Nara Station for easy day trips and its on-site laundromat, ideal for longer stays; though the rooms are compact and beds firm, I found the location and essential amenities more than adequate. It's a solid base for exploring Nara, particularly if you value convenience and straightforward comfort over luxury.”

James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Great

8.5/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningAmazing breakfast!

The breakfast had great variety, offering both Asian and Western options. A very nice way to start the day.

Carlos from Spain

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Room FeaturesFunctional comfort

The room, though small, was clean and functional, typical of Japanese business hotels. The window provided good ventilation.

Oliver from United Kingdom

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Guest ParkingStress-free arrival

Arriving by car was easy! I was able to keep luggage before check in and even after check out.

Mei Lin from Singapore

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Media & EntertainmentDecent connectivity

The wifi was decent, which was convenient as I needed to get some work done during my stay.

Sarah from Canada

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Select your room type

Smile Hotel Nara offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Superior Double Room Non-Smoking

2 persons

195 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Twin Room Non-Smoking

2 persons

195 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

Double Room Non-Smoking

2 persons

130 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

Smile Hotel Nara offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Very good

7.8/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
On-site car park
Handicap parking
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
Security
Luggage storage
Lift
Vending machines
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Laundry
Dry cleaning

Business

Fax/Photocopying

Spa & Leisure

Massage

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Smile Hotel Nara Location

4-21 Sanjo-Honmachi, Nara, Nara, Japan, 630-8122

Map view

4-21 Sanjo-Honmachi, Nara, Nara, Japan, 630-8122

City landmarks

Park

Nara Park

1.4 mi

Pagoda

Todai-ji Temple

1.3 mi

Landmark

Gango-ji

3700 ft

Pagoda

Kofuku-ji Temple 3 Storey Tower

3700 ft

Landmark

Kasuga Grand Shrine

1.6 mi

Landmark

Naramachi

3700 ft

Museum

Nara Prefectural Museum of Art

1.3 mi

Pagoda

Toshodai-ji

2.0 mi

Landmark

Kaika Tenno Tomb

2100 ft

Pagoda

Yakushi-ji Temple

2.1 mi

Landmark

Gyoki Statue with a Fountain

3100 ft

Museum

Nara National Museum

1.5 mi

Museum

Naramachi Museum

3700 ft

Church

The Nara Episcopal Church

3400 ft

Landmark

Uneme Shrine

3500 ft

Landmark

Sarusawa Pond

3700 ft

Museum

Naramachi Mechanical Toy Museum

2900 ft

Landmark

Nara Craft Museum

2800 ft

Museum

Neiraku Art Museum

1.1 mi

Landmark

Nara Women's University

4200 ft

Landmark

Higashimuki Shopping Street

3700 ft

Landmark

Mochiidono Center Gai

3100 ft

Landmark

Naramachi Koshi-no-Ie

3700 ft

Landmark

Nara City History Museum

3200 ft

Landmark

Nara City Museum of calligraphy in honour of Kason Sugioka

3200 ft

Landmark

Nara Prefecture Kilometer Zero

3300 ft

Landmark

Izakaya beer & dining

3700 ft

Park

Isui-en

1.8 mi

Nearby

Sanjo Street

500 ft

1-1 Sanjo Hommachi

Vierra Nara

500 ft

Restaurants

Surugamachi no Okonomiyakiya

700 ft

606-8 Sanjocho

Vie de France Nara

1300 ft

1-1 Sanjo Hommachi Viera Nara 2F

Amanojaku Jr Nara

1000 ft

35-1 Surugamachi

onwa

2000 ft

3-23 Sanjo Omiyacho

Sushi Ichi

1400 ft

12-4 Surugamachi

Machikado-Ya Nara Omori-Cho

1300 ft

55-1 Omorimachi

Saint Marc Cafe SanjoSt

1100 ft

495-1 Sanjocho

Kasuya JR Nara Ekimae

1500 ft

11-4 Aburasaka Jikatacho

Sandaime Torimero

1700 ft

3-1 Aburasaka Jikatacho Shelly Sanjo Bldg. 1

Takomi

1900 ft

485 Sanjocho

Explore Nara

Nara Park

25 minutes' walk

A scenic park featuring free-roaming deer, picturesque cherry blossoms, and historical sites including temples.

Todai-ji Temple

25 minutes' walk

Home to the Great Buddha statue, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers stunning architecture and serene gardens.

Kofuku-ji Temple 3 Storey Tower

14 minutes' walk

Famous for its iconic pagoda, this temple is rich in history and an excellent spot for photography.

Kasuga Grand Shrine

30 minutes' walk

Known for its beautiful lanterns and serene paths through a forest, this shrine is steeped in spiritual significance.

Biking along Saho River

7 minutes' drive

Enjoy scenic views and a leisurely ride with bike rentals available along the Saho River path.

Relaxation at Former Daijoin Temple Garden

14 minutes' walk

A serene garden perfect for unwinding amid beautiful landscapes, noted for its tranquil atmosphere.

Surugamachi no Okonomiyakiya

3 minutes' walk

Offers delicious okonomiyaki in a casual setting, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.

Sushi Ichi

5 minutes' walk

A cozy spot renowned for its sushi, featuring a selection of seasonal fish and a welcoming atmosphere.

Amanojaku Jr Nara

4 minutes' walk

Specializing in ramen, this casual dining place serves rich flavors in a friendly atmosphere.

Naramachi Mechanical Toy Museum

10 minutes' walk

A unique museum featuring interactive displays of traditional mechanical toys. Great for families.

Vierra Nara

2 minutes' walk

A lively shopping space with regular events, perfect for finding local crafts and enjoying casual dining.

Getting around

City Centre

Nara18 min · 5000 ft

Airports

Osaka International Airport (ITM)74 min · 30.6 mi

Kobe Airport (UKB)105 min · 43.1 mi

Train

Nara Station3 min · 700 ft

Kintetsu Nara Station12 min · 3300 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site at JPY 800 per day.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs JPY1,000 per person per day.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Languages

English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean

Number of rooms:

275

Former name

Sun Hotel Nara

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Smile Hotel Nara from previous guests about their experience.

Review score

Based on 776 verified reviews

7.7/10

Very good

79%

Recommend

Breakfast

7.4/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Comfort

8.0/10

Facilities

7.8/10

Free Wi-Fi

8.7/10

Location

8.5/10

Paid Wi-Fi

8.7/10

Staff

8.4/10

Value for money

8.3/10

Pros

Convenient location

Friendly staff

Large double room

Provided toiletries

Cons

Uncomfortable bed

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