Top Hotels in Nara Bed and Breakfast Inns
The 10 best Bed and Breakfast Inns in Nara, Japan
Thirteen hundred years ago, Nara (then Heiju-kyu) was the imperial capital of Japan. "Old Japan" is still easy to spot here, from Great Buddha Hall to traditional ryokans and the serene Isuien garden. Travelers rave about walking tours of Nara, particularly in the historic Naramachi merchant area.
Restaurants in Nara
1. Mikasa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
Welcome to Mikasa, your Nara “home away from home.” Mikasa aims to make your visit as relaxing and enjoyable as possible, which is why so many guests continue to come back year after year. Given the close proximity of popular landmarks, such as Kofuku-ji Temple (1.3 mi) and Shinyakushiji Temple (1.4 mi), guests of Mikasa can easily experience some of Nara's most well known attractions. Mikasa offers guests an array of room amenities including air conditioning and a refrigerator, and getting online is possible, as free wifi is available. The ryokan offers room service and a gift shop, to make your visit even more pleasant. The property also features breakfast. Guests arriving by vehicle have access to free parking. Nara has plenty of Asian restaurants. So when you’re here, be sure to check out popular spots like Maguro Koya, Kikusuiro, and LBK Craft, which are serving up some great dishes. Should time allow, Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, and Nara National Museum are some popular attractions that are within walking distance. Mikasa puts the best of Nara at your fingertips, making your stay both relaxing and enjoyable.
One of the two choices on Mt. Wakakusa in Nara: Mikasa vs. Heijo
Reviewed By Kevinang999Mikasa is actually a part of a Miyako Hotels & Resorts chain, thus one can expect a certain level of standard here. The standard room that we booked for has a somewhat angled view of the city. You will have to pay more for a room with a direct view. The room size was moderate. The dinner service was very nice and in line with other ryokans that we have stayed in the past. For breakfast, I think that the Japanese breakfast was the only option. However, everything was tasty and of high-quality. The portion of breakfast was adequate but not filling unlike other buffet-style breakfast at typical hotels. Although the onsen was not natural mineral water, the facility was clean and has every amenity that one would need including facial cleanser, lotion, and Q-tips. We didn't need to bring a towel from the room since that was also provided on-site. The only downside was that the outdoor bath has no view whatsoever. The shuttle service was efficient and punctual. They have an office next to Kintetsu-Nara station Exit No. 5. At the end of our stay, the staff was kind enough to transport our baggage to Heijo which is nearby. People who are looking at ryokans on Mt. Wakakusa in Nara would likely be comparing this property with Heijo next door, so here we go. - Room: Heijo At Heijo, even a standard room has a very good view of Nara and it was much more spacious with a full-size window. The room also has other nice features like electric curtains and feet-warmers. - Onsen: Mikasa The hot baths at both places were not from natural spring. Nonetheless, Mikasa did provide better facilities & amenities. - Food: Mikasa Dinners were comparable at both places, but breakfast at Mikasa was more substantial. - Staff and service: Tie The staff at both properties are courteous and helpful. Although Heijo seemed to be a bit understaffed. - Location: Mikasa Mikasa's office next to Kintetsu-Nara station was very handy. We knew exactly where to catch the bus, and we could leave our baggage there. Not so easy for Heijo. With that said, Mikasa's rate was higher at the time of our booking.
2. Hotel New Wakasa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 185 reviews
Finding an ideal romantic ryokan in Nara does not have to be difficult. Welcome to Hotel New Wakasa, a nice option for travelers like you. You’ll enjoy relaxing rooms that offer a flat screen TV, air conditioning, and a refrigerator, and you can stay connected during your stay as Hotel New Wakasa offers guests free wifi. The ryokan features a 24 hour front desk, shops, and baggage storage. Plus, Hotel New Wakasa offers a hot tub, providing a pleasant respite from your busy day. For guests with a vehicle, free parking is available. For those interested in checking out popular landmarks while visiting Nara, Hotel New Wakasa is located a short distance from Kofuku-ji Temple National Treasure Hall (0.3 mi) and Kofuku-ji Temple (0.4 mi). While in Nara be sure to experience local dim sum favorites at Tabemonoya Chikin. Should time allow, Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, and Nara National Museum are some popular attractions that are within walking distance. Hotel New Wakasa puts the best of Nara at your fingertips, making your stay both relaxing and enjoyable.
