四季亭 Shikitei

Shikitei has a long history tracing back to 1899 and had, by the year 2000, undergone five renovation projects, yet its historic charm has stayed intact. Its exteriors show evidence of its Meiji-era influences, and the very gateway through which guests enter is mounted by two giant wooden doors and an impressive canopy.

Design and Architecture

All the rooms follow traditional Japanese design mandates and are furnished with tatami mats, chabudai, tatami chairs, short chairs or stools, and shoji doors. However, the rooms differ in their decor and architecture. For example, the premium option, Zuiun, was crafted by the carpenters of Kasugataisha Shrine and is made to resemble an imperial court. The room comes with a Tokonoma, a Japanese alcove, a Yamatojihiko ink painting, an Akahada-yaki teapot, and a sunken kotatsu and can even host small ceremonies!

The Kakusho room comes with an engawa, not to mention the scrolls with Japanese calligraphy. The Pine Room has its own miniature garden!

Dining Spots

You can dine in the on-site restaurant, Yamatoji Kaiseki, or in tatami rooms. The restaurant is equipped with Western-style furnishings while the tatami rooms offer an opportunity to savor meals in a traditional setting. The restaurant can accommodate up to 25 people at once, and the dishes are prepared in Akahada-yaki pottery (a type of pottery particular to Nara). Seasonal ingredients are preferred and most ingredients are sourced from the Nara region! The tatami rooms are perfect for private dining with groups of 2 - 8 people. There's another perk for those dining in the tatami rooms: the opportunity to watch a geisha perform while they have dinner! The tatami rooms are only available for two hours at a time! For large groups of up to 45 people, the hall might be the best option.

Meals

The most premium option is the Fuji Ozashiki course (in tatami room) where the head chef will choose only the best dishes for you! The other tatami room offerings follow a similar meal plan inclusive of an appetizer, simmered dish, sashimi, grilled dish, main course, and pickles. The restaurant offers many similar options, with a few unique options such as an akebachi bowl.

Serving hours
Restaurant: 11:30 am - 3 pm (lunch); 5:30 pm - 9 pm (dinner)
Tatami room: Lunch starts between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm; Dinner starts between 5:30 pm and 7 pm (reservations required)

Cultural Experiences

The highlight of staying here might be the opportunity to watch a geisha perform while you have your dinner! But there are plenty more culture to savor here. For example, calligraphy (for which Nara is famous) in scrolls and other media is exhibited all across the property. The garden also exhibits traditional Japanese aesthetics and features finely cut ceramics fashioned out of Akahada clay, a difficult process mastered by the artisan Takaaki Takeda. The property also has a tea room that serves matcha tea and the experience is available for those dining in a tatami room or staying overnight. Make sure to stop by the souvenir shop and score some of the unique products Nara is famous for, including Akashiya brushes, kudzu mochi, Narazuke pickles, and original sweets prepared at the ryokan!

In addition, the large onsen lets you experience the Japanese public bath in style! The pool is crafted out of ancient cypress wood while the area is clad in granite.