With scenic views of Mt. Muro, Mt. Takami, and the sea of rice fields below, the Sasayuri Ann is a lovely wooden villa built with traditional Japanese aesthetics such as a thatched roof and traditional pine flooring. Guests sleep on traditional futon bedding atop the loft’s tatami floor and have the option to lounge in a wooden bathtub. The villa also has a well-equipped kitchen with an electric cooking stove, dishwasher, coffee machine, rice cooker, and other amenities. The Yamato-ann, a second building that comes included with reservations, is fitted with a traditional tea room, another bathing space, and a productivity area. Check out the Homa Temple to experience the syncretism of Shintoism and Buddhism, or explore the nearby Fukano Village before returning to enjoy gourmet meals of sushi, local fare, or even barbecue and pizza. There is even a "Washoku" course meal that can be provided as prepared by a Michelin star-awarded chef. What really sets the Sasayuri Ann apart, however, is its superior level of service, which is overseen by Tetsuji Matsubayashi, who is happy to show guests around the area and ensure that their stay is second-to-none.

Hidden away in the sacred Kasugayama Primeval Forest (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Tsukihi-tei Ryokan offers a taste of Japan’s traditional roots in serene surroundings. The small inn has only five guest rooms, outfitted with traditional tatami mats, low tables and futon mattresses. The ryokan offers Michelin-class kaiseki meals, based on a seasonal menu.

Discover a culture steeped in history and Meiji tradition at the Nara Hotel, surrounded by natural beauty amongst richly biodiverse parks. This hotel is ideally-located for a visit to Nara Park, which can be seen while enjoying a traditional breakfast from the premises. Frequent guests to this hotel praise its second-to-none service, congruent with traditional Japanese hospitality, but with a special “Nara twist.” Air-conditioned guestrooms include minibars, desks, high-speed internet access, complimentary newspapers, phones, bathrobes, bidets, hair dryers, daily housekeeping, and complimentary toiletries, while additional perks like in-room massages and wake-up calls are just a phone call away. A restaurant, coffee shop, and bar are popular on-site facilities allowing guests to mingle, while experiencing the warm, welcoming old-world Nara hospitality that’s been passed down for generations.