UHN Nara Mannenhitsu Hompo formerly RITA Gosemachi

So much character but not at the cost of comfort and function. We stayed in many heritage properties on our trip and this one didn’t fall into the trap of form over function. The staff were super warm, helpful and welcoming. They answered all our questions and were had everything we needed Do stay here if you can rent a car. Nara is about an hour away and so is Koyasan. Much nicer than staying in more touristy places. You really feel like you are in a calm away from the storm

Perhaps the breakfast could be improved. We both found the chicken quite chewy and it was a shame we had to waste it.

The most charming hotel of our stay in Japan. A hidden treasure in a sleepy town that at first glance seems like it isn’t up to much. It’s a decentralised hotel with 2 buildings and a restaurant. We stayed in the former fountain pen factory. It’s so well designed with a nice blend of traditional Ryokan style and some 20th C Central European design motifs. Our room had a study which looked directly on to Mt Katsuragi. There’s a gorgeous garden which could also be enjoyed from our room and on the ground floor passageway. Great amenities. You can use the local public baths for free when staying at the hot and the restaurant served up a different breakfast each morning of our stay. They even do a decent dinner - well worth a try as dinner options are limited close by. The staff were superb. So helpful. Almost too ready to help out - perhaps that’s just the way here - but they tended to every need and then some. They don’t get many foreigners here which no doubt adds to the charm. If you want a quiet few days and the possibility of some hiking or just reading in your room in quiet luxury then this is a nice alternative to the busyness of Kyoto or nearby Osaka.

If you’re tall you need to watch your head. The door heights for all the rooms are below 6ft!

Very friendly staff! Vouchers for local shops, entry to public bath included and nice hotel concept with interesting history.

The hotel is easy to find, close to both the public bath and the center of town, everything is pretty much in walking distance. The building itself is gorgeous, and while the building maintains its history, the amenities in the rooms are modern and clean. The bed is comfortable, the bathroom and toilet spotless. We enjoyed the service the most. The staff were very kind, gave us recommendations, explained everything in detail and gave us complimentary drinks and snacks on our arrival. The collaboration with local shops and restaurants is something that adds charm to the place as it shows what a lovely community this city has to offer. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would recommend to anyone.

Nothing we disliked. But one thing to note is that because the building is old, the windows are weak on windy days and can be noisy if you’re a light sleeper. However, they do provide ear plugs.

If you’re looking for truly unique experience, if your dream is to spend time in a real Japanese house, this place is for you

If you came solely to see Nikko, this place is an hour out of town

Overall it is a wonderful experience to stay at RITA. The history of the house, the building, the room, wonderful staff, hospitality and warm welcome and magnificent garden. The breakfast was delicious. The staff recommended very good places for dinner. We absolutely loved the stay.

The staff was amazing. Especially one lady that did everything to help. My wife is a vegetarian so she needed help with breakfast. The facilities were also great for the price

Not much.

It was the most beautiful hotel. It looks very traditional from the front, but wow when you go in! To begin it’s a very simple reception area, but what hides behind it is beautiful. One of my favourite hotels of all time.. an old fountain pen shop with nods to its pass everywhere.

That I couldn’t buy a fountain pen or the amazing pj’s they supplied.

Beautiful hotel and experience.

Exceptional