Yoshidaya Ryokan よしだや

An older hotel with exceptional staff and a fantastic location. The check-in service was phenomenal and I was given thorough explanations of facilities and recommendations for sightseeing and restaurants nearby. I had a Japanese style room with view of the pond out front and while the interior was a bit dated that in itself has its own charm and everything worked as it should. And waking up to a view of the pond with deer casually walking along it was very refreshing! The breakfast was Japanese washoku and was really good, I was served in a private room and got completely different selection of food both days and they were both delicious and exactly the right portion size. A lot of Nara's more popular attractions were just a few minutes walk away and staying here allowed me to beat the crowds and enjoy the spots without any queues. I am really glad I ended up staying in Nara and not just make it a daytrip, I got way more enjoyment out of it this way and will definitively recommend it.

Centrally located in Nara- stations, shops, Nara Park are all within easy walking distance. Service was impeccable all round. Rooms were clean and private bath facilities were convenient. Thank you.

Overall the best stay we had on our Japan trip. Shopping streets are close by and so is the Nara parks. The food was wonderful and the staff are amazing and very welcoming.

My girlfriend and I had an unforgettable stay at Sarusawaike Yoshidaya in Nara. From the moment we arrived, the hospitality was unmatched. We were greeted by Takada, who immediately offered us a beverage and made us feel genuinely welcome. He went above and beyond for us throughout our stay, including calling multiple local restaurants to secure us a dinner reservation at a spot loved by locals. Special shout-out to Takada for his warmth, professionalism, and incredible service. He truly made our stay exceptional. After spending two weeks in Japan and staying at five different hotels, this was the one that truly stood out. The private onsen experience was amazing, the rooms were spotless, and the beds were incredibly comfortable. The sunset view of the pond from our room was absolutely unforgettable. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced customer service this thoughtful and attentive in my life. We’ll be recommending Sarusawaike Yoshidaya to anyone visiting Nara.

The hotel and room where nice and spacious, but we got a room with shared toilet which was not clear before booking. They made up for it offering a compensation, but still USD 200 for a shared toilet room sounds excessive