Overview

Stay right in the heart of Nara, just steps away from Nara Park, the iconic Sarusawa Pond, and the towering Daibutsuden of Todai-ji Temple. You’ll also find yourself only a short walk from Sanjo Street, one of Nara’s best shopping destinations. The location makes it easy to enjoy a morning walk among deer or spend the day discovering the rich culture of the city.

Daibutsukan has welcomed travelers since 1916. You’ll find peaceful views of the Five-Story Pagoda from your room and the gentle presence of sacred sites like Kasuga Taisha Shrine in the distance. This ryokan offers a warm welcome rooted in tradition, allowing you to experience the timeless spirit of Nara.

Accommodation

Daibutsukan features 30 Japanese-style rooms with tatami flooring, offering you a private and quiet space to unwind. All rooms are non-smoking and include basic essentials like a refrigerator, TV, yukata, toiletries, and Wi-Fi access.

• 7.5 Tatami Room: Perfect for solo travelers or couples, this room gives you a calm place to relax after exploring.
• 8 Tatami Room: Enjoy a peaceful view of the Five-Story Pagoda from this slightly larger room, ideal for soaking in Nara’s charm at night.
• 10.5 Tatami Room (Group Room): Designed for up to five people, this spacious two-room setup is great for families or friends traveling together.

Check-in starts at 3:00 PM and check-out is by 10:00 AM. You can also use credit cards (VISA, Mastercard, JCB) for your stay.

Dining

Dinner at Daibutsukan focuses on traditional flavors made with local Yamato ingredients. Choose from two main options:

• Furusato Kaiseki: This heartwarming course features ten seasonal dishes plus dessert. Enjoy handmade warabi mochi, a hot pot tailored to the season, and carefully arranged plates that reflect the nostalgia of home-style Japanese cooking.
• “Nara’s Local Delicacies” Kaiseki: This upgraded course adds regional specialties like kakinoha sushi and the ancient dairy product “so.” You’ll get ten refined dishes made with Yamato pork, fresh vegetables, and traditional items like nyumen noodles and sesame tofu.

In the colder months (November to March), you can opt for:

• Kofuku Miso Hot Pot: Packed with vegetables, pork, and white fish in a rich miso broth, this pot is a customer favorite.
• Yose Nabe: A soy-based hot pot with similar ingredients and the same comforting finish of udon noodles.

For breakfast, choose between:

• Tea Porridge Breakfast: Rice simmered in roasted tea offers a gentle start to the day. This traditional dish comes with tokoroten jelly for dessert.
• Japanese Breakfast: A hearty spread that energizes you for sightseeing.

Onsen and Wellness

Relax in the spacious public baths after a long day of exploring. Located on the second floor (women’s bath) and third floor (men’s bath), the baths give you time to refresh and enjoy the quiet moments that make a trip to Nara special.

Guests with tattoo

If you have tattoos, you can still enjoy the bath by using it during quieter times or asking the staff for advice on private options.

Facilities

Daibutsukan offers everything you need for a comfortable stay:

• Wi-Fi access throughout the building
• Public baths
• Vending machines and refrigerators in rooms
• Yukata, towels, toothbrushes, razors, and hair dryers provided
• Parking for up to 10 cars
• Smoking area available near the lobby (4th floor)

The dining areas are located on multiple floors:

• 3rd Floor Banquet Hall: Perfect for larger gatherings, with seating for up to 50 people. Chairs on tatami make for a relaxed but traditional setting.
• 6th and 5th Floor Private Dining Rooms: These rooms are ideal for families or small groups looking for privacy during meals. Limited availability, so make sure to reserve in advance.

Activities

Thanks to its location, you can enjoy both early morning walks and moonlit strolls in Nara Park or around Sarusawa Pond. You’re also in the perfect spot to take part in seasonal events like the Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri, a centuries-old December festival. You can watch processions that bring Nara’s history to life right from your doorstep.

For something quieter, ask the staff about hidden art spots like Naramachi Kobo, a local creative hub tucked into nearby alleyways.

Additional Features

• Free Wi-Fi throughout the building
• Non-smoking rooms only
• Close to major heritage sites
• Historical building with rare vertical structure (appears 3 floors, actually 6)
• Excellent views of Nara landmarks from your room
• Easy walking access to Kintetsu Nara Station (10 minutes) and JR Nara Station (20 minutes)
• Convenient limousine bus access from Kansai and Osaka airports