Nara
Understated Japanese luxury. Muted ink tones, natural wood, handcrafted local materials, quiet garden views, private onsen — more heritage ryokan spirit than flashy contemporary hotel.
Book Spa by Sisley at the same time you book the room — it fills up fast, especially on weekends
Why It Matters
The only Kengo Kuma-designed all-suite hot-spring resort in Nara, using an extraordinary density of local artisanal materials — from the lobby counter (carved from a single ancient camphor tree that once grew on the site) to the YOKOU ink-scented organic amenities. One of the FUFU brand's flagship properties and a Tablet Hotels selection.
FUFU Nara opened in June 2020 as an all-suite luxury resort designed by starchitect Kengo Kuma, sitting right at the edge of Nara Park where sacred deer wander past your window. The decor is distinctly Nara: dark ageworn Yoshino cedar, pottery fired from local clay, hemp tapestries, and iron artefacts from regional craftsmen, all pulled together under the warm flicker of lanterns in the regional azekura architectural style. Every one of the 30 suites has its own private open-air onsen fed by the Natural Hot Spring Suzaku-no-yu — and the garden the restaurant overlooks is Yugayama Garden, a restored historical cultural asset. There is no gym and no shared pool, so if you want to sweat, you are booking a guided hike up Mount Wakakusa instead.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Comfort Suite
Second-floor suite with private open-air natural hot spring bath. The elevated position gives treetop and garden views across Nara Park. Same amenity standard as the Stylish Suite.
Two double beds (SIMMONS×SLEEPLEASURE, 140cm×200cm, combinable)FUFU Luxury Premium Suite
The top of the house — only two of these exist. Room 101 on the 1st floor has a modern tatami living room; Room 201 on the 2nd floor has carpet and dramatically high ceilings. Both are the only suites with both open-air AND indoor natural hot spring baths, and both accommodate up to 4 guests. If you're going all-in, this is the one.
Two double beds (SIMMONS×SLEEPLEASURE, 140cm×200cm, combinable to 280cm×200cm), up to 2 extra beds
Precious Suite
A larger suite with more room to breathe, accommodating up to 3 guests (room-dependent). Includes both an open-air bath and in-room bath, plus up to two extra beds. Good option for a couple travelling with a child.
Two double beds (SIMMONS×SLEEPLEASURE, 140cm×200cm, combinable), up to 2 extra beds
Premium Corner Suite
A corner-position suite with notably roomy bath and living areas. Comes in one-room open-plan and separated-room formats. Accommodates up to 3 guests. The corner position means more natural light and wider garden views. Open-air natural hot spring bath included.
Two double beds (SIMMONS×SLEEPLEASURE, 140cm×200cm, combinable), up to 2 extra bedsStylish Suite
The entry-level suite, located on the 1st floor. Two formats available: a large open-plan one-room design or a layout with a separated bedroom. All come with a private open-air natural hot spring bath on the terrace. Reviewers note they comfortably seat six adults in the sitting area — generous for the category.
Two double beds (SIMMONS×SLEEPLEASURE, 140cm×200cm, combinable to 280cm×200cm)The Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Advanced ikebana program including sketching of arranged flowers, led by a Yamamura Goryu School master. For those seeking a deeper study of Japanese cultural arts.
Intermediate ikebana class for those with some flower arrangement experience, hosted by a Yamamura Goryu School master in the tea-ceremony house.
Beginner ikebana class hosted by a master from Nara's prestigious Yamamura Goryu School in the hotel's Japanese tea-ceremony house. Children welcome. English available with 7-day advance booking.
Chartered vehicle to Mount Wakakusa for summit views, followed by forest bathing at Uguisu-no-Taki Falls in the primeval forests of Mount Kasuga — the source of the Sahogawa River. An early-morning experience, best paired with arrival day.
A mountain trail once walked by samurai in training. Starts in central Nara, climbs the valley between Mount Kasuga and Mount Takamado, and ends at Yagyu-no-Sato — one of Japan's most famous kendo sites. English-speaking guide available for an additional ¥19,800.
A knowledgeable guide takes you through Todaiji Temple (home of the Great Buddha) in the early morning before crowds arrive, sharing behind-the-scenes stories.
Exclusive early-morning access to Kasuga Taisha Shrine for FUFU Nara guests only. Guided through Nara Park and the off-the-tourist-trail Tobihino area. English available with 7-day advance notice. Includes free late check-out to 12:00.
In-room transcription of the 1,300-year-old Sumidera Shingyo manuscript from Kairyuoji Temple — said to have been written by monk Kukai to pray for safe passage to Tang China. The completed transcription is offered to Kairyuoji Temple by the hotel concierge. Includes a wooden-box fountain brush pen to keep.
Private rickshaw tour of Nara's landmarks guided by a knowledgeable Shafu (rickshaw puller). The 60-minute route covers Ukimido, Naramachi, and Sarusawa-ike Pond. Routes can be customised, including deer interaction stops.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Complimentary wired and wireless internet throughout all guest rooms and the lobby.
A restored historical and cultural garden asset on the grounds of the resort. Taisho-era design following the principle of Teioku Ichinyo (harmony of architecture and garden). Visible from the restaurant and walkable between meal services.
Every suite has its own private open-air onsen fed by the Natural Hot Spring Suzaku-no-yu (simple hot spring, hypotonic, neutral, low-temperature). Includes herbal packs — add to the water 6 hours before bathing for best results.
Rentable private medicinal bath, available for one group at a time in 60-minute blocks. Open 6am–11am and 3pm–midnight. Charged facility; book after arrival at the property.
All rooms stocked with complimentary water, sparkling water, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages plus drip coffee and tea. Additional alcoholic drinks (wine, champagne) charged separately.
Carries FUFU Nara original amenities, aroma oils, incense, and products by local Nara artisans — including the YOKOU ink-scented organic skincare line used in the rooms.
Multilingual concierge service (English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean spoken by staff). Check-in from 15:00; check-out by 11:00. Hot spring tax ¥150/person/night (13+) paid on-site.
Guests are checked in within their own private space (or a semi-private cubicle in the bar area) rather than at a front desk. Personalized butler service throughout the stay.
Toyota Alphard shuttle between guest rooms and Restaurant Tekisui, especially useful in rainy weather. Staff accompany guests with umbrellas.
Complimentary valet parking with 15 outdoor spaces for in-house guests. Tekisui restaurant has a separate limited parking area for lunch and afternoon tea visitors (not the hotel lot).
BUILD YOUR FUFU NARA PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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