Nara is a very popular tourist area with lots of historical temples and shrines, and many people go after visiting Kyoto as they are close to each other. Many people stay in Kyoto and come to Nara just for 1 day trip, but this city has lots to check out in one day. So, it is worth to stay 2-3 days. For fitness travelers there are 2 local gyms selling a day pass. See my recommendations below the map.
Tip: There are 2 train stations in Nara. Though they are close to each other, Kintetsu Nara Station is more convenient for sightseeing. A train from Kyoto goes to Kintetsu Nara Station and a train from Osaka goes to JR Nara Station. Staying at a hotel nearby those train stations would be very convenient.
There are 2 local gyms selling a day pass in Nara. Both of them are a bit far from the main area but walking distance (15min walk).
TMK Gym: Open Mon-Fri 10.00-24.00, Sat-Sun 9.00-22.00. Day pass costs JPY1650 per visit. See the official gym website.
Training Space Nara: Open Mon-Fri 10.00-14.30, 16.00-22.00. Sun 11.00-16.00. Closed on Thu and Sat. Day pass costs JPY1500 per visit. It is an old school body builder gym. See the official gym website.
To avoid embarrassment and disappointment at the gym, please read Tips and etiquette before going to the gym in Japan.
Recommendations: TMK Gym is a newer, better and cheaper gym though it is a bit far from the Nara main sightseeing area and it is a 15 min walk from the Nara station.
If you are an Anytime Fitness Member in your home country, you can use 1100+ Anytime Fitness gyms in Japan 24/7 for free (your home country’s membership covers the cost). You can use the same security key tag to enter. There is 1 Anytime Fitness gym in convenient location for tourists as follows (purple icons on the map).
Piazza Hotel is next to JR Nara station which is convenient if you are going from Osaka. They opened the fitness room in 2019 and it has 4 cardio machines and 1 muscle machine in a decent space. No free weights unfortunately. If you want a full workout, you can walk to a local gym; TMK Gym in 15 min.
Novotel Nara is located close to major tourist spot, Hijyokyo and it has a decent gym room. Hotel guests can use it for free.