IC Cards

Across Japan, an Integrated Smart Card (IC) system allows travelers to pay for transportation fares regardless of region and service provider. Pick up a rechargeable IC card at the nearest train station to avoid complicated ticket purchasing procedures each time you use the train, subway or bus. IC cards issued in Nara are ICOCA cards. Suica and other regionally issued cards can also be used. Note that IC cards can also be used to pay for goods in convenience stores.

Luggage Forwarding Services

Fast, efficient and inexpensive courier services, or takuhai as they are known in Japan, operate nationwide. Many of them offer convenient luggage forwarding services. Take advantage of these to send bags to hotels, onward destinations or to the airport for hassle free travel while in Japan.

Yamato Transport and Sagawa Express are two of the largest couriers. In addition to operating service counters at major airports, they provide pick up and delivery services from convenience stores and hotels. More information is available on their respective websites, or you can inquire at your hotel, a convenience store, tourist information center or the airport.

Coin Lockers

Train stations, department stores and tourist information centers in Japan are generally well equipped with lockers for baggage storage. Nara is no exception. The price of lockers varies with size, but is usually in the region of ¥500. Most only take ¥100 coins, so make sure to set a few aside in your wallet if you have luggage that needs storing.

QR Code Readers

Download a QR code reader app before arriving in Nara. Murouji Temple, The Former Site of Heijokyu Imperial Palace and other key Nara venues display QR codes offering multilingual information around their grounds. Simply scan the code to access the information. An internet connection is necessary, but venues with QR codes should have free Wi-Fi available.

Cash vs Credit Cards

Although credit cards are becoming much more widely accepted, especially in urban areas and places popular with tourists, cash remains king. When booking accommodation, particularly in more rural areas, check payment options and ensure you have enough cash with you to cover your stay in case payment by card is not an option. Note that ATMs can be few and far between outside of Nara City.

ATMs & Currency Exchange

To withdraw cash on an internationally issued card, use one of the convenience store ATMs at either 7-11, FamilyMart or Lawson. Japan Post ATMs, located at most post offices, can also be used. ATMs at many banks and other convenience stores tend to be for domestic use only. For currency exchange, head to Nara Visitor Center & Inn or one of the banks in Nara City. It is worth noting that Japanese banks are only open between 09:00 and 15:00 on weekdays.

Tax-Free Shopping

Make sure to carry your passport with you when shopping. International visitors spending less than six months in Japan are eligible for tax exemption on general items and consumable goods at participating stores. Look out for shops dispaying the "Japan. Tax-free shop" symbol. To qualify for tax-free shopping, the value of purchases made within one day at a single store (excluding consumption tax) must exceed ¥10,001 for general items, and more than ¥5,001 for consumables.