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Nara Ryokan

Higashiterabayashicho 28-1, 630-8362 Nara, Japan

Overview

Nara Ryokan's excellent location in Naramachi, the former merchant district of Nara lined with historical buildings, sets the stage for a culture-rich holiday. The ryokan itself is 80 years old, so you can dive right into the rich Japanese heritage. The property has been renovated to fit modern needs and standards, although its traditional charm has been preserved well. The rooms are Japanese-Western-style, beautifully blending features from both styles. Each one offers unique decor. The ryokan is also close to train stations and cultural attractions such as famous temples, so you won't have trouble exploring the best offerings of the Nara Prefecture.

History

Nara Ryokan has been welcoming guests for over 80 years in the charming former merchant district of Naramachi. Much of the property's history has been lost to time, but it still offers an insight into the traditional Japanese way of life. The ryokan has undergone many renovations that ensured it lived up to the standards of the time. Despite that, it retains its old-world charm in its architecture, decor, and other offerings. Moreover, it's the perfect base for exploring the Naramachi district and its old Edo-era houses. The area was also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gango-ji temple.

History
Exterior of Nara Ryokan
$71.00 /night for 2 adults

Design and Architecture

The ryokan boasts traditional Japanese architecture with wooden furnishings and antique decor. The guest rooms offer a blend of Japanese and Western styles, with tatami mats, shoji screens, paper lamps, and flatscreen TVs. The rooms are also individually decorated to pay homage to the different eras in Japanese history, from Jomon to Showa.

Hotel image
Guest room at Nara Ryokan
$71.00 /night for 2 adults

Amenities

Rooms

Twin Room


Guest

Room 2 Bed Type 1, 1 Bed Type 7

Room size 15 m2

Price per night

$71.24

per night price includes taxes and charges
View deal

Small Single Room


Guest

Room 1 Bed Type 1

Room size 8 m2

Price per night

$52.00

per night price includes taxes and charges
View deal

Dining

Nara Ryokan helps guests start their day right by offering a delicious breakfast. You can also indulge in an authentic sushi experience here. Try the nigiri sushi made with shrimp, salmon, or tuna. The ingredients change with the changing seasons to provide you with the freshest offerings. You can enjoy your meal at the spacious dining hall.

If you're looking for more dining options, check out the eateries in the area, such as the Michelin-starred Chugokusai Naramachi Kuko or the Golden Rabbit Beer brewery.

Dining
Dining hall at Nara Ryokan
$71.00 /night for 2 adults

Events and Experiences

Nara Ryokan offers a quintessentially Japanese experience, which is sure to impress culture enthusiasts. You can enjoy a private session in the hot spring bath, which is one of the rare intermittent hot springs in the country. It's derived from the cold spring geyser, Reisen Kanketsusen of Yoshino. The mineral-rich waters from the intermittent spring gushes out in small quantities every 30 minutes. A hot spring bath is not just a cultural experience but also something that benefits you physically, so don't miss it during your stay! The private usage hours are from 5:10 pm to 10:20 pm with 40-minute slots.

If you're looking to explore the area, visit the many temples and shrines surrounding the property, including the famous Todaiji and Kofukuji temples. Outdoor lovers can visit Nara Park to meet the local deer. The on-site garden is also a beautiful place to explore.

Book Venue
Events and Experiences
Hot spring bath at Nara Ryokan
$71.00 /night for 2 adults

Cultural etiquette

  • Bowing (ojigi): It's advisable to bow to show respect when greeting someone. It can also be done to show gratitude or convey an apology.
  • Shoe etiquette: You must remove your outside footwear before stepping on the elevated area of the genkan (entrance) and entering a house. You should also ensure not to step on the lower area of the genkan without your shoes on. Shoes must be kept facing the entrance. If you wear socks, they should be clean and without any holes.
  • Slipper etiquette: It's usually better to wear fresh socks or slippers inside the house, especially for formal situations. Make sure to remove your slippers before stepping into a room with tatami mats on the floor. There should also be a separate set of slippers for the washroom.
  • Dining etiquette: How you hold and place your chopsticks while dining is crucial. For example, they shouldn't be held upright when eating rice. You must also place them on a holder when you're not using them. It's good to say "Itadakimasu" before starting a meal and "Gochisousama deshita" after completing it.
  • Tipping etiquette: Tipping isn't a common practice in Japan and may be considered rude.
  • Luggage etiquette: Luggage, especially those with wheels, should be carried instead of being dragged across the floor as it might damage the tatami mats or wooden flooring.
  • Photography etiquette: Photography rules can change from place to place, so make sure to check for signs or ask the staff before taking pictures anywhere.
  • Queueing etiquette: Make sure to maintain queues and never cut in line.
  • Onsen etiquette: Some onsens don't allow tattoos, so check with the staff before getting into one. You must also shower and be clean before entering a shared onsen bath.
  • Bathing etiquette: Japanese baths include separate areas for washing while the tub itself is meant only for soaking. This means bathers must first wash, scrub, and rinse themselves before entering the bath tub.
$71.00 /night for 2 adults

Local Info

Nara Craft Museum

Free museum offering different types of craft items local to Nara (5-minute walk)

Todai-ji Temple

Historic temple dating back to the 8th century, boasting one of the largest bronze statues of Lord Buddha (7-minute drive)

Isuien Garden

Charming Japanese garden featuring tea houses and a small museum (18-minute walk)

Nearest Airport

The nearest airport to Nara Ryokan is Kansai International Airport, about a 72-minute drive away.

Nearest Railway Station

The nearest train station to the ryokan is Kintetsu Nara Station, only a 10-minute walk away.

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Customer Reviews

Location

Location is perfect as really quiet but only a 10 minute walk to Nara Deer Park & the shrines.

Amenities

The private onsen was wonderful, though you pick a timeslot when checking in and need to make sure you plan accordingly.

Price

Very affordable! No complimentary breakfast.