Reviews
Jason Craig
Had a great 1 night stay in mid-December.
Our hostess was very welcoming and had fantastic local knowledge. As authentic as you can get while travelling through Japan. The beds were very comfortable. We stayed in the garden view room which was beautiful. The breakfast was delicious and very filling. We would come back here again.
Eunha Ranft
You will know you are entering into a very special place the moment you step into her beautiful, traditional Japanese home. It is as elegant and tasteful as shown in various pictures here, but what really sets apart Sakuraya is Kayoko-san, who is no ordinary innkeeper.
Having travelled extensively herself and lived abroad for an extended period, she possesses a broad-minded and kind worldview. Our conversations during the tea tasting were both enjoyable and enlightening. Kayoko-san ensures each guest receives a specially curated experience from impeccable restaurant recommendations to cherry blossom viewing spots that surpass expectations. It's a refreshing departure from the disappointment of overcrowded tourist spots recommended by guidebooks.
With only two nights here in Nara, I feel as though I barely scratched the surface. I'm already planning my return to further explore this special city, its plethora of amazing restaurants, and, of course, to reconnect with Kayoko-san.
After drafting this review, I feel compelled to highlight the special calligraphy class I attended yesterday evening with Yoko-san. Despite my limited knowledge of Chinese characters and a few practices many decades ago, I wasn’t sure what to expect. However in a serene and welcoming environment, Yoko-san patiently taught the seven basic strokes, culminating in the writing of Chinese characters symbolizing eternity and love. With a delightful sense of humour, she shared insights into the philosophy and the meditative quality of calligraphy. I advise to book ahead prior to the arrival as the class is very popular.
D T
5 stars are not enough for our lovely host. I wish I could give more Until now, this was the best accommodation we had in Nara.
Siobhan Clair
This was a delightful place to stay for our night in Nara. Kayoko was an incredibly generous, helpful and knowledgeable host! The house and room were beautiful and charming, with excellent facilities. We were able to leave our luggage prior to check in and Kayoko provided a map and useful tips for seeing the deer park and temples, and where to get tasty food for m
Lunch and see the cherry blossoms. Later on once we’d checked in she served us tea and sweets and she was able to direct us to a nearby restaurant for us try unagi that evening. The breakfast the next morning was also absolutely delicious! A wonderful experience. So glad we chose to spend a night here - Thank you Kayoko!
C T
Kayoko's house is magnificent, we quickly realize that Kayoko is a passionate woman.
Everything was perfect, the welcome, the rooms, the breakfast, we were immersed in Nara between anciens and contemporaneous in this wonderful old house with Kayoko who was incredible nice to us. I recommend strongly!