Nara Hotel

Deer were right outside my first-floor window in the morning, which makes sense given the hotel sits beside Nara Park and Sagi Pond. The place has a lovely mix of traditional Japanese and Western architecture, and its old photos and artifacts reflect its past as a guesthouse for royalty and foreign dignitaries. It dates back over 100 years and has real cultural importance, yet the price was surprisingly reasonable. The Taishō era (1912-1926), when it was built, is remembered for economic growth, artistic energy, and the optimism of Taishō Roman, before Japan moved into a more turbulent political period.

The service was outstanding, better than at some resort-style places I’ve stayed. When I misplaced my sweatshirt, the staff went out of their way to track it down, and you can tell they take care of the property. Breakfast costs a bit more, but there are so many courses that it felt completely worth it. You’re right by the deer, too, and even the bedside water was some of the best I’ve had.

Getting around from here is easy: the station is a 5-10 minute taxi ride or about a 20-minute walk, and most places in Nara are within a 30-minute walk. If you can, stay in the old building. The whole hotel smells of wood, almost like a church or museum, and has a grand, royal feel. It was an honour to stay somewhere like this.

The room was spacious and private, looking out onto a garden full of lush trees, and the staff were kind and did what they could within the rules. The hotel has real grandeur and history, with famous guests including Dr. Einstein and the Emperor of Japan, but it didn’t feel like a five-star stay. The chairs, carpets, and bathrooms all seemed decades out of date. Service was good, though not outstanding, and it surprised us that there was no food service after 8 p.m. or room service, especially for a hotel that emphasizes its international guests. The rules felt extremely rigid, almost stubborn. We found it overrated and wouldn’t choose it again on a return trip.