가쿠엔마에역 (나라현) × 식사의 평가가 높은 호텔·료칸

It’s a bit of a walk from the station, but overall it was a very satisfying Hotel. The Room and the bath were both spacious, so we could relax comfortably, and we even saw deer coming to visit through the window. Breakfast was all delicious, and we enjoyed chatting with the staff as well. One note: light comes in through the interior window on the entrance side of the bedroom, so it would be nice if it could be darkened. Even so, we’d love to stay again!

First, the Accommodation’s location, surrounded by Nara’s famous sights, is outstanding. Next, the Room and bath Facilities are functional and very clean. The thoughtful design and maintenance, along with the staff’s attentive care, reflect high-quality management. Finally, the meals. They were high-quality in a traditional Nara-style Japanese cuisine, exactly as expected. It was a pity that Kofuku-ji Temple’s five-story pagoda—normally visible from the bath—was sadly covered by a temporary protective roof. Once the restoration work is finished, I’d like to visit again. Thank you very much.

The location is close to Sarusawa Pond, making it convenient for sightseeing. Naramachi is also nearby, so you can enjoy dining and shopping as well. The Hotel itself is not new, but it has everything you need, and the Room size feels just right. The staff were kind and courteous, and they also helped with recommendations for places to eat. I chose the plan with breakfast included. It was buffet-style, and everything was carefully prepared—delicious and enjoyable. I looked forward to breakfast every morning. I arrived by rental car, but there is no dedicated Hotel parking lot. You can park at a flat rate in the adjacent (Mitsui) coin parking lot, but if it’s full you’ll need to find another option yourself. I spent the mornings exploring within walking distance and drove farther out in the afternoon, then returned in the evening to park again. At that time of day, it seemed like day-trippers were leaving, so it worked out well for me. This is a Hotel I’d like to stay at again when I visit Nara.

Because our previous stay was wonderful, we stayed again to celebrate my son’s high school entrance, together with my parents. The food was also excellent, and my parents and son were very happy. My parents liked it so much that they said they would like to stay at this Hotel whenever they visit Nara. We are planning to visit again around autumn. Thank you in advance.

From the tableware and restaurant to the interior design, guestroom styling, and amenities, the chef’s attention to detail is evident everywhere, creating a truly impressive sense of unity. During my stay, I felt completely removed from everyday life—almost as if I had wandered into another world. The exterior and lounge offer a charming Japanese-style space in a renovated traditional house, with large windows overlooking Mt. Wakakusa and deer strolling nearby. As you move further inside, the atmosphere shifts dramatically; the restaurant in particular feels like dining in a cave. The excitement of the open kitchen adds to the experience, and each dish is so beautifully presented you’ll want to admire it for ages. The menu carefully notes ingredients and producers, and for items from Nara Prefecture it even introduces their specific places of origin in detail. With every course, you can feel respect for both ingredients and makers—and the chef’s passion comes through clearly. Even familiar ingredients reveal new flavors and appeal, offering delightful surprises. Yet nothing feels gimmicky; instead there’s a comforting familiarity that strikes an exquisite balance, making every dish thoroughly enjoyable. Including breakfast the next morning and the overall Accommodation experience, it was a stay I won’t forget. It seems possible to visit just for the restaurant as well, but I strongly recommend staying overnight too so you can fully immerse yourself in this auberge’s unique world.

This was my third stay, and once again I stayed for three nights. The Room and bath were comfortable, and above all, I always feel that the staff’s outstanding hospitality is truly wonderful. The international staff members also work so hard that it really comes through and makes me feel warmly welcomed.

I always stay here when visiting Horyu-ji Temple. Although it is an Accommodation right in front of the temple gate, I love everything about it: the calm atmosphere throughout the building, the wooden furnishings, the refined guest rooms, locally sourced kaiseki cuisine such as Yamato beef shabu-shabu and a Japanese breakfast, and the bathhouse-style baths (called “Yokudo”) featuring Yamato roasted tea and black silica. Above all, the staff’s hospitality truly shows how much they love Ikaruga. My routine is to take a walk around Horyu-ji before breakfast—by the South Gate, East Gate, and Yumedono—before it opens at 8:00. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the seasonal scenery—cherry blossoms, fresh green leaves, cicadas in summer, autumn foliage, and snow—and to see how the approach to Horyu-ji changes with sunrise. It feels like becoming one with the air of Ikaruga. I also enjoyed learning through lectures about Horyu-ji Temple, guided tours of the grounds by certified Ikaruga guides, and introduction videos about the Asuka area. I think this is an ideal Accommodation for anyone who wants to fully experience Ikaruga including Horyu-ji. Thank you very much to all of your staff.

