Top 15 Cool and Unusual Hotels in Nara 2023

The capital of the Nara Prefecture, this beautiful Japanese city is one of the most romantic destinations to explore art, culture and history dating back to 710 AD. Nara is brimming with ancient religious sites, nature reserves where cute deer wander freely, historical landmarks and therapeutic hot springs infused with healing minerals.

Travelers flock to Nara to unravel spiritual mysteries at Japan’s most revered religious sites, such as Todaiji Temple, Gangoji Temple and the Kasuga Taisha Shrine. The local food scene is incredibly tempting, and Nara is one of the best Japanese cities to sample traditional Kaiseki cuisine and raw sake.

Finding a centrally located hotel is the best way to divide one’s time between Nara’s innumerable attractions and recreational activities. Our roundup of the top 15 cool hotels in Nara, Japan, will help you find your match from the city’s impressive variety of boutique hotels, inns and luxury resorts (in no particular order)...

1. Henn na Hotel Nara – a cool, fun and quirky hotel where you’re checked in by robots!

A conveniently located base to explore Nara’s historical attractions and natural beauty, Henn na Hotel offers proximity to the Kofukuji Temple and Nara Park. This hotel combines traditional Japanese hospitality with state-of-the-art technology, and guests are served by a team of multilingual staff and robots.

Henn na is home to 104 guest rooms, categorized as Double, Standard Twin, Superior Twin, Twin Extra, and Fourth. 51 guest rooms offer ensuite bathrooms, and all accommodations are equipped with a safety box, a refrigerator and coffee and tea-making equipment.

I loved starting my day with the hearty breakfast served at the onsite Otenki Parlor, featuring scrambled eggs, french toast and a variety of freshly baked bread.

To book, check prices or availability for Henn na Hotel Nara

2. ANDO HOTEL NARA Wakakusayama -DLIGHT LIFE & HOTELS – a cool, peaceful and relaxed hot spring hotel with great views conveniently close to natural sights including Mt. Wakakusa and Kazugayama Genshirin

ANDO Hotel attracts nature lovers who want to wake up to enthralling views of Mt. Wakakusa and immerse in the wilderness. Situated on the foothills of Mount Wakakusa, the hotel boasts exceptional views from the floor-to-ceiling glass windows of its western-style rooms. The night view is truly magical and best experienced from the rooftops.

Singles and Couples can explore the Comfort Twin, while families will prefer the comfort and amenities offered in the more spacious rooms, such as the King Double, Premier View Twin and the Deluxe Family.

Luxury seekers can enjoy the spaciousness and high-end facilities offered in the Penthouse Suite.

To book, check prices or availability for ANDO HOTEL NARA Wakakusayama -DLIGHT LIFE & HOTELS

3. NIPPONIA HOTEL NARA NARAMACHI – a sleek, polished and Instagrammable hotel that was once a conventional residence which is the perfect place to have an exceptional vacation

The first sake-themed hotel in the world, Nipponia embodies Nara’s sake-making traditions and ancient heritage dating back to the Edo and Taisho periods. Established in the former premises of the Gangoji Temple, Nipponia hotel combines modern technology with the old-world charm of a traditional residence.

Nipponia features eight thoughtfully restored guest rooms with exposed beams and high ceilings, furnished with subtle colors and smart furniture. Guests can explore rooms in three categories: VMG Comfort, VMG Grand and VMG Premier.

The highlight of my stay at Nipponia Hotel was indeed dining at Restaurant Luan – an elegant space combining gourmet cuisine with rare sakes from Nara Toyosawa Shuzou.

To book, check prices or availability for NIPPONIA HOTEL NARA NARAMACHI

4. Setre Naramachi – a wow-inducing but zen-like trendy hotel that offers a blend of history, nature, culture, food and art

Travelers seeking an authentically local experience will find Setre Naramachi an ideal setting to explore Nara’s culture, gastronomy, history and natural beauty. This modern hotel captures the essence of the Nara Prefecture, from the handmade fragrances to the beautiful cedar wood interiors.

The hotel features 12 Twin Rooms, 15 Japanese-Western Standard Rooms, 2 Japanese-Western Deluxe Rooms, 2 Machiya Rooms, and 1 Dressing Room. Many of the guest rooms offer panoramic views of the five-storied pagoda of Kofuku-ji Temple, while the Machiya Rooms come with a sprawling courtyard.

The in-house restaurant whips up seasonal delicacies with locally farmed ingredients, such as Yamato red beef and Yamato vegetables.

