Panoramic mountain roost
Wood-accented modern interiors frame sprawling views of ancient temples and the primeval forest from Mount Wakakusa's quiet slopes.
What it’s good at
Notable
Mid-century ryokan architecture reimagined with clean wood finishes, panoramic floor-to-ceiling glass, and modern Western-plan layouts.
Notable
Private rooftop open-air baths and a poolside barrel sauna look out across the ancient temple rooftops.
Notable
Hillside stays feature guided forest walks through Kasugayama and dinners highlighting seasonal Yamato regional produce.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
the timeless ryokan concept is adapted to the boutique-hotel era, a mid-century escape thoroughly renovated and updated with Western-plan rooms, retaining the concept’s onsen baths
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Perched along the Wakakusayama driveway, the property borders the Kasugayama Primeval Forest with sweeping views toward Todai-ji and Nara Park.
The rooms
Western-plan layouts pair warm timber finishes with floor-to-ceiling glass, while select suites feature private saunas or open-air baths.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The pool and sauna
A timber deck holds the seasonal swimming pool and a barrel sauna looking out across the mountainside.
At the table
Timber dining counters face panoramic valley views, serving multi-course dinners crafted from seasonal Yamato produce.
How it began
Opened in 2020, the hotel thoroughly reimagined a mid-century ryokan that had welcomed hillside travelers on Mount Wakakusa since 1964.
Good to know
Stay here
Ando Hotel Nara Wakakusayama
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Nara
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.