Edosan may have been established in 1907, but its story begins in the 1800s when the owners' forebears moved from Osaka to Nara. The name Edosan actually comes from ‘Edobori sanchome’, referring to a location named Edobori 3rd street. Edosan at was first a restaurant, but it would later become a ryokan where many creative minds would stay and find inspiration.

Even though Edosan is over a hundred years old, it has carefully retained its traditional architecture even to this day. Rooms still boast their ### stylish sukiya-zukuri design, complete with a tokonoma alcove decorated with artistic treasures. Also intact are the ranma transoms that are carefully carved and used to decorate the frames of shoji screens. Also of note is that the ryokan maintained its use of percussion instruments to summon room attendants. Some rooms are equipped with taiko drums, while others have a dora gong or gyoku drum instead.

Meals at Edosan involves either their signature kaiseki cuisine, or their special seasonal Wakakusa-nabe. Kaiseki-ryouri, is a high-end multi-course cuisine prepared by skilled chefs and makes use of regional and seasonal ingredients.

Wakakusa-nabe gets its name from Mount Wakakusa, the grassy mountain which is also part of Nara Park, as well as the nabe pot used for making the dish, as it also resembles the aforementioned mountain. Available only from October until March, it’s the perfect meal to warm to body and soul during those cold months. Its inception into Edosan’s menu was influenced by the writer Naoya Shiga, who often stayed at the ryokan. Since then, it has become a favorite of the inn’s esteemed guests, most notably the Showa Emperor Hirohito.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

With Edosan situated within Nara Park, guests of the ryokan can easily access the many historic and cultural attractions via a short stroll. The area is known for having many locations that are part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara UNESCO World Heritage. Todai-ji is a famous Buddhist temple known for its cultural significance as it is the main temple of Kegon Buddhism, as well as at one point considered the world’s largest wooden building. Kasuga Taisha is a grand shrine that is home to several major kami such as Takemikazuchi, and famed for its brilliant architecture. The shrine is also where many cultural and national treasures are stored.

For those who would love to walk alongside Mother Nature, nearby Mount Wakakusa offers casual hikers and trail walkers an easy and scenic climb. The Kasugayama Primeval Forest, also part of Nara Park, has numerous designated trails that lead to areas such as alcoves of Buddha statues, caves, and even a waterfall deep in the woods.

Nara is a wonderful place to spend your holiday, especially if you have a birthday or anniversary in mind. That said, Edosan does not have a banquet venue, so you will have to book a place separately. You can, however, ask the management for referrals or recommendations regarding local establishments that can provide personalized services for your private event.