Gakuen-mae Station (Nara Prefecture) × Highly rated for dining at Hotel·Ryokan

Both the Room and the food were wonderful, and every staff member we met was incredibly kind. Even those we don’t usually have the chance to meet, such as the housekeeping team, greeted us warmly and made us feel energized as well. My elderly father was traveling with us, so we moved at a slower pace and our meal also took longer than usual, but the staff kindly adjusted to our timing and spoke to us gently, which helped my father relax and enjoy his meal. We’re already checking our schedule to see when we can visit again. Thank you in advance for your continued hospitality.

The meals were better than expected. Every dish made with Nara-style ingredients was delicious. Overall, I was satisfied, but it was a bit disappointing that after settling the bill at checkout, that was the end—there was no send-off.

On the first day, we stayed at a farm-stay Accommodation in Asuka Village, and on the second day we stayed here at Obana’s Hotel, enjoying a stroll around Naramachi and Nara Park. From Kintetsu Nara Station, you can take your time on the way to the Hotel—looking at the shopping streets and passing Sarusawa Pond on your left. The coffee in the café corner was delicious. Since we had an early morning, we chose a no-breakfast Plan, and bread and salad from a convenience store made for a great breakfast. One small thing: the unit bath bathtub was compact, so it was a little hard to fully relax. However, considering the price for single use at Hotels around Nara Station that day, it was excellent value for money—so that may be within an acceptable range.

We had a relaxing and comfortable stay in an outstanding location. The design and furnishings reflected a deep attention to detail and really resonated with us. Unfortunately, due to our schedule we couldn’t make it for dinner this time, but the breakfast was excellent, making great use of local ingredients. Next time, we’ll be back specifically to enjoy dinner.

I stayed for one night on a solo trip. I received an email right after making the Reservation, and they also contacted me by email when I changed my dates, which made me feel at ease. The Room was full of thoughtful touches, and even though I made a last-minute request for a morning walk, they arranged it for me—and even prepared hand warmers and water. Dinner was more than I could finish, but everything was so delicious that I ended up eating it all, even ingredients I usually don’t like. The breakfast croissants were perfectly crisp yet fluffy, and the Eggs Benedict was also excellent—everything was truly delicious. The service struck just the right balance of attentiveness and distance, so I had a very comfortable stay. Another Accommodation I’d love to visit again has been added to my list.

A quiet, wonderful Accommodation. When we were shown to our Room, the open-air bath was already at the perfect temperature, with steam gently rising. I was completely won over by the bookshelf stocked with books about Nara and by the delicious local green tea in a pitcher in the fridge—just like at home (and bottled water is properly provided as well). Once you step out of your Room, you’re exposed to the outdoor temperature, so when moving around, you’ll freeze if you only wear the in-house loungewear and sandals with bare feet—please come prepared. The Japanese garden path leading to the restaurant is beautiful (we even saw deer in the morning), but after dinner with a few drinks—even though it’s just next door—we had them kindly drive us over so we wouldn’t get lost. On a weekday in March, we hardly ran into other guests at all; the restaurant was private-room dining, and check-in also felt semi-private, which made everything very comfortable. The food was thoughtfully prepared down to every detail and absolutely delicious. They also offered tastings of local Nara sake—it was pure bliss. Thank you very much! We’re already planning a visit next spring (lol).

First, I’d like to apologize. We were told we needed to check in by 6:00 p.m., but we didn’t get back down from the hike up Takatori Castle until after 5:00 p.m. In a panic I called, and was kindly told, “No problem—please come without rushing.” I was truly grateful. We ended up arriving around 6:45 p.m. Even though dinner was served in our Room, they still prepared everything properly from that time. The staff member in charge of our Room spoke with such polite Japanese that you’d never guess they were originally from Korea, and they took care of dinner while chatting with us. And the dinner—how delicious it was. We had rushed back by car and were parched, but even the tea was wonderful. The appetizers were excellent, and the two meat dishes in a row were incredible. It made me so happy to enjoy such a luxurious meal slowly and comfortably. Our family eats quite slowly, but they stayed with us without showing any displeasure at all (in the end we didn’t finish dessert before cleanup time, so we ended up eating it while they laid out our futons…). The bath was also fantastic—the therapeutic effect and aroma were perfect. Aside from me and my son, no one else came in at all. It wasn’t that it was empty; maybe our timing just worked out—but thanks to that, my son and I enjoyed a long soak together and even ended up talking about life. Needless to say, I slept soundly—even without drinking any alcohol. And breakfast: we went well past our promised 7:30 time (at this point it’s clear we’re simply a family that’s lax about time—my apologies), but even so we were able to enjoy breakfast calmly at the dining area. Both dinner and breakfast seemed like generous portions, yet it never felt too much—we finished everything because it was so good. After having coffee in the lobby, we checked out after 9:30 a.m., and they also took photos for us. Now for another apology: on some travel sites there were rather harsh Reviews about your Accommodation—for example about the building, the meals, or the service from staff. But honestly there were no issues at all. We thoroughly enjoyed everything—truly everything—and I’m very sorry for arriving feeling nervous because of those Reviews. Thank you very much for such a wonderful stay—and again I’m sorry for having doubts beforehand. We would love to stay again next time; perhaps as just a couple then. Autumn would be nice—I hope Kyoto will be quiet then as well (without any influence from big historical dramas).

