Top 3 Shukubo Stays In Nara, Japan - Updated 2024

Shalmolee
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 2 min read

Nara, the capital city of the Japanese prefecture of the same name, is located in southern Honshu. The city attracts those who wish to immerse themselves in the history and culture of the region, featuring ancient temples and age-old Japanese buildings.

Visit the renowned Shinto shrine, Kasuga Taisha, and the world’s oldest wooden building, Horyuji Temple, while here. Kōfuku-ji Temple, once owned by the powerful Fujiwara clan, is another must-visit attraction. It features the second-tallest wooden pagoda in Japan. The city also has treasures for nature lovers. Head to the centrally located Nara Park to meet some wild deer and feed them crackers. Later, stop by the nearby Isuien Garden and stroll along the beautiful scenery.

When in a city as ancient as Nara, it’s obligatory that you stay somewhere that reflects the city’s history and culture. For options, check out the top Shukubo stays in Nara, Japan.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 03, 2024.

Why Trust Trip101?


Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team

Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles

Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)

Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform

Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts

Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more

Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content

Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.

Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.

1. 宿坊 れんじょう寺 奈良 Temple Stay Renjoji Nara (from USD 84)

Experience staying next to a quaint Buddhist temple at 宿坊 れんじょう寺 奈良 Temple Stay Renjoji Nara. This completely renovated holiday home occupies the back garden of the temple and provides a tranquil stay. Aside from tatami flooring, the quintessentially Japanese architecture and fully equipped kitchen will make you feel at home.

Spend your free time in the garden and meditate in the temple, which showcases various ancient Buddha statues. Moreover, a priest performs a morning ritual at the temple daily, in which you can participate to start your day right. If you wish to visit nearby temples, feel free to take a 23-minute walk or 10-minute drive to Todaiji Temple.

Stayed at this property?

宿坊 れんじょう寺 奈良 Temple Stay Renjoji Nara

Wifi Available

Address: 西紀寺町45 璉珹寺
16.4 km (10.2 mi) from Chogosonshi-ji

Parking Garden Non-smoking rooms Laundry Family rooms Free parking Internet services Heating

Nearby Shukubo stays

2. Shigisan Gyokuzoin

Shigisan Gyokuzoin is a 3-star property in Heguri, about 22.7 kilometers (14.11 miles) from Nara. This Shukubo offers fascinating cultural experiences such as ‘shakyo’ or the practice of tracing Buddhist scriptures. You will enjoy staying amidst monks in Japanese-style accommodations with tatami mats. With several temples within walking distance, you can truly savor a spiritual experience during your stay.

The property comes equipped with a parking space - available for a fee. While there is no restaurant on site, the vending machine will come in handy for your snacking needs. Additionally, there are several eateries nearby.

Stayed at this property?

Shigisan Gyokuzoin

Address: 2280 Shigisan, Heguri-cho, Ikoma-gun, Heguri, Ikoma, Japan, 636-0923
143 meters (470.6 ft) from Chogosonshi-ji

3. Gyokuzoin (from USD 98)

Nestled in a serene temple compound, Gyokuzoin showcases traditional Japanese architecture and features such as tatami flooring. Choose between rooms featuring a shared or private bathroom, along with necessities such as free Wi-Fi. The property even provides authentic Japanese meals to guests in the banquet hall.

Start your day here by joining a Buddhist ritual performed at the temple and later, head to the public bath for a rejuvenating soak. The property organizes temporary art galleries to entertain guests. In addition, there is a souvenir shop on site where you can buy items for your friends back home.

Stayed at this property?

Gyokuzoin

9.2 User Rating Wifi Available

Address: Shigisan 2280
135 meters (443.0 ft) from Chogosonshi-ji

Parking Meeting/banquet facilities Garden Non-smoking rooms Internet services Lift Safety deposit box Valet parking

Have an enriching holiday in Nara

Nara’s ancient charm and beautiful temples attract culture enthusiasts from all over the world. Aside from letting visitors admire these temples from afar, the city even provides temple stays so you can immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere. Pick your favorite Shukubo stay from this list and have an enriching holiday.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Shalmolee is a passionate writer and editor with an overactive imagination and a head full of dreams. Her main goal in life is to be happy by petting numerous dogs, relishing delicious food,...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Register Here
0 Comments
Explore Nara
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.
halal hotel in osaka

Top 8 Muslim-Friendly Hotels In Osaka, Japan - Updated 2024