Great stay
Reviewed By 870JM870I really loved our stay here - we were after a more traditional Japanese style stay during our trip and this did not disappoint. We elected to have a kaseki style dinner and japanese breakfast and loved it. The staff were very friendly and attentive as well. I enjoyed the public baths while my partner enjoyed the private bath on our balcony. We elected for a larger room and it was incredibly spacious! the largest room by far during our two week trip in Japan. The hotel also organised a free english tour with the nara guides who are volunteers.
3. Nara Visitor Center & Inn
Overall Ratings
5 based on 46 reviews
Begin this beautiful journey of Nara at the NARA Visitor Center & Inn, located in Nara City.
Balanced hotel with excellent location and friendly staff
Reviewed By aTan13Stayed for 2 days in two different rooms - Japanese style and modern one. It was an overall positive experience. + Great location + Good view (not excellent because of the trees, but it's still good) + Very friendly and helpful staff + They speak English + Convenience store (not 24h) at the basement + Spacy rooms for Japan and given price - Not many things are included in the room but could be asked on reception - Some modernization/refreshment would be useful Additionally, there is a Visitor Center on the 1st floor, where you could find any information you need about Nara and the nearby areas. Things like what is better to visit to sightsee or to eat. Including in English. Had a great talk with Jay-san and visited some of the places he recommended. Thanks!
4. Piazza Hotel Nara
Overall Ratings
4 based on 67 reviews
Piazza Hotel is one of the premier hotels in Nara, Japan. Guest rooms have a comfortable and relaxing ambience and are equipped with: <3 Air cleaning humidifier <3 Free wired LAN. Wi-Fi(wireless Lan)service <3 All guest rooms are Non-smoking. Etc. Located about 1minute walk from JR Nara station, opposite Nara Centennial Hall. Our hotel is within walking distance of many world heritages sites.
Piazza Hotel Nara, the place to stay
Reviewed By L95HRkevingBeautiful hotel located near the J.W bus station, 5min walk from shops, Lawson convenience store, Starbucks, tourist information, etc. 5min bus from Nara Park, temples, museums, etc. Amazing welcome from the team members (special thanks to Marina and Saptoka for their kindness and quality of service). Comfortable room with all amenities. Small cardio/weightlifting room access 24/7 with your room card. Reduced choice of weightlifting equipment (chest press, bench, 2 adjustable dumbbells) but enough to workout, stay active for a few days. Overall, I had an amazing stay,
5. Ab Hotel Nara
Overall Ratings
4 based on 65 reviews
Please enjoy a relaxing stay in a convenient location in front of Nara Station, bathing the on-site large public bath to refresh yourself.
Great
Reviewed By TravellerAS80I booked a twin room for one person and had a huge room towards the top of the building, with two double beds (weirdly pushed next to one another), a couch and plenty of free space. The toilet was separated from the main room, as was the separate wet room/shower. Both were very well equipped. They supplied only enough towels for one person (annoying if you need to wash your hair) and PJs (which I didn’t try!) The bed was typically firm and I didn’t like the pillows at all - they had a beaded underside and a soft top. Weird. Breakfast was simple but edible. The location was excellent - right next to the JR station and an easy walk to Nara Park. The receptionist didn’t speak a word of English (and in fairness I didn’t speak a word of Japanese) but we used a translator app and were able to communicate well enough. I rocked up at about midday and after some back and forth was able to get into my room early. I was very grateful for that!
