Countryside Accommodations in Nara Prefecture
- NARA Visitor Center & Inn
- Jun 23
- 8 min read
Updated: Jun 28
Are you looking for more than just a place to stay? Accommodations are increasingly becoming a focal point for people wanting more authentic or unique travel experiences. In Nara, and especially in the countryside, there are some delightful and surprising places to kick back, soak in the surroundings and call it a night. We open up Nara Countryside Accommodations, so come and see how your next trip could be a truly unforgettable experience.
Getting Into the Japanese Countryside is Easy
One key aspect of the Japanese countryside is its relative accessibility. While there are some pretty secluded hamlets and villages, Japan’s public transport services can get you deep into the heartland from any major urban hub. Rural transport systems, although sometimes infrequent, are generally safe and reliable. This makes genuine travel and adventure an easy choice in Japan, especially for young families with children.
Tons of Activities and Fun Things of Interest
Cottage industries, microbreweries of all sorts, and small-scale organic community farming will all add value to your time spent in the countryside. Many rural communities, although shrinking year by year, still maintain local traditions and cultural festivities. Throughout the year, seasonal variations create an abundance of activities such walking alpine forests, rafting and boating pristine waters, cycling, or any variety of winter snow sports. It would be remiss not to mention the uniqueness of hot springs, ancient pathways, pilgrimage routes, and numerous historic sites you can visit along your way.
How Everyone’s a Winner
Lastly, as the tourist market in Japan expands and matures more towards foreign clientele, and together with modern technologies, language barriers are becoming less of an encumbrance.
Many rural communities see this as an opportunity to share their history and traditions with outsiders, and in turn, this helps preserve traditional ways of life by creating greater wealth opportunities.
Authentic Places to Stay in the Nara Countryside
Thrill your kids and family with an entire countryside house, even one with a Finnish sauna! If you’re more into the upmarket, try traditional establishments with a twist of modern boutique. And what could be more perfect than a thoroughly modern hot spring hotel with guided hikes and electric bicycles? There’s something for everyone in Nara! If you’re already booked, learn more about other unique cultural experiences in Nara.
Here are nine great Nara countryside accommodations:
Ubusuna-no-Sato, Tomimoto: The historic birth home of Nara’s most celebrated potter. Two luxury guest rooms and a ‘kaiseki’ restaurant.
Omoya Guest House: A 200-year-old house in Mitsui Village. Entire house rental per group stay, self-catering with optional meal requests.
Nipponia Maruto Shoyu: Nara’s oldest soy sauce brewery, refurbished from the late 1800s. Boutique accommodation with traditional kaiseki meals.
Kominka Katsuemon: A historic house in Gose near Takatori Town. Entire house rental per group stay, self-catering with optional meal requests
Omori-no-Sato: A restored traditional house in Totsukawa Village. Two spacious, self-contained living quarters, self-catering with meal options.
Yoshino-no-Oyado~Medicinal Herbs and Trees~: A country villa featuring an outdoor Finnish sauna. Entire house rental per group stay, self-catering with optional meals upon request.
Forest Kamikita: A modern hot spring hotel with guided hikes and access to the Omine Okugake trail and Mount Odaigahara head trail.
Izayoi Sanso: A farmer's inn with two Western-style guest rooms and a detached self-catering cottage. Meals available.
Ume, Yamazoe: A boutique guesthouse refurbished from a 100-year-old Japanese inn.
Hoshi-no-Kuni: A private bungalow with your very own star-gazing dome.
Ubusuna-no Sato TOMIMOTO
Ubusuna-no-Sato TOMIMOTO (うぶすなの郷 TOMIMOTO) is the historic birth home of Tomimoto Kenkichi, one of Japan’s and Nara’s most celebrated potters who lived between 1886 and 1963. This former residence houses two luxury guest rooms and a restaurant, which is also open to the public. The location is close to the historic Horyu-ji Temple World Heritage Complex.
Both guest quarters are spacious, incorporating a separate ‘living room’ with a garden view, and a stylized semi-open private bathroom. Accommodations include breakfast and dinner in traditional Japanese ‘kaiseki’ style. For non-staying guests, a reservation for the restaurant requires a three-day advanced booking. A pottery painting experience is available with one day’s advanced notice.
