We stayed at Kankaso for 2 nights while visiting Nara. This traditional ryokan is beautiful, with stunning moss-covered gardens and sculptured trees. My husband lived in Japan for many years and can still converse in Japanese. I don't know how else we would have managed here, as I suspect very little English is spoken by any of the staff at... More

We stayed back in 2009, so this review is a bit overdue. A beautiful ryokan with a very traditional feel. I would definitely recommend it if you are interested in a traditional ryokan experience, but maybe not if you really prefer all of your typical modern hotel amenities. It's not that the ryokan wasn't comfortable or luxurious - it was!... More

I cannot speak for the other ryokans in Nara but we stayed in three other ryokans (in Tokyo, Kyoto and Matsumoto) and this was the closest to a 'traditional' (as I imagine it to be) Japanese experience . We had two large tatami mat rooms with views over the beautiful garden. And Aya is a wonderful hostess, breakfast was divine... More

Kankaso is an elegant Japanese inn within walking distance of the main Nara sights (including Shin-Yakushiji, Kofukuji and the Nara National Museum). Its building was formerly part of the Todaiji complex and parts are 1000 years old. The inn's gardens are exquisite. The rooms are spacious and well heated in winter. The ample food at dinner and breakfast over three... More

The staff is very friendly, despite the language barrier, and very helpful too. The spa is nice, and the location is ideal for visiting Nara Park. (The deer and schoolchildren are right outside, but in a way, that's part of the charm!) The place itself is very nice and green. But I wouldn't go there again. It was extremely expensive... More

This was our first experience with a Ryokan. Kankaso is in a perfect spot in Nara, close enough to the temple and park that you can hear the kids laughing as they run away from the (hungry and cute) deer, but still very private. Lovely garden, very calming and peaceful atmosphere. The temple and grounds are a 5 minute walk... More

I booked Kankaso for a 2 night stay through Japanese Guest Houses. JGH were great to deal with - very quick and answered all my questions. We paid about 30,000 Y per night. The ryokan is inside the main entrance to Nara Park - among all the stalls and the deer on the main path to Todaiji. So it is... More