A truly special sanctuary in the forest west of Nara-koen Park, Tsukihitei will likely transform your time in Nara into a highlight of your trip. With great food, friendly service and wonderful baths, those who crave quiet and privacy will love this ryokan.

Tsukihitei exterior
Tsukihitei At A Glance
- Great for: couples, contemplative travelers, nature lovers
- Strong points: magical location, quiet, food, baths
- Sample rates: US$600 to 1,000

Tsukihitei guestroom
Nara is an easy day trip from Kyoto, but staying the night and enjoying the city after the crowds of tourists have gone home allows you to see a completely different side of the city. Tsukihitei is a located in the woods beyond Kasuga-Taisha Shrine, which is itself a mysterious maze of shrines, lanterns and pathways patrolled by hundreds of sacred deer.

Tsukihitei bathroom
Tsukihitei is not a luxurious ryokan like some of the famous ryokan in Kyoto, but it’s extremely well cared for and well run. The food is wonderful traditional Japanese fare, served in private rooms. There are also two beautiful ofuro (Japanese baths) that you can reserve for yourself.

Tsukihitei meal
If you’d like a real getaway and a break from crowded cities during your Japan trip, you’ll love Tsukihitei. It’s truly a special place.
Name in English:
Tsukihitei
Name in Japanese:
月日亭
English address:
158 Kasugano-cho, Nara-shi, Nara, Japan 630-8212
Japanese address:
〒630-8212 奈良県奈良市春日野町158
Price range: luxury
Nearest Transport:
Taxi from Kintetsu-Nara Station of Kintetsu Nara Line
Telephone: 81-742-26-2021
Website: Official Website (Japanese)
:: Check availability and pricing for Tsukihitei on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Nara Travel Guide:
- Nara Travel Guide Overview
- Things To Do In Nara
- Nara Walking Tour
- Places To Eat In Nara
- Nara Itineraries
- Nara Districts
- Nara Hotels
- Nara Ryokan
- Nara Cherry Blossoms
- Nara Fall Foliage
- Best Time To Go To Nara
- How To Get To Nara
- Getting Around Nara
- Nara Annual Festivals And Events
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help