To book, check prices or availability for Setre Naramachi

5. Wakasa Annex – a stunning and very Instagrammable inn that offers an outdoor hot public bath and many other great facilities

Located at a 15-minute stroll from Nara Park and an 8-minute walk from the Japanese garden of Isui-en, Wakasa Annex is a centrally located hotel near the Todai-ji Temple. A popular choice for business and leisure travelers, this boutique hotel offers soundproof rooms with traditional Japanese interiors.

The rooms have a soothing setting with subtle color palettes, tatami mats, shoji paper screens and minimalist furniture. All units are equipped with Japanese-style futon beds, all-wooden bathrooms, a refrigerator, a flat-screen TV with satellite service, and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can start their day with a sumptuous Japanese breakfast spread, while dinner is an indulgent multi-course affair with colorful Kaiseki delicacies.

To book, check prices or availability for Wakasa Annex

6. Asukasou – a sophisticated and stylish Japanese-style hotel near top tourists spots such as Nara Park, famous for all of its deer

I had the pleasure of staying in a traditional Japanese-style room at Asukasou, and the experience was certainly a memorable one. There’s never a dull moment at this lively hotel brimming with recreational amenities and comfort-enhancing facilities.

Guests can take a dip in the hotel’s open-air communal bath overlooking the five-storey Goju-no-to pagoda or head over to the onsite karaoke room for some unpretentious fun. The guest rooms are simple and ambient, minimally furnished with tatami mats and soft yukata robes.

This ryokan offers private in-room dining but I preferred the ambience of the onsite Japanese restaurant. Asukasou curates an impressive Kaiseki-style dining experience with seasonal ingredients and centuries-old recipes.

To book, check prices or availability for Asukasou

7. Nara Royal Hotel – a grand and opulent upscale hotel housed in a gorgeous redbrick building

Nara Royal Hotel is home to the highly acclaimed La Royal Spa, 4 restaurants, a tea lounge overlooking the waterfall, and an assortment of western-style rooms. The extensive selection of accommodations features the perfect setting and amenities to address the needs of solo travelers, families with children and large groups.

Dining at the Nara Royal is incredibly enjoyable, given the variety and scenic setting. The Japanese-Western buffet introduced me to Nara’s local specialities while the authentic Chinese restaurant has a distinct sukiya-style architecture.

La Royal Spa is a world-class relaxation facility powered by the natural hot spring originating in the ruins of the Heijo Palace.

To book, check prices or availability for Nara Royal Hotel

8. Kotonoyado Musashino – a cool, unique and one-of-a-kind boutique ryokan that provides fine Kaiseki

Widely recognized as the first ryokan in the history of Nara, Kotonoyado Musashino has a legacy of serving illustrious guests, including the sword master Tesshu and Japanese film star Toshiro Mifune.

This much-loved inn is deeply embedded in the cultural heritage of Nara, and staying at this historical venue is a one-of-its-kind experience.

The location is splendid for embarking on nature trails and indulging in forest therapy, for Kotonoyado Musashino is situated inside Nara Park. The interiors are brimming with Japanese ornaments and the landlady decorates the space with exotic arrangements of Ikebana flowers.

The inn features twelve rooms in two categories: traditional Japanese Rooms and Fusion of Japanese and modern design aesthetics.

To book, check prices or availability for Kotonoyado Musashino

9. Fufu Nara – a petite and charming lavish resort based in Nara Park that is embraced by beautiful serene nature

A luxury resort nestled within the ancient woodlands of Nara Park, Fufu is an ideal spot for travelers seeking to embark on nature trails and enjoy wildlife spotting. Overlooking the Ukimido Pavilion in Sagiike Pond, this resort is surrounded by hiking trails and offers proximity to Mount Kasuga.

The interiors are beautifully crafted with ancient Yoshino cedar wood and Nara Clay, and the hotel is brimming with locally crafted decorations inspired by Tenpyo Culture. Guests can find their match from the resort’s multiple categories, including Stylish Suite, Comfort Suite, Premium Corner Suite and Fufu Luxury Premium Suite.

Travelers speak highly of the onsite Japanese restaurant, Tekisui, offering traditional meals with a delightful view of the garden.

To book, check prices or availability for Fufu Nara

10. Tsukihitei – a traditional and upscale Japanese inn based in the Kasugayama Primeval Forest which is a UNESCO World Heritage site

A traditional Japanese ryokan (inn) situated in the heart of Kasuga Primeval Forest, Tsukihitei offers a homely atmosphere with luxurious amenities. This cozy inn offers three spacious rooms, authentic Kaiseki-style meals, two private cypress baths, and unrestricted access to one of Japan’s original forests.

The Japanese-style rooms are sparsely furnished, featuring tatami mats, sliding doors and futons in place of beds. The tranquil setting is perfect to fall asleep to the splashing of the river and wake up to the chirping of birds.