Access:
Address: 1442 Higashiando, Ando-cho, Ikoma-gun, Nara, 39-1061
Tel: 0743-56-3855
Omoya Guesthouse
Omoya Guest House (おもや古民家) is situated in Mitsue Village in the verdant east Uda or Yamato Kogen region. The main structure is over 200 years old, and included is an outdoor wood oven for pizza, baked foods, or whatever you fancy. Mitsue Village is known for is clearly starry night skies, summer fireflies and the magical "muhyo" phenomenon – the formation of rime ice on tree branches in the mountains.
Bookings are per single group, accommodating up to 8 people in two tatami rooms. Breakfast can be ordered in, but the stay is largely self-catering. Linen is provided, but you should bring your own bath towels. You can make a reservation via email or webform (English okay).
The house is located on the old Ise Honkaido road on which people traveled to visit Ise Jingu Shrine in Mie prefecture. You can enjoy hiking to Mt. Miune and Mt. Kuroso, and Soni Village is only 7 km away. Access is about 30 minutes from Kintetsu Haibara or Nabari Station. If visiting in the winter by car, change to winter tyres or at least bring tyre chains.
Access:
Address: 2415 Sugano, Mitsue Village, Uda-gun, Nara
Tel: 0745-95-2675
Nipponia Tawaramoto Maruto Shoyu
Nipponia Tawaramoto Maruto Shoyu is a truly unique accommodation experience. The establishment stands as the oldest soy sauce brewery (1689) in Nara, bearing the name ‘Maruto Shoyu’. Some 70 years since closing down, it has been renovated into a historic soy sauce brewery with a hotel and restaurant with the aim of reviving the original business.
Rooms include the former master bedroom, former rooms of brewery workers, and converted storehouses‒all featuring original wooden beams and antique fittings. Modern luxuries include Hinoki wooden bathtubs and heated toilets. Room capacities vary from two to five people, with a convertible sofa bed. Modern Japanese course meals using local fare are flavored using a variety of Maruto Soy Sauces. There is a pick-up service or a taxi available from Kintetsu Tawaramoto Station. Nearby historic locations include the Omiwa-jinja Shrine.
Access:
Address: 170 Iyodo, Tawaramoto-cho, Shiki-gun, Nara
Tel: 0744-32-2064
Kominka Katsuemon
Kominka Katsuemon (古民家の宿勝右衛門) is a historic house built in 1824 with an annex added in 1914. Throughout the property, you can glimpse architectural and decorative styles from various historical periods. Rental is per group for the entire property, which includes 5 Japanese futon sets and 2 bedrooms. The accommodation is self-catering, with meals available upon advanced booking. Barbecue sets with food orders can also be arranged with advanced notice.
At the entrance to the property stands the "Kirishitan Lantern," a relic from the Edo period, when Christianity was banned by the shogunate and secretly practiced by the Kakure Kirishitan, or Hidden Christians. Originally from Nagasaki, the lantern’s lower shaft is carved with the image of a young child, believed to represent the Virgin Mary. During times of persecution, this section was buried underground, enabling those in the know to offer prayers in secret. The lantern was brought to this household about a century ago.
Access is 800 meters or an 11-min-walk from Ichio Station on the Kintetsu-Yoshino Line. Nearby attractions include Tsubosaka-dera Temple, Takatori Town and the hiking route to Takatori Castle Ruins.
Access:
Address: 166 Imazumi, Gose, Nara 639-2245
Tel: 0745-67-0548
Omori-no-Sato
Omori-no-Sato (大森の郷) is secluded in the quietude of Nara’s Totsukawa Village. This refurbished traditional village house provides a unique and independent lodging experience of mountain village life. There’s a six tatami twin Western-style bedroom, with a separate living room, bathroom, and terrace. Alternatively, for up to 4 people, choose a 2-bedroom unit with a bathroom and veranda. Self-catering facilities are available, with meals upon request.
Totsukawa is one of Nara’s most ideal mountain villages with an abundance of activities including hot springs, nature hikes, access to the Kumano Pilgrimage trail, and heritage cultural events throughout the year.
