Seikanso ryokan is situated in a very quiet neighbourhood, still within walking distance from the main park / temple area as well as both train stations, although not really central. Staff were very friendly but spoke very little English. I had a nice single room. The garden looked great, even in winter. On the minus side: the futon mattress was... More

unforgetable memories of our travel in japan in the old typical house around a garden

This inn is only a short distance from the train station via a local bus, which travels in a seeming circle and comes quite frequently. There are very helpful tourist information center attendants at the station who know the location of many of the local inns and can tell you the easiest way to get to whatever inn you are... More

My husband and I came to Japan 5 weeks after the tsunami and there were not many guests at any location we stayed. Other than the owners, as far as we could tell there was only one other guest staying in the ryokan. The owners were nice, but were not very involved in our stay and had quarters in part... More

We arrived in Nara on a long weekend with nowhere to stay. This was the only place to have any accommodation available. We arrived early and left our bags to walk around town and when we came back at check intime our bags had been taken to our room and or beds made for us. It is a wonderful character... More

Spent one night here for visit to Nara...easy walk from town centre, through old neighbourhood - happy with the location and interesting to explore the back streets around Seikanso. Although the frontage of this ryokan is fairly unassuming, inside it is all built around a fabulous garden area. Comfortable enough room, clean and tidy, with tea making facilities and separate... More

We loved everything about Seikanso. The courteous proprietors were so kind and accommodating, the smell of the wooden building, delightful garden and wonderfully authentic rooms, meals served in a traditional setting, tiny balconies overlooking the cloistered courtyard . . . all made for the most memorable stay in Nara. This is the place to stay for a genuinely relaxing taste... More

I chose this Ryokan because of its historical significance as a Geisha house and its location in Nara, which I believe is the oldest settlement in Japan. The gardens are stunning. I did not mind sharing a bath down the hall, nor that the building was old. This added to the charm. Location was superb, easy walk to bus and... More

Based on the reviews on tripadvisor we expected better facilities. It was the 3rd ryokan we had stayed in and it was by far the poorest. It was not expensive but I would not say it was good value for what it was. Times for check in were restrictive ie. from 4pm and the reason is because there are no... More