🕓 2025/4/3
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About Nara Prefecture
Nara Prefecture, located in Japan's Kinki region, is a captivating area where you can sense the origins of Japanese history and culture. Nara, the ancient capital, once flourished as the capital of Japan and possesses numerous cultural properties designated as World Heritage sites, including Todai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. In Nara Park, visitors can interact with deer roaming freely and also enjoy the park's natural beauty throughout the four seasons.
From a tourism perspective, Nara offers numerous spots where you can fully enjoy landscapes and a sense of historical wonder unique to the region. These include the cherry blossoms of Mt. Yoshino, the magnificent nature of Odaigahara, the historic kofun (ancient burial mounds) of Asuka, and the charming streetscapes of Naramachi. Furthermore, at Omiwa Shrine, one of Japan's oldest shrines, you can also experience spiritual traditions that have continued since ancient times.
When visiting Nara Prefecture, here are three carefully selected luxury hotels that offer a special stay:
3 carefully selected Japanese-style inns in Nara Prefecture
1. Fufu Nara
■ The Appeal of Fufu Nara
Fufu Nara is a resort hotel upholding the unique concept of "Teioku Ichinyo" (Garden and Building as One). This phrase signifies that the hotel and garden are integrated, offering a special space where guests can feel intimately connected to Nara's nature and history.
1. Concept of Teioku Ichinyo
The core appeal of Fufu Nara lies precisely in this philosophy of "Teioku Ichinyo". The entire hotel is designed to blend seamlessly into the lush nature of Nara Park. Visitors, enveloped by the gentle light of lanterns and the subtle scent of history drifting from unknown sources, can fully enjoy the tranquil atmosphere unique to the ancient capital. Gazing at the madder-red sunset clouds or the garden scenery that changes expression with each season, you may feel as if you have become one with nature amidst the flow of eternal time.
2. All Suite Rooms & Natural Hot Spring Open-Air Baths
At Fufu Nara, all guest rooms are spacious suites, each offering a luxurious space with a distinct ambiance. Furthermore, particularly noteworthy is that every room is equipped with its own natural hot spring open-air bath (rotenburo). Nara has long been known as a birthplace of traditional medicine (Wakan). In Fufu Nara's open-air baths, you can soak in therapeutic waters scented with Wakan herbs unique to Nara. While soaking, you can listen to the pleasant breeze blowing through Nara Park, the rustling of leaves, and the chirping of birds, spending a truly blissful time.
3. "Body-Friendly" Japanese Cuisine "Tekisui" & Teppanyaki "Kyuri"
A commitment to cuisine is also one of Fufu Nara's major appeals. Within the hotel are two restaurants: Japanese Cuisine "Tekisui" and Teppanyaki "Kyuri." At "Tekisui," under the theme "Gentle on the Body," they use an abundance of locally sourced Yamato Yasai (traditional Nara vegetables), aromatic spices (Kōshin Shokubutsu), and Wa Hābu (Japanese herbs). You can savor deeply flavorful, health-conscious Japanese cuisine. Meanwhile, at "Kyuri," you can enjoy an immersive teppanyaki experience where select ingredients are cooked right before your eyes. Creative dishes unique to Fufu Nara are available. The cuisine, utilizing the bounty of the local area, is sure to enrich your travel memories.
4. 4. Serene Location within Nara Park
Fufu Nara is situated in a corner of the lush Nara Park, surrounded by garden trees. This location not only offers convenient access to major sightseeing spots like Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine but also provides a quiet and tranquil environment away from the bustle of the park.
5. Healing Travel Relay: Immersing in Ancient Capitals and Hot Springs
Fufu Nara collaborates with "Fufu Kyoto," located in Kyoto, another ancient capital, to offer a special experience called the "Healing Travel Relay: Immersing in Culture and Hot Springs in Ancient Capitals." Utilizing this plan allows guests to savor the distinct charms of the two ancient capitals while enjoying hot springs in each location, proposing a luxurious style of travel. Additionally, the hotel houses "Spa by Sisley," where guests can receive authentic spa treatments to further refresh both mind and body.
■ Access Information for Fufu Nara
- Official HP: https://www.fufunara.jp/
- Access: Approx. 5 minutes by taxi from Kintetsu Nara Station.
- Address: 1184-1 Takabatakecho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 630-8301
- Google Map：https://maps.app.goo.gl/VA636JcZQoEV93dDA
2. Asukasou, Inn of the Ancient Capital Nara
出典：古都奈良の宿 公式HP
■ The Appeal of Asukasou, Inn of the Ancient Capital Nara
Asukasou, Inn of the Ancient Capital Nara, is a Japanese-style inn (wafū ryokan) located near Kofuku-ji Temple's Sarusawa Pond, evoking the charm of the ancient capital. Its appeals include a location overlooking a World Heritage site, authentic kaiseki cuisine (traditional multi-course meal), and meticulous hospitality (omotenashi).
