HARUYA Naramachi - Hostel

We booked two nights, but after just an hour in the guest house my son and I were sneezing, sniffling, and getting headaches. There was thick dust all over the property, and it smelled mouldy throughout. I contacted the managers right away and tried many times to get a response, but they didn’t reply. We booked through booking.com, and when they contacted the owners, the proposed solution was to clean the next day, after our health had already been affected. I declined and asked to leave and be refunded for the second night, which I believe we were entitled to. They refused and offered 2400 yen, even though I paid 16000 yen per night. They advertised garden views, but what we saw was a rough concrete slab with weeds beside it. I wouldn’t recommend this place at all. I wish I could add videos, because the photos showing dust are typical of the whole property. I planned to take this further. After I posted this review, they agreed to refund the second night we didn’t stay.

I loved the mixed dorm. The building is lovely, the shared space is great, and there’s rice porridge in the morning. The location was another big plus. Even though it’s a capsule hotel, you get two areas of your own, one for sleeping and another for relaxing. It worked perfectly for me!

The rooms feel cozy but still have plenty of space, and some are in the house while others are out in the garden. It’s a good-looking place, and you can use the washer and dryer or rent one of their nice little bikes for the day. The downside for me was never meeting a host. Everything was handled on paper, with no human contact, which felt like a bit of a waste.

【A quiet stay breathing with the old capital】 I first walked past Haruya Guesthouse during April’s sakura season and told myself I’d come back. I did, for one night that paired a sense of history with practical comforts. It’s a designated Cultural Heritage property, with age and wooden beams that feel well preserved, plus a blooming inner garden. I stayed in a dorm in a renovated kura for 4000 yen. The main building has private rooms. Check-in begins later than usual, at 16:00, but the English instructions and passcodes made it easy. The bunk was simple rather than luxurious, with my bed above and a little nook below. A tiny window near my bunk let in some fresh air, though I wished there were a larger secure box for valuables. Most bunks don’t have locks or proper ventilation, so keep that in mind. The shared showers were clean. The dorm door can slam loudly, so my earplugs and sleep mask came in handy. I also took evening walks to Nara Hotel for a cocktail and cake, a fun contrast with the minimalist guesthouse. For the price, it’s a great cultural stay if you’re interested in history. Bring your own towel and allow for a few rustic quirks. Staff were friendly but hands-off, and the written guidance was clear. Nara Station is a 15-minute walk away. Nara Park, Nara Hotel, and historic sites are nearby. Wi-Fi is available, though I didn’t specifically test it. Amenities aren’t included by default. I’d visit again. My rating: 4 stars.