In our review, we found this gem tucked away in Nara’s bustling center.
You’ll be snoozing on traditional tatami floors and futons, right in the thick of the action. Deer-filled Nara Park and the towering Todaiji Temple are just a hop and a skip away. After a day of sightseeing, soak your tired bones in the public bath or splurge on a private spa dip.
Now, let’s get real: The rooms might feel snug if you’re used to sprawling American-style spaces, and the futons can be a bit firm for some backs.
But if you’re itching for an authentic Japanese experience without breaking the bank, this place hits the bullseye.
Who’ll love it here? Culture vultures and first-time Japan visitors looking to dive headfirst into local life. Families will appreciate the central location and diverse dining options.
Just remember to pack your sense of adventure and an open mind – you’re in for a true taste of Japan!
Key Points

- Conveniently located near Nara Park and Todaiji Temple, offering easy access to top attractions in the area.
- Provides a traditional Japanese experience with tatami flooring, futon bedding, and public bath facilities.
- Offers a range of accommodation options, including triple, quadruple, and deluxe rooms, catering to diverse guest needs.
- On-site restaurants serve diverse Asian cuisine, including options for halal, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets.
- Highly rated by guests for exceptional staff service, well-maintained facilities, and cleanliness, providing good value for money.
Contents
- Key Points
- Location and Nearby Attractions
- Accommodation and Room Configurations
- Amenities and Special Features
- Dining Options and Cuisine
- Guest Ratings and Reviews
- Check-in, Check-out, and Policies
- Child and Pet Policy
- Additional Services and Facilities
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is There a Concierge Service Available at the Hotel?
- Does the Hotel Offer Currency Exchange Facilities?
- What Types of Payment Methods Are Accepted at the Hotel?
- Is There a Business Center or Meeting Rooms Available?
- Can the Hotel Arrange Transportation From the Airport to the Hotel?
- The Sum Up
Location and Nearby Attractions
The hotel’s prime location in Nara makes it a convenient base for exploring the city’s top attractions.
Just a 5-minute walk from the hotel, visitors can enjoy the tranquility of Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer.
A 7-minute stroll leads to the awe-inspiring Todaiji Temple, one of Japan’s most famous Buddhist temples and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
For easy transportation, the Kintetsu Nara Train Station is just 12 minutes away on foot, and the hotel is an 80-minute bus ride from Kansai Airport, the main international gateway to the Kansai region.
Accommodation and Room Configurations

Hotel New Wakasa offers a variety of Japanese-style rooms to suit different guest needs. Accommodations feature tatami flooring, futon bedding, and come in triple, quadruple, and deluxe configurations. All rooms include free WiFi, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, refrigerator, electric kettle, and private bathroom with a hairdryer.
| Room Type | Capacity | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Triple | 3 Guests | Tatami flooring, futon bedding |
| Quadruple | 4 Guests | Tatami flooring, futon bedding |
| Deluxe | Varies | Tatami flooring, futon bedding, additional space |
Guests can also access the hotel’s public bath and foot bath. Select rooms offer private spa pool access for an additional charge.
Amenities and Special Features

