Historical building in a quiet street converted from a sake brewery into a small hotel with restaurant area. Our twin room had own bathroom with a lovely wooden tub, sitting room and bedroom. Looked onto rear garden . Very welcoming and informative staff who were helpful and proud of their role in Nara. Easy location from train station and to walk to the sights around the town. Loved the Japanese evening dinner paired with local Sake’s and the traditional breakfast, some of the best food I’ve tasted this week . Minibar drinks in room well appreciated . Beds and pillows very comfortable. Staying overnight was lovely to see the town after the crowds have left in the evening.

No dislikes . We would return and recommend .

Staff was extremely helpful and nice. We mentioned what we had planned to do and staff automatically provided a map and marked the areas of interest. The room decor was really nice. We enjoyed the amenities offered. We didn't know at the time, but the onsite restaurant is a Michelin star restaurant which we enjoyed very much as well.

I think this is room dependent but the room we had was closed to another room so at times you can hear other people moving around. With that said, I recognize that the facility was originally a sake warehouse (if I recall correctly) and was converted into a hotel so noise barriers may not be readily available. However, it did not diminish our enjoyment during our stay.

A mixed review: I chose this hotel for the look, and historical nature, with its wooden beams. The large bedroom was stunning and the bathroom great. The reserved dinner, with saké pairing was of a 3 star Michelin !! It was a Japanese take on French cuisine and fabulous. The staff was kind and helpful, spoke some good English too.

Because it's an old building, the bedroom had single pane windows, rattling in the wind and rain and letting the traffic noise from a busy main road nearby - not good at the price per night... If you choose the breakfast option, you will be served a totally Japanese array of fish, pickles and soups. We opted for a western option on the last day, which they prepared specifically,and it was a little disappointing.

Staying at NIPPONIA HOTEL NARA NARAMACHI was an unforgettable experience. The beautifully restored sake brewery exudes traditional charm while offering modern comforts. Our room was spacious, serene, and impeccably clean, providing a perfect retreat after exploring Nara. The hotel’s central location made it easy to visit nearby attractions. The staff were exceptionally attentive, ensuring our stay was comfortable and memorable. Highly recommended for those seeking an authentic and luxurious stay in Nara.

Everything was perfect!!

Adorable ryokan, beautifully renovated from a Meiji period sake brewery. We emailed the hotel through their website before our arrival and they were very responsive and accommodating with our questions and requests. Check-in was quick and painless (Google translate helped!) and the path to the room goes through a lovely little garden. The room itself was gorgeous, clean, and spacious. We loved the design and the generous amenities provided (all drinks in fridge included). The highlight was definitely the hinoki cypress bathtub—such a relaxing soak! (For reference, we stayed in Room 107 Hinoe, a “standard triple room” on booking.com and a “VMG Grand” room on the hotel’s website. Since the rooms all looked so different from each other in the pictures, we emailed the hotel to confirm availability for the room we wanted.) The service was fantastic as well; the front desk staff was very helpful and tried to make a reservation for us when we asked, and also called a store to inquire about opening hours at our request. Breakfast was amazing too, both the food and the service. All interactions were warm and friendly. The hotel also held onto our luggage for us after checkout while we went to explore Nara. Well located on a quiet street but a short walk to Nara Park, Todaiji, and many other Nara attractions. We also got to see deer on the street next to the hotel at night! Tl;dr: We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would return to Nara just to stay at this hotel again.

Not a problem for us, but something to note: the path to our room was not possible to wheel a suitcase over at some points.

The staff , the vibe , the decor . One find peace and comfort, like an oasis in the city. It was a beautiful and wonderful surprise to see deers coming to the hotel gardens. They walked around in the garden and ate some of the flowers and grass in the morning. We were able to get so close to them and it felt so peaceful inside the hotel. The hotel was renovated from a century-old sake production place, it has its charm and traditional vibe in modern comfort that the other 4 stars hotels can't compare. If our time and budget allow, I would definitely go back again in Nara.

Nothing . Can’t find stuff to criticize

This is a great little find, only 10 mins from the station and within walking distance to the beautiful Nara Park and the Deer. The rooms are lovely in the old sake brewery's place you will be greeted by the nicest staff all ready to assist with anything. We had dinner and breakfast at the hotel, which was delightful and delicious. If you want to be transported in time this place is for you.

Can't think of anything.

The beautiful ryokan with a lot of space and traditional design. The bathroom is traditional wood with smart technology; smart toilet is the best we experienced in Japan. All drinks in mini bar are included in the room rate. Beds were comfortable but not soft. Comfortable pyjamas are provided. Staff is super friendly, but knowns very little English. The location is perfect within walking distance to all major shrines and temples. Breakfast and dinner are delicious, hotel restaurant also offers a fantastic sake selection.

The garden could have been better maintained.

We got the only room on the first floor. It was huge and magnificent with a view of a garden. Could not have been more lovely. Try to have dinner there at least one night. The preparation and selection was Michelin worthy along with the sake pairing. Breakfast was delicious with many varied flavors.

The dining room was cold. My wife was provided with a blanket during dinner.

The staff were all very friendly and helpful. The breakfast was very good and very well served and plated.

The garden outside our rooms was disappointing and seemed neglected. The path to our rooms made it impossible to wheel our heavier bags. The step off the room to the patio was quite steep and difficult to access. I realize that the building is quite old. I am very tall as are both of my sons and we all hit our heads more than once.