Nara Prefectural Library And Information Center

Nara Prefectural Library and Information Center: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Nara Historical Sites

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the historic city of Nara, Japan, the Nara Prefectural Library and Information Center is a modern cultural landmark that seamlessly blends innovative architecture with a rich array of historical and contemporary resources. Serving as a beacon for knowledge, heritage preservation, and community engagement, the library provides an essential destination for scholars, tourists, and locals. With its thoughtfully designed spaces and comprehensive collections—including ancient manuscripts and digital archives—the library offers an enriching experience that bridges Nara’s storied past with its cultural present.

Whether your interest lies in Japan’s ancient capital, UNESCO World Heritage sites like Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, or simply finding a tranquil place for learning, this guide equips you with all the essential details to make your visit rewarding. For the latest updates, consult the official Nara Prefectural Library website and the Nara Tourism Official Site.

Introduction
Visiting Hours and Admission
Directions and Transportation
Facilities and Amenities
Collections and Special Holdings
Programs, Events, and Community Engagement
Accessibility and Visitor Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Nearby Attractions and Cultural Highlights
Sustainability and Community Impact
Plan Your Visit and Stay Connected
Summary and Recommendations
References

Visiting Hours and Admission

Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed: Mondays (or next day if Monday is a public holiday), New Year holidays (December 29–January 3)
Admission: Free entry for all visitors; no tickets required

For up-to-date hours and special event schedules, refer to the official website.

Directions and Transportation

Location:
The Nara Prefectural Library is situated at 1-1000 Daianji-nishi, Nara City, adjacent to the Nara Prefectural Convention Center and within walking distance of key city hotels.

How to Get There:

By Train:
- Kintetsu Nara Line or JR Nara Line to Shin-Omiya Station, then a 10-minute walk
- Also accessible via bus routes from Nara Station
By Bus/Taxi:
- 15 minutes from Kintetsu Nara Station or JR Nara Station
Parking:
- Limited on-site parking; paid parking available nearby
- Bicycle and motorcycle parking on-site

The library is ideally located for combining your visit with tours of the Heijo Palace Site, Nara Park, and other historical landmarks.

Facilities and Amenities

Architectural Ambience

Designed for accessibility and inspiration, the library features open, light-filled spaces, glass walls, and barrier-free access. Facilities are organized as follows:

Ground Floor: Main reception, general collections
Second Floor: Exhibition halls, seminar rooms, children’s consultation area
Third Floor: “Bridge” area for special exhibitions and quiet study

Visitor Amenities

Reading and Study Areas: Spacious rooms for general and quiet study, as well as group collaboration
Digital and Creative Spaces: Multimedia studios for video/audio editing, digital publishing, and IT workshops (event calendar)
Exhibition and Event Spaces: Regular art, photography, and literary exhibitions; venue for thematic events
Children’s and Family Facilities: Dedicated children’s area, regular storytelling sessions, nursing room (GLTJP)
Accessibility: Elevators, ramps, accessible restrooms, tactile guides, braille signage, and hearing loops
Food & Beverage: Café/lounge and food trucks (weekends); food allowed in designated spaces only
Other Services: Free Wi-Fi, coin lockers, printing/scanning/copying for a nominal fee

Collections and Special Holdings

General and Specialized Resources

Books and Magazines: Over 500,000 volumes, including English-language resources and periodicals on Nara’s history and culture
Digital Archives:
- Mahoroba Digital Library: Digitized manuscripts, historical maps, and rare documents (Nara Prefectural Library)
- Integrated with university and prefectural library networks for interlibrary loans
Historical Manuscripts:
- Ancient texts such as the “Nihon Shoki,” “Daiwa-shi”
- Illustrated and historic maps (“Nara City Street and Historic Site Map,” “Yamato Province Uda District Emperor Jimmu Sacred Site Map”) (ERDB-JP)
Event Archives: Catalogs, artist archives, legal and business resources complementing seminars

Programs, Events, and Community Engagement

Educational and Cultural Offerings

Workshops and Lectures:
- On traditional arts, digital literacy, poetry, calligraphy, and genealogy research
Community Events:
- Seasonal festivals, art exhibitions, music performances, film screenings, and citywide celebrations like the Nara Cherry Blossom Festival and Tokae Lantern Festival
Mobile Library:
- Outreach to underserved neighborhoods, extended borrowing periods, and festival pop-ups

Family and Child Support

Kosodate Hiroba (Childrearing Spaces):
- Play-based activities, parent support, no advance registration required

International and Inclusive Services

Multilingual signage and staff (English, Chinese, Korean)
Language learning resources and international cultural events
Accessible programming for visitors with disabilities

Accessibility and Visitor Tips

Wheelchair Access: Full barrier-free design, including tactile floors and braille signage
Hearing and Vision Assistance: Hearing loops, large-print and braille materials
Guided Tours: Available on request; check event schedules for upcoming opportunities
Best Time to Visit: Weekdays for a quieter experience; spring for cherry blossoms; autumn for cultural events
Photography: Permitted in most areas except restricted exhibitions—confirm with staff

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the library’s opening hours?
A: Monday–Friday 9:00 AM–7:00 PM; weekends and holidays 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.

Q: Is admission free?
A: Yes, entry and most exhibitions are free.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, by advance arrangement or during special exhibitions.

Q: Is the library wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.

Q: Are there multilingual services?
A: Yes, including brochures and staff support in multiple languages.

Nearby Attractions and Cultural Highlights

Heijo Palace Site
Nara Park & Todai-ji Temple
Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Nara National Museum
Nara Historical Sites (Japan Guide)

The library’s central location makes it an excellent base for exploring Nara’s UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Sustainability and Community Impact

The library incorporates eco-friendly features such as energy-efficient lighting and rainwater harvesting. Community programs promote literacy, digital inclusion, and lifelong learning for all age groups, including outreach to seniors and international residents.

Plan Your Visit and Stay Connected

For the latest information on visiting hours, exhibitions, and events, check the official Nara Prefectural Library website.
Download the Audiala app for personalized guides and real-time event updates.
Follow the library’s social media for news on upcoming programs and cultural highlights.

Summary and Recommendations

The Nara Prefectural Library and Information Center stands as a model of cultural preservation and modern community engagement. With extensive collections, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, it is an essential stop for anyone exploring Nara. Whether delving into ancient manuscripts, participating in a workshop, or simply enjoying the tranquil setting—especially during cherry blossom season—your visit promises to be both educational and memorable.

To maximize your experience, consult the event calendar, participate in guided tours, and combine your trip with visits to Nara’s iconic sites.