1. View of World Heritage Site Kofuku-ji from the Panoramic Open-Air Bath
One of Asukasou's most unique attractions is the panoramic open-air bath (tenbō rotenburo) located on the rooftop. While soaking in the bath, you can gaze upon the five-storied pagoda of Kofuku-ji Temple rising right before your eyes—offering a special experience unavailable elsewhere. Relaxing in the hot spring while feeling the ambiance of the ancient capital Nara will soothe travel fatigue and refresh both mind and body. The bath uses "Calcium Carbonate Artificial Hot Spring Water," the quality of which is also part of its appeal.
2. World Heritage Sites and Tourist Attractions within Walking Distance
Asukasou boasts an extremely convenient location as a base for Nara sightseeing. It's just a 2-minute walk to the World Heritage site Kofuku-ji Temple, and only a 5-minute walk to Nara Park and the Naramachi area. Furthermore, Todai-ji Temple is also accessible within a 20-minute walk, allowing you to efficiently tour Nara's main tourist spots. Having many attractions within walking distance is a major draw for tourists.
3. Authentic Kaiseki Cuisine and Hospitality Showcased by a Ryotei Ryokan
Asukasou values its tradition and formality as a ryōtei ryokan (an inn featuring high-class cuisine), offering authentic kaiseki meals and heartfelt hospitality (omotenashi). The colorful kaiseki cuisine, using an abundance of local seasonal ingredients, delights both the eyes and the palate. Special seasonal dishes allow you to savor flavors unique to that time of year. Additionally, the attentive service tailored to each guest helps ensure a comfortable stay.
4. Designer Rooms Enveloped in the Ancient Capital's Atmosphere
While cherishing the atmosphere of the ancient capital, Asukasou offers designer rooms designed with comfort in mind. Guest rooms were also renovated in 2023 and 2024, reborn as more modern and sophisticated spaces. Rooms facing Kofuku-ji Temple offer views of the beautiful five-storied pagoda, creating a special stay. Various room types are available, such as Japanese-Western style rooms and premium rooms with view baths, allowing guests to choose according to their travel style and preferences.
■ Access Information for Asukasou, Inn of the Ancient Capital Nara
- Official HP: https://www.asukasou.com/
- Access: Approx. 18 minutes walk from JR Nara Station.
- Address: 1113-3 Takabatakecho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 630-8301
- Google Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/SWvEBXzt2UhgeDyQ6
3. Nara Hotel
■ The Appeal of Nara Hotel
Nara Hotel is a historic classic hotel founded in Meiji 42 (1909), also known as "Kansai's State Guest House." Its appeal lies in its stately and gorgeous appearance, and the tradition and prestige cultivated over many years.
1. "Kansai's State Guest House" Founded in Meiji 42 (1909)
Nara Hotel is a long-established hotel with over 100 years of history, during which time it has welcomed numerous members of the Imperial family and state guests from both Japan and abroad. The history and tradition, carefully passed down since its founding, lend an air of dignity and tranquility to the entire hotel. Staying at this hotel is not merely lodging, but a special experience akin to touching upon a page of Japan's modern history.
2. Main Building of Momoyama Goten-style Cypress Wood Construction, Designed by Tatsuno Kingo
The main building was designed by the renowned architect Tatsuno Kingo, known for designing Tokyo Station among other structures. The Momoyama Goten-style building, constructed of cypress wood (hinoki), is elegant and stately, evoking traditional Japanese beauty. Its beautiful architecture, timeless and unfading, continues to fascinate visitors. Time spent in this museum-like space is sure to become a special memory.
3. Museum-like Classical Interior and Furnishings
Inside the hotel, numerous antique furniture pieces and art objects, used since the time of its founding, are displayed, creating an atmosphere much like being inside an art museum. Features evoking history and dignity remain throughout, such as the Sakura no Ma (Cherry Blossom Room) in the main lobby, the historic grand staircase, and the large clock continuously marking time; design elements reflecting history and stature can be found in various places throughout the hotel. These furnishings are precious assets that tell the story of Nara Hotel's history and captivate visitors.
4. Main Dining Room "Mikasa" and Japanese Cuisine "Hanagiku" Inheriting Tradition
Nara Hotel features two restaurants that have inherited traditions since its founding: the Main Dining Room "Mikasa" and the authentic Japanese Cuisine restaurant "Hanagiku." In the Main Dining Room "Mikasa," guests can slowly savor traditional French cuisine passed down through generations of head chefs, within a stately and splendid space. Meanwhile, at "Hanagiku," you can enjoy delicate and beautiful Japanese cuisine prepared using an abundance of carefully selected seasonal ingredients. Additionally, for breakfast, Chagayu (tea gruel), a dish familiar to the people of Nara, is offered, providing a chance to experience local flavors, which is another one of its appeals.
■ Access Information for Nara Hotel
- Official HP: https://www.syofukaku.com/
- Access: Get off at the "Nara Hotel" bus stop, approx. 1-minute walk.
- Address: 1096 Takabatakecho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 630-8301
- Google Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/pbRbd9Cko1ZwrCaz8