The building that would eventually become Tsukihitei was well-known for its privacy and peaceful seclusion, originally built back in 1903 as a guesthouse for the Governor of Nara. Here, the governor would host many esteemed guests and will become a tradition of the ryokan by proudly serving personages such as members of the Imperial Family, as well as dignitaries and representatives.

As for its name, it's derived from the Tsukihi no Iwa, a sacred rock on the Yoshiki River that collects ice during the winter. This ice would then be stored and offered to the Imperial Court once the warmer seasons have arrived.

Design and Architecture

The architecture of Tsukihitei is distinctly Japanese, having preserved the traditional style of particularly with its exterior design. Modernized touches can be found here and there, done so in the name of practicality, such as the use of glass panels and electric lights. Even then, their aesthetics adhere tightly to classical conventions and blend seamlessly.

To preserve its level of service as well as traditional aspects, Tsukihitei has kept a slow pace of expansion and renovation. Even now the ryokan only has five types of accommodations for its guests. Aesthetically, however, these are designed in a Japanese-Western style with a combination of tatami mats and raised furniture. The most recently renovated are the Take and Wakaba guestrooms which now feature raised beds and stylish chairs and tables.

Dining at a ryokan can end up becoming a meticulous affair, especially if it's a ryokan with such a rich history and reputation as Tsukihitei. Their kaiseki cuisine is made extra special by making the most of seasonal ingredients. To help guests indulge in their preferences, the ryokan offers different sets of kaiseki cuisine meant to match the varied palates and budgets. The Irodori Kaiseki and Shiki Kaiseki make use of seasonal fare, while Mahoroba Kaiseki uses A5 rank Yamagata beef as its main ingredient. They also have a lovely kid-friendly menu which you can avail of by getting in touch with the management.

Opening hours: 11:30 am - 2 pm (Lunch); 5:30 pm - 9 pm (Dinner)

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

During its time as the Imperial Capital during the Nara Period, from 710 - 784, the ancient city of Nara flourished and became a center for cultural and religious undertakings. Many of those religious and cultural sites survive to this day and are open to visitors. Many are even recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage The Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara. These include temples such as Kokufu-ji and Yakushi-ji, the grand Shinto shrine of Kasuga-taisha, and even the Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest where Tsukihitei stands. Mt. Kasuga itself provides plenty of opportunities to embrace the outdoors as it is filled with numerous hiking trails used over the centuries by all sorts of travelers such as pilgrims, merchants, and even warriors.

Other Celebrations

Although somewhat of a long shot, it's still worth notifying the management that you're planning to celebrate a special day during your stay. They might be able to assist in a bit of personalized service if you're commemorating a birthday or anniversary while under their care.