Visit Nara

Traditionally a lodging for Shugendo practitioners, this famed 1300-year-old temple-turned-ryokan is now open to all. Guest have included many famous Japanese writers and Emperor Hirohito. The ryokan sits next to a beautiful 300-year-old garden, which guests are free to explore. Although the spacious rooms are showing some wear and tear, the service is exceptional. The staff aim to anticipate your every need. Unlike many ryokan, all rooms here come with a private bathroom; some deluxe rooms also feature a private onsen, though the communal indoor and outdoor baths shouldn’t be missed. The halls of the ryokan feature many rare objects and works of art, including the deluxe lacquered bento box used by the 16th century warlord Hideyoshi Toyotomi when he visited for a cherry blossom viewing party.