Daibutsukan

Breakfast was amazing, and the ryokan’s traditional style made the dated room and building a good experience. I also enjoyed the onsen. The Nepalese women working there were so sweet, while the Japanese owners seemed more distant. Two things got in the way: the pagoda was hidden by scaffolding, which wasn’t the hotel’s fault, and a coach group of very loud young men ran through the corridors, shouting, screaming and banging on each other’s doors well into the early hours. That was quite annoying.

Dinner and breakfast were both delicious, with fresh local food, even though we didn’t know what some of the dishes were. Dinner was served in a private room across the hall, and the service was exceptional. We slept on firm but comfortable futons, which were made up while we were out for dinner. The room had tatami mats, a low table and tea set, a small TV and a fridge. They also provided yukata to wear in the room, at meals and to the sento baths. The baths were spotless and very hot, a great first experience with public bathing. This was a lovely one night stay in a traditional ryokan between Kintetsu station and the park. The building is dated, but that adds to its charm. Staff welcomed us at the door, took our shoes and gave us slippers for inside, though we didn’t wear them in our room. Everyone was kind and gracious. They held our bags before check in and for a couple of hours after checkout while we explored. Unfortunately, construction scaffolding covered the Kofukuji temple pagoda, so we couldn’t see it. I’d recommend this for anyone wanting a ryokan experience in Nara. Arigatou gozaimasu!

The rooms were fine and comfortable, with pretty comfy futon beds. But someone came into our room while we were out and turned off the air conditioning. The curfew was the bigger problem: you can’t stay out after 11 pm, and you have to make a very strong case to be allowed out past 10 pm. They really don’t want guests out, and they lock the doors after that. Going for a late dinner, drinks or karaoke with friends isn’t possible. Maybe this suits people who like curfews and babysitters, but as a tourist I wouldn’t recommend it.

The onsen and hot tub were amazing after a long day of walking, and the location near the park was perfect. It’s a great ryokan style hotel in Nara. The rooms have a traditional Japanese feel, with wooden mats, floor pads for sitting and sleeping, and a yukata to wear. The building is a little dated, which adds to the charm.