I've stayed at a lot of ryokans in Japan (and a lot of hotels). This one might be my very favorite, though it's hard to have a favorite. I can say that it is so exceptional, I've been twice and will likely go again. It's not cheap! But you get so much for what you pay. It's not possible to stay anywhere else in the Kasuga woods and so if that kind of thing matters to you, then know that you go to sleep and wake up deep in these primordial woods. You might hear the flying squirrels at night--or see one at dinner, as we did. The air is clean and old and heavenly. The little ramps connecting rooms feel like something out of Heian Japan. The lighting is subtle, but still dramatic so you feel lifted into another world at night. Subtle things like the sound of falling water connect you to the elements. There is nothing over-processed here, or over stylized, as in modern hotels. If you prefer an "Andaz" or "Ritz Carlton" type of thing, then this is not for you. If you want something that feels utterly Japanese, then this is for you. The baths are both exquisite, as are the rooms. And the Kyoto style food was out of this world. Again, if you need a hamburger for dinner, then this place won't be for you either. But if you like exquisite, inventive, seasonal and utterly surprising Kaiseki food, that is still charming and inviting, then nothing is like Tsukihitei. And as a bonus, you are right by the foothills of a gorgeous mountain walk. Everything from the staff, to the snacks (which are plentiful) to the flower arrangements are beautifully chosen. Tsukihitei has also managed to maintain hallmarks of ryokan service (making your futon), without being intrusive. I've been in ryokan where the staff are constantly with you, and that is exhausting. That doesn't happen here. If you are looking for a pure Kansai and Japanese experience, I'm not sure where you will have a better stay.

This is a traditional ryokan hotel/inn. We booked the traditional Japanese room and meals, so the rooms had tatami mats, traditional furnishings, and a floor futon for sleeping. The experience is spa-like and relaxing, and you really feel introduced to more traditional Japan. Staff: The staff is so polite, attentive, and kind. They were so patient and welcoming with my 10 month old baby daughter, even bringing her toys and highchairs and kids utensils for meals. Location: It's at the "top" of Nara Park, away from all the bustle and craziness of the tourists and deer. It is situated in a quiet primeval forest and it feels like your own little world. You can walk to any part of Nara Park comfortably from the hotel, though it's uphill on the way back.

The floor futons could be more comfortable.

Our room, Sakuri, was great. Like living in small tea house with sliding walls and floors made of mats. Had our own wooden bath tub for private onsen. Traditional Japanese dinners and breakfasts were superb. Thanks so much to the chef for accommodating our vegetarian diet. Service was exceptional.

We did not know that there was as set dinner time so when we arrived at 6:40, we were told that we were late for dinner and needed to eat right away. I would have appreciated a "heads up" that we needed to arrive by a certain time so that we could have timed our arrival to have a bit of time to clean up and relax after sightseeing all day.

All of it. The location in the woods is special - where else do you get to watch a bunch of flying squirrels scamper through the trees while you head to dinner? Relaxing in one of the private baths after a busy day pounding the pavement. The meals (breakfast and dinner) were sumptuous. We have travelled extensively and stayed in many amazing and interesting places - this one is near the very top of the list. For those looking for something truly different from your standard luxury hotel chain experience, this is it!

The location and arrangement of the spacious ryokan rooms, which are rather small houses, are great. The food is excellent. The dinner is an 8 course kaiseki meal with Michelin star quality. Breakfast is a Japanese style multi items arrangement that is full of surprises. Dinner and breakfast (included in the admittedly high price) were served in a separate adjacent private room. There was also an additional private bath room with a wooden tub available at an arranged time. The overall hospitality was wonderful. More good things could be told.

One negative issue was that during our visit, the temperature in part of the rooms was pretty low - despite floor heating under the tatami mats. Other areas had cold floors. Anyway, we enjoyed our stay very much! Useful information: Since the ryokan is in a remote and therefore very quiet place in the forest of Nara Park, it is necessary to take a taxi from the train station.

Very hospitable and accomodating. Genuine in wanting to provide a good ryokan experience. They took care of everything from drawing the baths and scheduling meals with us and patiently waited when we were a little late. Hosts were always on hand to greet when we enter or left the property. We even went for a little hike after arriving and it was quite peaceful, seeing the occasional deer along the way. We also asked for help to book a taxi to take us back into town and it was promptly waiting for us at the scheduled time.

Lovely location in the forest -- it's very quiet and scenic. At the same time it's still accessible by taxi so no issues even if you have more luggage. Great wooden bathtub and amazing bathroom products (full Aesop range). Tasty, varied and well portioned meals. You really feel spoiled by the staff, e.g. alcohol is included with meals, free minibar, complimentary matcha tea and snacks.

In-room heating a bit hard to control -- e.g. the bedroom area could get nice and warm but the toilet area was always cold.

Staff were very obliging, even drove us down to see the Nara lanterns after our amazing dinner. Yukatas were high quality as was everything in the room, down to last detail. There was a cute bag for us to take home. Forrest location is serene!

The place felt a bit isolated and small, not like a five star hotel, we didn't see single other guest, everyone had their own rooms where they also ate. There were big spiders which isn't for everyone. The onsens could have had a forrest view.

Amazing Ryokan with the most attentive staff. Their English is very good and we felt like 5-star guests from arrival to check out and felt that our needs were always taken care of. The location is amazing, right in the heart of Nara Park. We had the pleasure of waking up to the sight of deer! We also were able to walk around the park and the main sections where the deer graze were not too far away (which was one of the reasons we chose this Ryokan in particular!). We enjoyed the onsen at night after our wonderful dinner, as well as first thing in the morning. It was very relaxing. The room itself is very large, almost like an apartment, and it is very traditional with a tatami floor. Everything from inside and outside of the venue was decorated in such a traditional and beautiful way, it really allows you to immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture. Would definitely stay in this Ryokan again if we had the chance!

From the moment we arrived we were welcomed by the manager of the hotel and her assistant, and treated like kings throughout first showing us our rooms, and then when serving dinner in the private dinner room. If you like Kaiseki dinner, then you are in for a treat because the food is very good. They also offer vegetarian or Halal options which is excellent. The location is in the middle of a nice forest from where you can hike to the top and then get a nice view of Osaka, and it's an easy hike. We came a bit late to the hotel which unfortunately did not allow us to fully experience the Ryokan on the first day. If you come here, you can come early to Nara, leave your luggage in the lockers near the station (they are cheaper right outside than inside the station), and then walk around the deer park and to the temple (won't take more than 2 hours). Then have a meal, go to the Ryokan, take a walk around the forest, come back for a nice bath, then have your dinner, after which you can relax in your room. I feel this will give you the full experience.

This isn't a negative, but the shower / bath isn't in the room. It's in a separate room, but in our case our room had a designated bathroom all day (so other guests wouldn't use it).