6. Slow House Nara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
A little gem in Nara
Reviewed By timmy1945This guesthouse is the perfect place to stay in Nara if you are looking for great accommodation and service at an affordable price. The owner of the guesthouse was polite, courteous and very eager to help. He gave us good recommendations on where to go and was very professional and helpful. The guesthouse has a kitchen so you can do some cooking if required. We stayed in a Japanese style tatami room which was really spacious and clean. The futon beds were extremely comfortable. The bathroom is well stocked with soap and shampoo so you really get everything that you need. The room has very good heating so you don’t need to worry about the winter cold. Location wise, the place is near all your local attractions, the old town and the temple landmark. Thanks Iki for making our new year stay so relaxing and enjoyable! We cooked hot pot in the Kitchen over new year as all the restaurants were closed and it was an amazing stay overall. Would definitely be back when we visit Nara again!
7. Asukasou
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
・Access:On the walk Within 10 minutes from Kintetsu Nara Station/Within 20 minutes from JR Nara Station If you use a taxi, it is less than 5 minutes from the station. ・View:There is an open-air bath where you can see Kofukuji beautifully. ・Room type:8tatami,10tatami,12+6.5tatami+wide border, 2bedroom, single ・Dinner place:[restaurant] or [in your room] ・Breakfast place:[banquetroom] or [restaurant] ・Facility bath:the public bath(in side and open air), the private bath ・Check-in time:15:00 ・Check-out time:10:00 ・Surrounding facilities:Souvenir section, Business space, vending machine ・Nearby sightseeing spots:Kofuku-ji Temple, Todaiji Temple, Nara park,Naramachi, Gangoji Temple, Shinyakushi-ji Temple, National Museum, ・Nearby information:Japanese pub, Italian restaurant, French restaurant, Chinese cuisine ・Supported language:Japanese, English ・About advance notice: Food allergies,Reserve a private bath
Fabulous stay
Reviewed By indylau00I had a great night with good food and a good comfortable hot bath. The room and bed was cozy. The staffs were all so friendly and helpful. Great location with walking distance to all the attractions. Good nice stroll to the attractions like the deer park and the few temples nearby after all the good food. Good place to have quality family time.
8. NIPPONIA HOTEL NARA NARAMACHI
Overall Ratings
5 based on 41 reviews
Amazing Place
Reviewed By CSN414My 21 year old son and I stayed at Nipponia in Nara last night. Place was amazing. Peaceful, beautiful with world class accommodations. We stayed in 104 which has two beds. You have the best of a luxury hotel in a gem of Ryokan type small inn. The restaurant is also special and you should book in advance when booking hotel. The staff were gracious and inviting from beginning to end
9. Kotonoyado Musashino
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Book at our own site, and get the same rate as OTA plus our additional perks and amenities! All twelve rooms have different tastes, and you can select your favorite one only at our official website! We have both traditional Japanese rooms and Japanese modern(fusion) type rooms. Kotonoyado Musashino is Nara's first ryokan in the history, and welcomed many great guests; the sword master Tesshu, novelist Junichiro Tanizaki, and the film star Toshiro Mifune! We believe the reason why our ryokan was loved by great people is thanks to the location in the beautiful Nara park,Wakakusayama,and Kasuga primeaval forest, our Kaiseki dinner quality, and the cozy, cultural ambiance of the house, with lots of Japanese ornaments and Ikebana flowers arranged by our landlady herself. And of course, we assure our best warmest hospitality to serve our guests from the world!
