Asukasou is an upscale ryokan in the Takabatake-cho area of Naramachi, so close to Nara Park and Sarusawa Pond that both are about a one-minute walk away. It has five floors with an elevator, public indoor and outdoor baths with separate men's and women's areas, a restaurant, free WiFi and free on-site parking. Rooms come in Japanese and Western styles, from standard rooms to deluxe rooms and suites.
Location and getting around
The location is very hard to beat. Nara Park and Sarusawa Pond are each about a one-minute walk, Kofuku-ji Temple is about four minutes, the Nara National Museum is about twelve minutes and Todai-ji Temple is around nineteen minutes on foot. Kintetsu Nara Station is about nine minutes away, which makes the inn easy to reach by train from Kyoto and Osaka.
Kansai International Airport is a long drive, at about an hour and twenty-five minutes, so most guests arrive by rail. The streets nearby are the old merchant lanes of Naramachi, with small cafes, craft shops and quiet evening walks.
Rooms and facilities
The inn has a wide spread of room types, including Japanese-style rooms, Western-style rooms, deluxe rooms, suites and junior suites, so you can choose between futon bedding and beds. The public baths, indoor and outdoor, are open from early morning until late evening, with separate areas for men and women. These baths do not use mineral hot-spring water, but they are a pleasure after a day of walking.
Private baths can be reserved through the inn before you arrive. There is a restaurant, free WiFi, air conditioning, housekeeping, luggage storage and a front desk safe. A cooked breakfast is available each morning for an extra charge, and parking is free on site. Check-in is in the afternoon and the front desk has limited evening hours, so contact the inn in advance if you plan to arrive late. Check-out is before ten.
Who it suits and what to know: couples and travellers who want a traditional inn experience beside the deer park, with a bath, a quiet room and an early start among the temples. It is also a strong choice for guests who want to walk everywhere and avoid transfers. Since check-in and the front desk hours are limited, it is not the right choice for a late arrival after a long journey.
Pets and smoking are not allowed. Rates rise for cherry blossom weekends, autumn leaves and holiday periods, so book early, and check whether a rate includes dinner or breakfast before you pay.
Why stay here
- ✓Nara Park 1 minute on foot
- ✓Sarusawa Pond 1 minute on foot
- ✓Public indoor and outdoor baths
- ✓Japanese and Western-style rooms
- ✓Restaurant
- ✓Free on-site parking
- ✓Free WiFi
- ✓Kofuku-ji Temple 4 minutes on foot
Good questions
How close is Asukasou to Nara Park?+
Nara Park and Sarusawa Pond are each about a one-minute walk, and Kofuku-ji Temple is about four minutes away.
Does it have baths?+
Yes, there are public indoor and outdoor baths with separate men's and women's areas, and private baths can be reserved before arrival.
Can I arrive late?+
The front desk has limited evening hours, so contact the inn in advance if you plan to arrive after the afternoon check-in window.
