The Best Luxury Ryokans & Hotels In Nara
- Feb 24
- 7 min read
An expert analysis showcasing the best luxury ryokans and hotels based on customer reviews and knowledge of Nara
The Fufu Nara
Overview
Ryokans are perfect for those looking for an authentic Japanese experience. The typical definition of a Ryokan is a Japanese-style guesthouse, commonly including an onsen, which focuses on traditional Japanese hospitality. They provide a more historical experience and offer more cultural immersion than modern hotels. Luxury hotels and ryokans in Japan take this to the next level, often merging with the best of both worlds to bring you an exceptional experience.
But finding the right accommodation can be a very time-consuming process. How do you know which location to choose? How can you be sure it will be worth the price? And how can you trust the recommendations on other websites? We aim to solve all these problems and save you time, ensuring that you have the absolute best experience during your holiday.
Combining our expert knowledge with data analysis, we've developed a definitive list of the best luxury accommodation in Nara.
Our Expertise
After working as a tour guide in Japan for 3 years, I decided to compile these lists based on my in-depth knowledge of this incredible country. On top of this knowledge, I've analyzed thousands of customer reviews to determine an accurate selection of the absolute best properties. Luxury accommodation comes with a high price tag, but time is more valuable than money. Unlike other websites, this is not a generic article with a top ten list, instead of providing a subjective opinion full of sponsored content and Google Ads, this article gives you measurable data and metrics.
The only filters I've personally applied are:
A minimum average review rating of 9 out of 10.
The location must be convenient for sightseeing.
A minimum of 40 reviews.
A price point above $300 per night.
This list will be updated yearly.
Our listing for each place has a convenient summary including a:
Curated Gallery
Description
Highlights
Average Price (peak and off-peak)
Review Score
Review Example
The Best Luxury Ryokans In Nara
The Tsukihitei — 9.6
The Fufu ─ 9.4
The Shisui ─ 9.2
The Wakasa ─ 9.1
The Ando ─ 9.0
1.
The Tsukihitei
The Tsukihitei is not just the best ryokan in Nara, it's one of the best ryokans in Japan. Hidden inside an ancient Japanese forest, you'll be swept away into a world of immaculate service, exceptional food, and impeccable architectural design. Guests are constantly blown away by the experience of staying here, with an impressive 9.6/10 average review score. The location is perfect, even though you're hidden in the forest, you're only a 10-minute walk from Nara Park and all the temples and attractions in the area. There are not many rooms, and it gets booked out early, so if it's available, don't hesitate with this one.
Highlights
Exquisite kaiseki cuisine is served in your own room, or in a private dining room, to maintain the intimate and exclusive atmosphere.
A limited number of suite-style rooms, making the ryokan feel more like a private villa rather than a hotel.
A fully restored luxury ryokan, originally built in 1903 as a guesthouse for the Governor of Nara.
Price Range
$600 - $1000 per night
Review Score
9.6 ★ (300+ reviews)
Review Quote
"Perfect location. Perfect hospitality. Perfect food. Perfect room. Hands down, this was the best stay we've had in any form of hotel or ryokan. Nara is an amazing place to visit, and Tsukihitei is THE place to stay in. Hidden in the most beautiful forest, just a short walk away from everything you want to see in Nara. The Roykan itself is built like a fusion between a zen garden and a Japanese palace."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
2.
The Fufu Nara
Located right next to Nara Park, the Fufu is a small luxury resort designed by world-famous architect Kengo Kuma. Each one of the 30 guest suites offer private open-air onsen baths, complemented with outdoor furniture to help you cool down. You're only a 1-minute walk from Nara Park, with easy access to all the attractions. Their onsite restaurant, Tekisuki, is incredible, serving health-conscious cuisine using local produce and medicinal herbs. And lastly, the design. Kengo Kuma is famous for a reason, and the Fufu Nara showcases his work using cedar wood and clay to create a charming and indulgent atmosphere. This is the place you book if you want one of the best examples of modern Japanese luxury.
Highlights
All rooms feature private open-air hot spring baths, complemented with outdoor furniture to help you cool down.
Their two incredible restaurants offer truly amazing kaiseki and teppanyaki cuisine.
Beautiful design work by Kengo Kuma, and an amazing location next to Nara Park, within walking distance of everything.