Along With the traditional Japanese-style rooms, Hotel New Wakasa offers a range of amenities and special features to enhance guests’ experiences.
Each room is equipped with free WiFi, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, and an electric kettle. Private bathrooms feature hairdryers, and guests have access to the property’s public bath and foot bath.
The hotel has a roof terrace with views of Mount Wakakusa and Todaiji Temple, while a private spa pool is available for an additional charge.
These thoughtful amenities and unique features enable guests to relax and enjoy the traditional Japanese ambiance.
Dining Options and Cuisine
Hotel New Wakasa offers its guests a variety of dining options and cuisine. The hotel has two on-site restaurants that serve a variety of Asian cuisine.
Guests can enjoy Japanese dinner and breakfast in the dining room. The restaurants cater to dietary needs, offering halal, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options.
Guests rave about the exceptional breakfast served at the hotel. With its convenient location and diverse dining choices, Hotel New Wakasa provides an authentic Japanese culinary experience for its visitors.
Guest Ratings and Reviews
Guests have rated Hotel New Wakasa with an overall score of 9.0, praising the hotel’s exceptional staff (9.6), well-maintained facilities (9.2), spotless cleanliness (9.3), and comfortable accommodations (9.4).
Many highlighted the hotel’s convenient location, just a short walk from Nara Park and Todaiji Temple. Reviewers were particularly impressed with the exceptional Japanese breakfast, noting its delicious and varied offerings.
While some guests had mixed feelings about the facilities, the majority expressed satisfaction with the hotel’s value for money (8.5).
Check-in, Check-out, and Policies
Hotel New Wakasa has a straightforward check-in and check-out process.
Guests can check-in from 3:00 PM to 7:30 PM, and must check-out between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. The property requests that guests inform them of any late arrivals.
Cancellation policies vary by accommodation type, so guests should be aware of the specifics for their booking.
Children of all ages are welcome, but pets aren’t allowed.
Additional services include free luggage storage, guided tours in English, and English maps.
The hotel observes quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM to ensure a peaceful stay.
Child and Pet Policy
The hotel welcomes children of all ages, catering to families with various accommodation needs.
Parents can choose from a range of room configurations, including triple and quadruple rooms, to comfortably accommodate their family. Cribs and high chairs are available upon request, ensuring a comfortable stay for the youngest guests.
However, the hotel doesn’t allow pets on the premises. This policy helps maintain the serene and relaxing atmosphere for all visitors.
The hotel’s staff is dedicated to providing a pleasant experience for families, ensuring their stay is memorable and enjoyable.
Additional Services and Facilities

Complimentary luggage storage allows guests to explore Nara unencumbered, while guided tours in English provide an immersive cultural experience for those seeking deeper insight into the city’s rich history and landmarks. For convenience, the hotel offers English maps to help navigate the area. To ensure a tranquil stay, quiet hours are observed from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
| Facility | Description |
|---|---|
| Luggage Storage | Complimentary for guests |
| Guided Tours | Offered in English |
| Maps | Available in English |
| Quiet Hours | 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Concierge Service Available at the Hotel?
The hotel offers a concierge service to assist guests. They can help with arranging tours, making reservations, and providing information about local attractions and transportation options to enhance the guest experience.
Does the Hotel Offer Currency Exchange Facilities?
The hotel does not explicitly mention offering currency exchange facilities. However, they do provide additional services like free luggage storage, guided tours in English, and English maps, suggesting they may be able to assist guests with currency exchange needs.
What Types of Payment Methods Are Accepted at the Hotel?
The hotel accepts a variety of payment methods, including major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Cash payment in Japanese yen is also accepted at the front desk upon check-in and check-out.
Is There a Business Center or Meeting Rooms Available?
The hotel does not have a dedicated business center or meeting rooms. However, guests can utilize the property’s common areas, such as the roof terrace, for informal meetings or discussions if needed.
Can the Hotel Arrange Transportation From the Airport to the Hotel?
The hotel can arrange transportation from the airport to the hotel. They offer a convenient airport shuttle service that guests can book in advance for an additional fee, providing a hassle-free start to their stay.
The Sum Up
Let’s talk about a little gem we discovered in the heart of Nara. This place offers a true ryokan experience, immersing you in Japanese culture from the moment you step through the door.
We found the location to be spot-on, perfect for exploring the historic treasures of this ancient city. The rooms? Cozy and comfortable, just what you need after a day of sightseeing. And don’t get me started on the amenities – from the private spa to the mouthwatering local cuisine, every detail is designed to help you relax and recharge.
Now, here’s a travel tip for you: If you’re itching to book this serene escape, just click the button below. It’ll take you to Booking.com, our go-to site for reservations. We use it ourselves because it’s free and usually offers competitive prices. Happy travels!
