Shikitei

We especially enjoyed the beautiful traditional rooms and the most comfortable futons. The hotel staff were so welcoming and friendly. It's worth booking the dining package too, since the chef's food was some of the best we had in Japan. It was lovely to have an onsen at the hotel. We really enjoyed our stay at Shikitei.

The staff were consistently friendly and helpful, and we couldn't have been happier with our room or the facilities. We speak no Japanese, and they only speak limited English, but don't let that put you off. We had a fantastic experience.

The public bath was a welcome break for my legs after weeks of walking, and the service was amazing. Our room was immaculate, and trying tatami was a great new experience for us as Westerners. The hotel sits right at the edge of Nara park. Getting there takes about 15 minutes on foot from Kintetsu Station, through the park and past tourists fiercely guarding their crackers from the deer, which has its own charm. Dinner comes in multiple courses, mostly small, beautifully presented portions of fish, kelp, and pickled vegetables. I took it as a fancy version of traditional Japanese food. If those flavours aren't your thing, it may not suit you, but if you're willing to try them, it's an amazing experience.

Sleeping on the tatami was cozy, and we also enjoyed the bath. The public bath allowed tattoos, which was a nice plus. We chose the traditional dinner and breakfast, and the food was very Japanese in the way some reviews described. The flavors and textures can be unusual for Westerners, so it helps to be open to trying different things. I really enjoyed it. The staff were calm and extremely friendly. Set in the middle of Nara deer park, the location was great. I’d recommend spending a night here during a trip to unwind. It was a highlight of our trip.