Access:
Address: 487 Musashi, Totsukawa, Yoshino District, Nara, 637-1332
Yoshino-no-Oyado ~Medicinal Herbs and Trees~
Yoshino-no-Oyado ~Medicinal Herbs and Trees~ is a 100-year-old renovated private house, located in the Yoshino District. They offer a sensory retreat where visitors can experience the healing properties of medicinal herbs and the soothing aroma of Yoshino cedar. Guests can immerse themselves in workshops and practices like yomogimushi (mugwort steaming), tea ceremony, kimono rental and electric scooter rental.
The interiors feature Yoshino cedar, whose natural scent calms the senses. Earthquake-resistant renovations ensure safety without compromising the character of the original structure, preserving its slightly uneven pillars as a nod to its heritage. Guests can also enjoy a luxurious hinoki bath surrounded by cedar wood.
For inspiration on what to see and do in Yoshino, check out our 4 part series on the area.
Access:
Address: 1390-2 Nishimashi, Oyodo, Yoshino District, Nara, 639-3121
Forest Kamikita Hotel
Forest Kamikita (フォレストかみきた) is an onsen or hot spring hotel in Nara’s southern Yoshino district. The hotel has modern, refurbished wood interiors throughout, with Western-style rooms. Hot spring facilities consist of shared public baths, including granite, wood, and concealed outdoor baths or ‘rotenburo’. Overnight guests can enjoy morning bathing.
The hotel is situated along a river just outside Kamikitayama Village, a base camp for mountain hiking, including the Omine Okugake Trail and head trail to Mount Odaigahara. Guided hiking tours are available per booking request. There is a spacious lobby, coffee corner, restaurant, shop, information center, and a coin laundry. You can take advantage of a private barbecue rental space and bicycle rental plans, including electrically assisted bicycles.
Access:
Address: 552-2 Kawai, Kamikitayama Village, Yoshino District, Nara, 639-3701
Tel: 07468-3-0001
Izayoi Sanso
Izayoi Sanso is a picturesque farmer's inn and guesthouse situated about 20 km northeast of Nara City. They provide two Western-style guest rooms and a detached self-catering cottage with Western and Japanese rooms. The self-catering house includes a grand piano and a wood stove in the living room.
The relaxing surroundings are popular with artists, remote workers or people who come looking for inspiration. You can enjoy Yamato Chicken here, which is a regional specialty. The inn offers tea ceremonies, home-cooked meals, an ‘irori’ sunken hearth and a spacious bathroom. Apart from refreshing country walks, you can enjoy seasonal tea-picking and learn traditional fermentation techniques nearby.
Access:
Address: 1402 Nyu-cho, Nara City
Tel: 0742-94-0048
Ume Yamazoe
Ume, Yamazoe is a stylish boutique guest house refurbished from a 100-year-old Japanese inn. It combines traditional character with a minimalistic modern design. There are three spacious guest rooms and shared amenities include a log-burning, Finnish-style sauna with an outdoor tub.
This boutique experience is nestled at the foot of a mountain, surrounded by the sounds of nature. You can start each day reconnecting to the true country essence of Japan. Traditional style gourmet meals are prepared from local and seasonal ingredients. Ume, Yamazoe is in Nara’s picturesque eastern Yamabe district, or a 15-minute ride by taxi from Kintetsu-Nabari Station‒just across the border into Mie Prefecture.
Access:
Address: 452 Kitahara, Yamazoe Village, Yamabe District, 630-2356
Tel: 0743-89-1875
Official website
Hoshino-no-Kuni
Oto Cosmic Park Hoshi-no-Kuni, perched atop Michinoeki Yoshino along Route 168, is a serene retreat offering amazing views of Mount Yoshino. The park offers a variety of accommodation options with one such being a bungalow equipped with a dome-shaped observation room on the roof, allowing guests to enjoy stargazing from their own space. Each bungalow also includes a kitchen on the first floor, making it perfect for families or groups looking to spend an intimate evening under the stars.
Price per night is ¥30,000 for up to 5 people and then a further ¥3,000 per person from the 6th. There are no extra peak season charges. Maximum capacity is 10 people.
Access:
Address: 249 Otocho Sakamoto, Gojo, Nara 637-0417
Tel: 0747-35-0321
Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Closed: Wednesdays (except during public holidays)
Reservation required
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