Visit Nara

This restored machiya house on the edge of Naramachi is basically a Japanese-style backpacker’s hostel. There are two private tatami rooms and men’s and women’s dorm rooms with curtained bunk beds. Some rooms overlook a courtyard garden. There are no private bathrooms. The house retains a Meiji-era atmosphere and the common areas are spacious, often hosting events like tea ceremony or traditional music recitals. The staff can speak some English and have maps and guidebooks to help you plan your travels.