All rooms are equipped with modern amenities, including a telephone, refrigerator, washing machine, tea set and minibar.

To book, check prices or availability for Tsukihitei

11. Candeo Hotels Nara Kashihara – a cool, modern and relaxed 4-star hotel that is close to major shops and restaurants, guests can also enjoy views of Mt. Unebi

Candeo Hotel is a four-star boutique hotel renowned for preserving Japanese culture and sharing it with travelers through its hospitality and seasonal menus. The extensive lineup of accommodations attracts vacationers from all walks of life, including singles, couples, families and large groups.

The lineup includes Double Rooms with private terraces, Corner Double Rooms, King Rooms, Twin Rooms and the Candeo Suite. Guests enjoy unrestricted access to the onsite spa, offering segregated spaces for men and women.

The women’s area features an open-air bath, indoor bar and mist sauna, while men enjoy access to an open-air bath, an indoor bath, a dry sauna and a cold bath.

To book, check prices or availability for Candeo Hotels Nara Kashihara

12. Atelier Bee’s Knees Bed & Breakfast – one of the best boutique B&Bs in Nara where guests can spend quality time surrounded by natural scenery

An oasis of calmness positioned on the northern foothills of Mt. Ikoma, Atelier Bee’s Knees offers an ideal base to explore popular attractions like Hozanji Temple, Antoge and the Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park.

There’s plenty to see and explore on foot, from ancient sake breweries and cultural heritage sites to innumerable hiking trails leading into the heart of Mt. Ikoma.

Atelier Bee’s Knees offers two types of rooms: Traditional Japanese Tatami Rooms and Western-style Double Rooms. Guests can start their day with a dip in the Onsen-style bath, followed by complimentary breakfast in the teahouse overlooking the garden.

The hotel offers sushi lessons and workshops to learn Kintsugi – the Japanese art of mending ceramics.

To book, check prices or availability for Atelier Bee’s Knees Bed & Breakfast

13. AN-GRANDEホテル奈良 – an elegant and lavish hotel where visitors can enjoy a Pan-Asian breakfast

Located at the entrance to Nara Park, An-Grande welcomes travelers to immerse in the ancient wonders of Nara’s historic heritage. This venue is surrounded by popular attractions, including Kofuku-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Todai-ji Temple.

An-Grande offers spacious guest rooms in multiple categories, including Moderate Twin, Superior Twin and View Bath Junior Suite. All rooms feature high-end beds manufactured by Simmons and stone-clad bathrooms, while many units offer sprawling views of Mt. Wakakusa and Kofuku-ji Temple.

The hotel offers an assortment of continental and Japanese staples for breakfast, while the lunch and snacks menu revolves around ingredients unique to the Nara Prefecture.

To book, check prices or availability for AN-GRANDEホテル奈良

14. Hotel New Wakasa – an upmarket and romantic hotel that is nearby the notable Tōdai-ji temple which holds Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statue

Hotel New Wakasa positions sightseers in the heart of Nara, surrounded by sweeping panoramic views of popular sights, including Mt. Wakakusa and Todaiji Temple.

Famous for its rooftop sky deck and bar overlooking Nara Park, this upscale boutique hotel offers traditional accommodations, private onsen hot baths, and inventive Japanese cuisine.

New Wakasa offers a wide variety of guest rooms to accommodate small and large groups. Guests can explore upgraded rooms with a private jacuzzi, additional furniture and views of the ancient quarters or the mountains.

The hotel offers a special tea ceremony followed by a traditional Japanese meal with an assortment of Kaiseki dishes.

To book, check prices or availability for Hotel New Wakasa

15. Temple Town Hotel WAQOO Horyuji – a pristine and relaxing place to stay in Nara that is within walking distance from Hōryū-ji, a Buddhist temple complex

A spectacular location for cultural enthusiasts and history buffs, the Temple Town hotel is a stone’s throw away from the iconic Horyuji Temple and multiple world heritage sites. One could not ask for a better location to explore Nara’s historic heritage without the exhaustion of long commutes.

Temple Town offers 58 accommodations in two buildings: the Tohokan and the Western Building.

The units include Japanese-style Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Superior Twin Rooms, and Hollywood Twin Rooms. The interiors reflect an emphasis on comfort, and all rooms are equipped with ergonomic French beds to enhance sleep quality.

The onsite restaurant specializes in Yamato Kaiseki cuisine, serving rare A5-grade beef that was first introduced during the Kamakura period.

To book, check prices or availability for Temple Town Hotel WAQOO Horyuji

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Becky Moore

My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my rescued Greek street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Laos, California and the surreally beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.