Wonderful experience in a unique location
Reviewed By petejohnwilsonShort version: It is worth the trip. Long version: I visited this inn with a friend as a bit of a special treat halfway through our whirlwind tour of Japan. Since we visited this inn during February, which is off-season, the inn and the surrounding area was quiet and serene. Very beautiful. We communicated with the inn before arriving and arranged to drop off our bags around noon so that we could explore the surrounding area before checking into our room at 4. I highly recommend this. The staff provided us with umbrellas so that we could comfortably walk around during the overcast day. The deer and forest in the surrounding area are a sight to behold and make an excellent contrast to the insanity of the larger cities such as Tokyo or nearby Osaka. This is to say nothing of the temples and stone lamps in the area which complete the picture of Nara and some times give the impression that you have stepped back in time. Back to the inn, the staff is very accomadating to foreigners and were happy to help us in any way they could. By the time we returned our room was ready and we were given a guided tour of their facilities. We were also given a choice of dinner and breakfast time, as well as the option between Japanese or Western style breakfast. We opted for Japanese, because we were on vacation in Japan and were not disappointed. Finally, since we booked directly through their website, we were treated to a casual tea ceremony and brief flower arrangement demonstration. I recommend doing both of these. In addition, booking through their site allows you to pre select which room you want, which is obviously an advantage. They provide pictures and room layouts to help you make an informed decision. We went with the Kaede room as it felt the most traditional and had a beautiful view of the garden. (A note about the Kaede room: on their website it is not completely clear if the room has a sink, I can confirm that it does, it is also conveniently right next to the bath). After checking in and before dinner we decided to use their bathing facility. Everything including soap, shampoo, conditioner, razors, aftershave, Q-tips, tooshbrush, toothpaste, hair brush, blow dryer, towels, and yukata to change into once you are clean are provided. The public bath itself is not massive, big enough for four to fit comfortably, but the temperature is very nice and the wood in the steamy room provides a distinct, relaxing smell which aids the experience. Dinner was a feast of traditional Japanese items with many courses served in our room. Grilled fish, sashimi, stewed pork (fantastic, so tender), multiple soup courses, picked vegatables, rice and beans, fresh fruit with cream and mint, and sticky rice balls for dessert. It was a cerainly big meal, but not the kind that makes you feel sick. The kind that makes you feel satisfied. We did not order any sake, but water and tea were provided. Later in the evening, we did opt to buy a large bottle of beer from the minibar which was reasonably priced as far as minibars go (about 900 yen). After dinner, the staff prepared our bedding while we were out of the room. The bedding was placed on a heated carpet which provided a comfy place to sleep. For those intimidated by sleeping on the floor, I would say there is generally nothing to worry about. It did not cause me to lose any sleep. The next morning some staff members showed up about 20 minutes before our scheduled breakfast time to put away the bedding, so be ready for that. We were lazy and figured we would get up 10 minutes before breakfast and were caught somewhat unaware. As it turns out breakfast itself took a few minutes to set up, so the staff showed up a few minutes earlier than the time we scheduled, but it was very worth it. It was everything you would expect from a traditional Japanese breakfast. Miso soup, egg, salmon, rice in tea, salad, pickled plum, tofu, etc. Really nice and our stomachs were full for the long train ride back to Tokyo. We paid at checkout and were given the option to pay in yen or credit and also given a parting gift of bath oil and a little note. So yeah, our night at Kotonoyado Musashino was great. It obviously isn't the cheapest place you can stay in Nara, but if you are looking to treat yourself for a fancy night or two at a ryokan, then you really aren't looking for the cheapest. Speaking relatively, I'd say the value for money was quite good, which is about as good as you can ask for, in my opinion. I would recommend it to others and I would certainly consider staying once again when I return to Japan. I honestly don't really have any complaints. Thanks to Arisa Iwatate, the chefs, the landlady and the rest of the staff for making our stay so pleasant. I hope to return. -Peter
10. Nara Park Hotel
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 44 reviews
Parking: 12
Experience the real Japan staying at this Ryokan...
Reviewed By Anne HThis hotel is not 5 star luxury, for the price it is 5 star value...£190 for a couple including Japanese breakfast & evening meal... I would highly recommend the crab we cooked in a pot... The rooms are typical Ryokan, spotlessly clean, comfortable & we were provided with kimonos & served Japanese tea... It has steam bath facilities with out door bathing also...the saloon bar is basic please don’t expect cocktails but if you want a good laugh on the karaoke without a massive audience this is the place to go... The hotel staff are extremely friendly & helpful...If you want to practice your Japanese this is the place for you... the hotel was full & we were the only European guests which made it all the more fun... Nara Park is two train stops away & a taxi ride to the hotel or the hotel at times has a shuttle bus.. If you want croissants for breakfast & a burger for dinner & expect the staff to speak fluent English this is not the place for you...if however you want a truly memorable experience then give it a go...
