Spacious lounge with sofas and low tables at Mikasa, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Nara landscape
Ryokan entrance with traditional facade, courtyard and trees at Mikasa in Nara, Kansai
Moonlit city lights and distant hills over a valley near Mikasa ryokan, Nara in Kansai Japan
Tatami room with low table and shoji screens overlooking city and valley at Mikasa ryokan in Nara, Kansai
Rock-lined outdoor onsen with bamboo fence and lush garden setting at Mikasa in Nara
Stone lantern and evening entrance at Mikasa Ryokan in Nara, Kansai, Japan
Low table set with assorted Japanese dishes including sashimi, tempura, small bowls, and lacquerware at Mikasa in Nara
Rock-lined outdoor onsen with wooden fence and pergola roof at Mikasa in Nara, Kansai, Japan

Mikasa

9.1
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 9.1/10, based on 955 reviews. ? Our score combines two signals: 50% based on traveler sentiment and guest feedback found online, and 50% based on our internal on-site evaluation plus ratings from verified travelers on our platform, who must provide proof of stay.
? This ranking compares properties in the same region. It is based on the overall rating and the number of reviews, using a weighted score so properties with more review data are ranked more fairly.
Check-in from 3:00 PM
Mountain Setting Forest Surroundings Valley Scenery National Park Public Onsen Open-Air Bath
Staff 9,4/10
Facilities 9,0/10
Cleanliness 9,1/10
Comfort 9,2/10
Value for money 8,8/10
Location 9,0/10

Ryokan highlights

A traditional Nara ryokan on Mt. Wakakusa’s slopes with scenic views, baths, and easy sightseeing access.

Wakakusa HillsideQuiet slope setting near central sights, away from the busiest city streets.
Nara Park ViewsMany rooms overlook Todaiji Temple and Nara Park, especially atmospheric after dark.
Open-Air BathsLarge communal baths include indoor and outdoor facilities for a classic ryokan soak.
Private Bath RoomsSome guestrooms include private open-air baths for a more secluded stay.
Traditional Nara StayJapanese-style rooms and ryokan atmosphere suit travelers wanting a classic cultural experience.
Easy Station AccessAbout 10 minutes by taxi from Kintetsu Nara Station, convenient for sightseeing arrivals.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1 nightScenery and ryokan rhythm are the main draw here: arrive after Nara sightseeing, use the baths before dinner, stay for kaiseki and breakfast, then continue onward the next morning. A second night works only if you want a slower Nara visit with more time for Nara Park, temples, and another relaxed bath cycle.
Trip-planning verdict: Best used as a 1-night scenic ryokan stay above central Nara, or 2 nights only if you want a slower Nara sightseeing rhythm with baths and dinner built in.

Know before booking

Car or shuttle neededThe inn sits on the Wakakusa hillside and is not practical on foot from stations or central sights.
Not a true hot springBaths are verified as artificial mineral baths rather than natural onsen.
Can feel too remote lateAfter dinner there is little surrounding nightlife or restaurant choice, so evenings are mostly bath-and-room time.

Food & drinks

This ryokan at 728 Kawakami-cho in Nara is a traditional stay focused on seasonal kaiseki dinners, Japanese breakfast, and drinks matched to the meal.

Dining Room (on-site)
on-site

Main in-house dining for seasonal Japanese set meals.

  • Seasonal kaisekifoodMulti-course dinner with monthly changes.
  • Japanese breakfastfoodRice, dashi-led dishes, and small sides.
  • Local sakedrinkNara sake served with meals.
  • ShochudrinkJapanese spirits available with dinner.
Private Dining (on-site)
on-site

Meal setting for guests wanting a quieter kaiseki experience.

  • Wagyu kaisekifoodKaiseki with extra wagyu dishes.
  • Upgraded kaisekifoodMore luxurious chef-prepared course.
  • Nara flavorsspecialtyLocal-style seasonal tastes in a private setting.
Room Dining (on-site)
on-site

Some meals may be served in-room depending on plan.

  • Wagyu sukiyakifoodBeef hotpot-style dinner option.
  • Kaiseki dinnerfoodTraditional course meal in-room on some plans.
  • Tea servicedrinkSimple hot drinks with ryokan stay.

Access, transport and nearby sights

This ryokan is on the Wakakusa hillside above central Nara, so the most practical access is via Kintetsu Nara Station with the ryokan shuttle or a short taxi ride.

Distances are approximate and calculated from the ryokan coordinates. Travel times may vary depending on route, traffic and schedules.

Should you choose this ryokan?

A scenic hillside ryokan in Nara that stands out for its city views, traditional atmosphere, and bath-focused stay. It suits travelers who want a calm ryokan experience near Nara Park more than those who want a central, walk-everywhere base.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Panoramic Nara viewsThe property sits on the slope near Mount Wakakusa, and several rooms and dining areas look out over Nara's cityscape. Some rooms even advertise views toward major historic landmarks in the distance.
  • Strong ryokan atmosphereThis is a classic Japanese-style stay with tatami rooms, futon bedding, yukata, and a quieter mountain-side setting. It feels much more like a traditional retreat than a standard city hotel.
  • Rooms with private open-air bathsCertain room categories include their own open-air bath, with options such as cypress or ceramic tubs. That makes it especially appealing for couples or anyone wanting a more private bathing experience.
  • Peaceful edge-of-park locationBeing next to the Kasugayama forest area gives the stay a calmer, greener feel than lodging in central Nara. It works well if you want nature, fresh air, and a slower evening after sightseeing.
  • Good fit for a full ryokan stayThe property emphasizes seasonal Japanese dining and bath time as part of the experience, not just a place to sleep. It is better suited to travelers who want to spend meaningful time at the ryokan itself.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Not in the city centerThe ryokan is outside the main station area, so it is less convenient for travelers who want to walk to restaurants, shops, and transport hubs at any time. It feels more secluded than central Nara accommodations.
  • Transfer-dependent arrivalAccess typically involves a drive from Nara Station, and the property is known for shuttle use rather than simple station-to-hotel walking. That can be less convenient if you prefer complete transport flexibility.
  • Some best features cost moreThe most attractive experiences, especially rooms with private open-air baths and premium views, are tied to higher room categories. Budget-conscious guests may end up in a more standard stay than the photos suggest.
  • Less ideal for nightlifeIts hillside setting is great for calm, but not for stepping out late to bars, casual dining, or evening wandering in town. After check-in, the stay naturally becomes more about the ryokan than the city.
  • Traditional style may not suit everyoneFuton bedding, tatami living, and a more old-school ryokan rhythm can feel less practical for guests who want Western-style comfort throughout. Travelers seeking a modern luxury hotel feel may find it less straightforward.

Ranking around this ryokan in Nara

Showing 5 above and 5 below the current ryokan. The full ranking loads only when you click or hover over this block.

Current position: 10th out of 37 ryokans in Nara.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
5th Misenkan 9.4/10 55
6th Ryokan Asukasou at the entrancne of Nara park 9.2/10 1,089
7th Hanaya Tokubei 9.3/10 51
8th Minshuku Kawarabi-so 9.2/10 197
9th Kasuga Hotel 9.1/10 1,262
10th Mikasa Current ryokan 9.1/10 955
11th Kanko Ryokan Kuboji 10.0/10 5
12th Hotobil B&B 潤 An inn that enjoys breakfast 9.1/10 295
13th Kotonoyado Musashino 9.1/10 263
14th Hôtel touristique Tōnomine 9.1/10 167
15th Wakasa Annex 9.0/10 418
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