I stayed for two nights on my own. As others have written, the Accommodation was clean and very well maintained. The bath was relaxing, and it was also nice that the entire building has tatami flooring. There were no issues at all for a solo female traveler. When I stayed, most guests seemed to be international visitors, and they were all very considerate as well.

It was new and easy to use, and the staff were cheerful and refreshingly attentive. The food was delicious, and we really enjoyed it with three types of Nara sake. We signed up for the Horyu-ji storyteller tour the next day, and were amazed by how wonderful the guide was. The materials, storytelling, and pacing were all excellent, and everyone was very satisfied. This is a Hotel we would definitely love to visit again.

About 20 years ago, I first learned about Nara Hotel through a certain book. The book featured the exterior of the main building, and I was so captivated by its appearance that I dreamed of staying there someday. However, nearly 20 years passed without an opportunity. This time, to celebrate my mother's 70th birthday, we finally stayed in the main building. From the moment we entrusted our luggage to the staff's warm hospitality, we were deeply moved. The detailed explanation during check-in was also exceptional. Upon returning from a stroll outside, every staff member made us feel as comfortable as if we had returned home. The room and interior decor reflected its rich history while providing a sense of comfort that allowed us to enjoy our stay fully. We had both breakfast and dinner during our stay; each meal was absolutely delicious and left us completely satisfied. The staff's explanations for each dish were clear and thoughtful as well. Dining at the tea lounge or bar while enjoying views of the surroundings offered an extraordinary experience beyond everyday life. Having stayed at many accommodations in both Kanto and Kansai areas over the years, Nara Hotel has undoubtedly become my personal number one hotel choice! My mother was also delighted with her experience here. We look forward to staying again in the future—thank you very much!

I had a very comfortable two-night stay. The Hotel was worth more than the accommodation fee. All drinks were provided, and they generously replenished the bottled water as well (though I didn’t take any to go). In particular, there were two sets of pillows—one soft and one firmer—which was great for me. The bathroom also had a separate washing area. I honestly wondered if this price was really okay.

Overall, we had a very comfortable stay. Above all, the location was excellent. It also felt a bit more reasonably priced compared to other areas. The meals were delicious, and the room was comfortable. 　 The 24-hour self-serve drink bar actually had some snacks as well—I ended up having quite a lot. Thank you very much. 　 This is now one of the Ryokan I’d love to visit again!

I loved the experience of staying halfway up Mt. Wakakusa, and this was my second stay. I was able to spend a truly relaxing time here. I think this is an auberge where you can savor ingredients from Nara. The carefully prepared dinner is exceptional, and with advice from an experienced sommelier, it’s easy to end up enjoying more wine than planned. All baths are kept impeccably clean at all times. The in-Room bath, indoor bath, and private panoramic open-air bath all provide high-quality shampoo, conditioner, and other amenities in full-size bottles. What I especially recommend: - Soaking in the complimentary private panoramic open-air bath while taking in sweeping views of the cityscape of Nara - The complimentary “New Japan’s Three Great Night Views” & stargazing tour (you might even see deer) This is a Hotel I truly hope to stay at again.

Thank you for your suggestions for the Roku-chan Room. We’re also cherishing the kofun cushion we purchased at home. Although we originally planned to stay overnight, we ended up enjoying many things more than expected. We were able to stay until late and relax at our own pace. Thank you very much for everything.

A wonderful Hotel with a warm wooden feel, perfectly located for strolling around Naramachi and just steps from Sarusawa Pond and Kofuku-ji Temple. A free drink bar, along with snacks and cheese, was available until the morning, and I was surprised by how high the quality was. The bed in the Room was also very comfortable, and I slept soundly. In the garden were two adorable birds, Kohaku-chan and Momiji-chan (Yamato chicken?). This time I stayed only one night, but on my next visit to Nara I’d like to stay for more than one night. Thank you to all the staff for your excellent hospitality.

I stay here every year in mid-March. The service is excellent, the food is delicious, and it’s conveniently located near JR Nara Station—an all-around great Hotel. It’s also within walking distance of Kintetsu Nara Station, with easy access to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Nara Park, and Todai-ji Temple. I like it very much.

It’s really close by and very convenient. We also enjoyed a delicious meal at a nearby izakaya in the evening.

The Room, bathroom, and toilet were all very clean. We also used the restaurant for lunch; the prices were reasonable and the food was excellent. When we visit Nara, we will definitely stay here again. All the staff maintained a comfortable level of attentiveness, which made our stay very pleasant.

I requested a Room with a train view when making my Reservation, and it exceeded my expectations when I arrived. Thank you very much.

I made a Reservation with dinner and breakfast included, and every dish was delicious. The service was excellent, and I was very satisfied. The large public bath was a bit small, so I couldn’t fully relax, but everything else was wonderful. It’s a Hotel I would like to stay at again.