Our first stay at a Kyoritsu Resort. We were extremely satisfied with everything—the location, the Room and other Facilities, the Onsen, the meals, and the overall service. Breakfast was exceptionally delicious. We would love to stay again.

This Accommodation made us feel warmly welcomed in every detail, and we were able to spend a relaxing, luxurious time. The meals offered a wide variety of dishes and were truly delicious. The private dining room also had a wonderful view of the city and cherry blossoms. We were completely satisfied with the Room and the baths.

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!

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!

We stayed here to celebrate my father’s 77th birthday. Thanks to the thoughtful care of all the staff, we were able to have a wonderful celebration, and we are truly grateful. The view from our Room was amazing, and we also enjoyed the sunset. The view from the private open-air bath was also stunning, and it made us feel relaxed and at peace. At dinner, they added a message to our dessert, took photos for us, and even hung a teru-teru-bozu charm on our Room door—thank you for such warm hospitality. The night view & stargazing tour was fun as well! Also, there were various games on each table in the lobby that didn’t detract from the interior design, and we enjoyed them with our children. Each member of the staff greeted us with a smile and genuine hospitality—it was a wonderful Hotel. Thanks to you all, my father was delighted, and it became a memorable stay.

I stayed here on a trip to Nara. Even though it was a great-value Plan, the Room was spacious and spotless, with a wide range of amenities. It was also very quiet. The bathroom and toilet were new, and the Facility was excellent, so I had a very comfortable stay. Above all, everything was clean. With floor-to-ceiling windows in the Room and such a great view, it made me want to stay at the Hotel instead of going out. The front desk staff were also very pleasant. When I come back to Nara, I will definitely stay here again.

I didn’t expect to find such a great Hotel in such a convenient location. There’s a lounge where you can relax after sightseeing, local cuisine unique to the area, and many other features that make for a clean Room and a comfortable stay. The service was also excellent, and I had no stress at all. I’ll definitely consider staying here again the next time I visit Nara. Thank you!

The location was excellent, and all the staff were very courteous and helpful. In the lobby, there was a map with a list of recommended restaurants from the Hotel, and we enjoyed a delicious dinner at one of them. Thank you for your hospitality.

We stayed here for sightseeing in Nara. It’s right in front of the station and within walking distance of the main attractions, so we were able to go sightseeing twice—on both the first and second days. Since check-out was not until 11:00, we could leave our luggage at the Hotel and enjoy sightseeing at a relaxed pace, which was great. We were also surprised to see about 10 deer casually hanging around in a park(?) just a few dozen meters from the Hotel—it really felt like Nara. The Hotel rates were reasonable, and the breakfast selection was plentiful and delicious. As for the Room, it was a bit inconvenient that when boiling water with the kettle, the power outlet was located above the TV and hard to use. My daughter is staying overnight in Nara this month to meet up with friends, and based on my recommendation she plans to stay at Smile Hotel. Thank you in advance. We would also like to stay here again when we visit Nara.

I chose this Hotel for my solo trip mainly for its price, but it exceeded my expectations and made my trip even more enjoyable. Above all, I was impressed by the staff’s warm service and bright smiles. The breakfast buffet was also far better than I expected, and I was very satisfied. This is a Hotel that makes me want to stay again.

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.

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

Close to the station, near major sightseeing spots, and affordable—that’s why I chose it, and it turned out to be even better than expected (great value for the price). The luggage storage before check-in was very helpful. The twin Room was slightly larger than a typical Business Hotel Room and was very clean. The bathroom area in particular was spotless—not a trace of water stains or mold. I was truly impressed. The breakfast bread was thick, fluffy, and delicious. Also, the staff member who helped us at breakfast greeted us with a constant smile, which made the morning feel wonderful. At check-out, a deer saw us off at the door—another memorable moment. On my next trip to Nara, I’d definitely like to stay here again.