Shin Hosono Station × Zen-Inspired AccommodationHighly rated for rooms and amenities at Hotel·Ryokan

I came to Nara for the first time with my mother because we wanted to see Nara Park and the deer. We chose this Ryokan because it is close to Nara Park and has an in-room Onsen. I love traveling both in Japan and abroad, and when traveling domestically, I enjoy staying at Onsen Ryokan and wonderful Hotels. I have visited many places, but Fufu Nara was truly outstanding. Sightseeing was fun as well—we explored more than just the deer—and I would definitely like to visit Nara again, and return to Fufu Nara too. The staff’s hospitality was excellent; everyone was incredibly kind. The room and the Onsen were very clean and perfect. All of the food was delicious. We will be back.

I stayed here during Golden Week! There were a lot of people around Nara Park, but the area around the Hotel felt like a quiet residential neighborhood, so I was able to relax in peace. I was a little disappointed that I had to close the curtain for privacy when using the open-air bath in the Room (though I understand it couldn’t be helped). The Room was spacious and very clean. Personally, I also loved how cute the coffee and tea cups were—it made me happy. I booked a plan with two meals included, and both were beautifully presented, with great taste and satisfying portions! I stopped by before check-in to leave my luggage, and they gave me a map of the area and explained recommended places in detail, including how long it would take from the Hotel. At check-in as well, the staff member who showed me to my Room told me about some famous shops—everyone’s thoughtfulness truly meant a lot to me. Thank you very much!!

From check-in and being shown to our Room, to the service during meals and through check-out, all staff were kind and welcoming. The meals were also very delicious. The entrance gate is narrow, so getting in and out by car was a bit difficult, but that was the only minor issue.

We stayed for one night as a family of four after returning from USJ. First, we checked in around 9 PM, and the floor heating was on, making it warm and very appreciated. The abundance of complimentary welcome sweets, drinks, and amenities made us feel the hospitality, which was delightful. The building is a well-renovated old house, so you can feel traces of the past here and there, but the simple and tasteful design and interior allowed us to have a very pleasant stay. The highlight is the location, about a 5-minute walk to Todai-ji Temple, and you can also see the Great Buddha Hall of Todai-ji from the second floor. The luxury of being able to take a leisurely walk to Todai-ji during the early morning when there are fewer tourists is unique to this place. Overall, we were satisfied, but I would like to mention two points we noticed. The barrel sauna, which we were looking forward to, was quite good, but there was only one wooden bench in the relaxation space, and there were no chairs with backrests or infinity chairs, which seemed like a missed opportunity. Also, we added firewood to the fireplace and lit it with the provided gas burner, but only large logs were available, and since the lid had to remain open while lighting with the burner, smoke filled the room, causing a family member with weak respiratory health to start coughing, so we closed the lid early, and the fire went out midway. It would be nice if kindling-sized wood could also be provided. If these two points could be improved, I believe it would become an even more wonderful Facility.

Both the town and the Accommodation were pleasantly quiet. Rather than a place to “enjoy the Accommodation,” it felt like a place where, through your stay, you become part of Nara. If you’re looking for an Accommodation for sightseeing in Nara, the location is convenient, so I’d like to stay here again next time. There’s nothing particularly notable about the amenities, but there was neither shortage nor excess, which I think is good.

We stayed in a sunny corner Room with a great view, and thanks to the nice weather we had a wonderfully refreshing time. The night view was perfect as well. The meals were outstanding—we enjoyed fresh duck and boar with no odor at all, delicately seasoned and elegant in flavor. Breakfast also came with many small side dishes, so satisfying that you’ll want seconds of rice; I recommend the plan with both dinner and breakfast included. It seems to be an older building, but once inside it is kept very clean, with no dustiness at all. Everything is well maintained and thoroughly cleaned. The proprietress was also very kind, and I would love to see her again. If you’re sightseeing around Nara Station it may feel a bit far, but the area around this Ryokan offers wonderful views from Mt. Ikoma and lets you enjoy a different side of Nara’s scenery, so I highly recommend it.

The price is affordable, so I understand, but I was a bit disappointed that there was no bidet. I stayed in the city because I wanted to drink a large beer at my favorite shop and didn't feel like going home. Sarusawa Pond is very close, making it perfect for a pleasant walk. The hotel staff were friendly, and I would love to stay here again.