Nara Kasugaokuyama Tsukihitei

We spent a night here after visiting the deer park, then took a hike through the mountain the next day. It was very easy, even for beginners. The ryokan is right in the forest, the food was very good if you like authentic japanese cuisine, and the service was spectacular. They treat you like kings. Just a wonderful experience.

The kaiseki meals were fresh, with lots of delightful flavors and surprises, and the staff were attentive, kind, and welcoming. I’ve stayed at amazing ryokans in Hakone and Hokkaido, but this one really stands out. I’ll happily return. The hotel is in a serene, beautiful primeval forest that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, away from the bustle of society. Our room was large, very well maintained, and had no insects. The stairs and steps were clean and sturdy. There’s no TV, but being in the middle of the woods surrounded by nature, why would you want one? It was an incredible, unforgettable experience.

It’s expensive, and this isn’t a modern luxury hotel. The buildings are old, and creepy crawlies from the forest do get inside. To us, that was part of the magic, and we wouldn’t have changed a thing. Every room is tucked away, with beautifully framed forest views, right in the middle of the primeval forest with nothing else around. The location feels magical. The futons were the thickest and most comfortable we slept on in Japan. The stay includes yukatas, a Kaiseki dinner, and a traditional breakfast. Our lovely host explained everything, and the chef came to greet us. You can also book 2 private bathrooms, which were even more beautiful than the photos suggested.

The old growth forest around the ryokan was enchanting, the food exquisite, and the bath out of this world. We were looking for somewhere peaceful in the forest but still close to a city, and this place delivered more than we imagined. The service was exceptional. I feel so grateful we got to stay here.