Price Range
$800 - $1700 per night
Review Score
9.4 ★ (80+ reviews)
Review Quote
"I must give the restaurant a special mention. We had blowfish meal on the first night and it’s fantastic. Every dish is made with quality ingredients and mixed magically in harmony. Breakfast is also excellent. Very well made. Osen bathtub is perfect. Roomy and relaxing. Room is big and well designed. Bed is comfortable. Staffs are friendly and helpful. The location is excellent. Easy access to temples and the deer park."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
3.
The Shisui
The Shisui is a relatively new addition to Marriott's Luxury Collection, having opened in late 2023. The property itself is 100 years-old, originally belonging to the Governor of Osaka, and, much like the Fufu, the renovations were designed by Kengo Kuma. He's done a tremendous job of preserving the old building, while also improving every aspect of the property. The windows capture your eye as they frame different aspects of the environment and are designed to look like a painting. Onsen rooms are available, and a separate onsen area is available for reservation. Two restaurants are on-site, offering fine-dining kaiseki and amazing sushi. And to top things off, they offer free champagne and appetizers during the sunset in their beautiful historical garden.
Highlights
Free champagne and appetizers are served during the sunset in their beautiful garden.
A historical property with 100 years of history, renovated by the famous Kengo Kuma.
Two fine-dining restaurants offer kaiseki cuisine and delicious sushi, plus some lovely local restaurants only a short walk away.
Price Range
$500 - $1000 per night
Review Score
9.2 ★ (40+ reviews)
Review Quote
"This is an exceptional property. The building carries great historical value, is truly beautiful, located right next to Nara Park, and thus a few minutes away from the main temples, Todai-ji and Kokufu-ji. The rooms are enchanting, we were blessed to have one with the in-room onsen, you're immersed in a beautiful garden forest when opening your curtains, the dining room for breakfast is stunning, and the Japanese breafast is great. It's a genuinely unique luxury Japanese experience, perfectly located in Nara."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
4.
The Wakasa
The Hotel New Wakasa is a personal favourite, it's a charming ryokan-style hotel that offers an amazing experience at a very reasonable price, their off-peak rates are unbelievable. Their onsens are some of the best in Nara, featuring both public and private baths, with the option to reserve the rooftop onsen. The rooms are spacious and offer upgrades, including your own onsen bath, temple views, or even a sauna, which is a rare feature. There's a rooftop deck which is super nice for relaxing after a long day and gives gorgeous views over Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple. To top it all off, the staff are amazing, you can even arrange a free tour if you're staying for a few days.
Highlights
Georgeous views on the panoramic rooftop deck, overlooking Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple.
Amazing onsen baths, with the option to reserve your own private rooftop onsen.
Rooms are spacious and include upgrade options such as having your own onsen or sauna.
Price Range
$200 - $700 per night
Review Score
9.1 ★ (800+ reviews)
Review Quote
"Our favourite spot from our entire holiday - wish we could have stayed longer. Staff were amazing and friendly. Iced yuzu tea on arrival was supurb, wish I could have taken some with me! Very close to the parks and temples. Absolutely stunning hotel, the private bath was lovely overlooking Nara at sunset. Bathroom was very large. Enjoyed the complimentary amenities."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
5.
The Ando Hotel
This is the perfect choice if you want to escape the crowds and feel close to nature. The Ando Hotel offers up perhaps the best views in Nara, with panoramic vistas including mountains, temples, and the city of Nara. The rooftop features outdoor baths that can be reserved for an amazing way to relax at the end of the day. Since opening, their restaurant has become famous, offering incredible Japanese cuisine complemented by the beautiful mountain views. A free shuttle bus from Nara station makes transport seamless and ensures you're taken away from the crowds for an authentic and immersive experience.
Highlights
Really impressive onsen facilities, with private rooftop baths, plus a sauna and cold bath.
An exclusive on-site restaurant that's become famous for its innovative Japanese cuisine.
Located on the mountainside with stunning views over Nara city, perfect for escaping the crowds and feeling close to nature.
Price Range
$200 - $1200 per night
Review Score
9.0 ★ (180+ reviews)
Review Quote
"This property is an absolute gem. Fantastic rooms with amazing views, amazing authentic cuisine, and fabulous open air private onsens all set in a national park overlooking the city of Nara. The free excursions to see the night sky and the fireflies are great little bonuses. The rooms are very roomy, comfy beds, and huge picture window. The staff were brilliant and super helpful. This hotel has become my most favourite hotel ever. Just amazing in every sense. And Nara is just an amazing place."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
