A Luxurious Stay Experience at ‘FUFU NARA,’ a High-End Resort in Nara, Japan

Hello! I’m Taka.

If you’re looking to rediscover the wonders of Japan, “FUFU NARA” offers an unparalleled luxury experience in the heart of the ancient capital.

This exclusive small luxury resort lets you immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Nara, complete with private open-air baths, refined touches, and a rare opportunity to encounter the iconic deer of Nara Park.

Every element, from the setting to the hospitality, is crafted to provide an unforgettable retreat for those seeking tranquility and cultural richness during their journey to Japan.

Please note that this information is from a stay a few years ago, so I recommend checking the official website for the latest updates.

Start by watching the official video and feel the charm of “FUFU NARA” for yourself!

The video is in English, so even if you don’t understand Japanese, you can still enjoy it fully!

ふふ 奈良【2020年6月5日 開業】

Review Site	Hotel Rating
Rakuten Travel One of the largest online travel booking platforms in Japan	LUXURY SELECTION, Highest Quality (Top 0.3%)
MICHELIN Guide (2024)	One MICHELIN Key, A very special stay

Opened in 2020, “FUFU NARA” is a small luxury resort that embodies Japanese elegance and sophistication. Rated top-tier on Japan’s largest hotel booking site and awarded a Michelin key, this resort promises an unparalleled experience.

My stay was remarkable, with top-quality facilities, exquisite dining, and exceptional hospitality. Plus, with iconic sights like Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple nearby, every moment felt luxurious and fulfilling. It’s a stay guaranteed to create lasting memories!

Prime Location in Nara Park’s Heart

“FUFU NARA” is a secluded luxury retreat nestled within the scenic grounds of Nara Park. Within walking distance are Japan’s cultural treasures, including Todai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, offering guests an immersive experience of the beauty and heritage of Japan’s ancient capital.

Visiting in early April allowed us to enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom, adding an enchanting touch to an already luxurious and memorable stay.

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With its prime location, guests can easily enjoy Japan’s rich history by viewing the impressive Nio guardian statues and the Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple or marveling at the famed Ashura statue and five-story pagoda at Kofuku-ji Temple.

This remarkable access to cultural treasures makes “FUFU NARA” an ideal base for immersing oneself in Japan’s past.

Along the paths surrounding “FUFU NARA,” you’ll encounter numerous friendly deer, adding a magical, otherworldly feel to the experience.

This unique touch amplifies the sense of escape, immersing guests in the serene and timeless atmosphere of Nara.

“Nara Park’s Ukimido Pavilion” is a popular sightseeing spot located just a 5-minute walk from “FUFU NARA.” During the day, it’s lively with visitors, and you can often spot people enjoying rowboat rides on Sagi Pond.

In contrast, the area transforms into a tranquil oasis at night, with only the gentle presence of the local deer in view. As you unwind in the luxurious comfort of “FUFU NARA,” be sure to explore this serene spot and other nearby attractions for an unforgettable Nara experience!

Valet Service Check-In

Check-in begins at 3 PM, with valet service provided by staff to handle parking upon arrival. The exterior, with its elegant Japanese-inspired design, stands out, and the enclosed surroundings ensure privacy.

A perfect opportunity for a memorable photo with “my wife,” “our beloved car,” and “FUFU NARA”! Designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, who also crafted Tokyo’s iconic National Stadium for the Olympics, the exterior is both innovative and stunning, capturing the essence of contemporary Japanese architecture.

Upon arriving at the entrance of FUFU NARA, guests are greeted at the reception desk, which is uniquely crafted from a massive camphor tree that once grew in the area, weighing around three tons.

Check-in and check-out are conducted in a semi-private space, ensuring a sense of privacy.

On the left side, you’ll find the souvenir shop “Souvenir”, offering a delightful selection of unique gifts that capture the essence of your stay. As you explore, you’ll also discover a chic bar located in the back, which features private rooms for those looking to enjoy an intimate atmosphere.

As you take in the view of the beautiful courtyard, you’re offered a welcome drink called “ame-yu,” a soothing blend infused with ginger and cinnamon flavors. This relaxing beverage is a perfect start to your luxurious experience.

During the summer months, a chilled version, “hiyashi ame,” is available to help guests cool down.

As the staff guided me to my room, I noticed a soothing scent of incense wafting through the hallways, enveloping the space in a comforting atmosphere that perfectly encapsulated the essence of Japanese aesthetics.

This delightful aroma offered a sense of relaxation that immediately put me at ease.

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While I didn’t have the opportunity to experience them during my stay, I discovered that the second floor features a spa and a private bath offering therapeutic herbal baths, promising a tranquil retreat for those seeking additional relaxation.

During my stay, I had the pleasure of lodging in a Comfort Suite. To my delight, I was accommodated in a corner room, which provided a sense of spaciousness and privacy.

Luxurious Stay in the Comfort Suite

Upon entering the room, I was greeted by the presence of exquisite geta (traditional Japanese wooden sandals), which instantly conveyed a sense of elegance. The entryway exuded a delightful woody aroma, enhancing the warm and inviting atmosphere of the suite.

This attention to detail made the experience even more special, setting the tone for a luxurious stay at FUFU NARA.

The captivating aroma was none other than FUFU NARA’s signature scent, “WOOD SMOKE.” This fragrance is designed to evoke the woody and spicy essence of historic Nara and is crafted from 100% natural materials in the form of essential oils.

The scent is delivered through an incense holder made from Nara soil, where Yoshino cedar wood cubes have absorbed the aromatic oil.

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Next to the entrance door, there is a “collection shelf” for dishes and towels, allowing for convenient towel exchanges.Requests for collection or cleaning can be made through a “switch operation,” adding a touch of modern convenience to the stay.

The bathroom features a state-of-the-art tankless toilet with automatic opening and closing, ensuring a seamless and luxurious experience.

Let me introduce the main room of the Comfort Suite. The interior is elegantly unified with shades of gray and brown, and the dim lighting creates a chic and tranquil ambiance. Each room features distinct designs for the furniture and fabrics, reflecting the meticulous attention to detail that FUFU NARA is known for.

Compared to its sister property, FUFU KYOTO, which has a markedly different concept, the overall aesthetic of FUFU NARA exudes a more sophisticated atmosphere, making it a unique destination for adult travelers.

Since this trip to Nara was also a special anniversary celebration, we enjoyed a cake that I had ordered in advance, right in our room.

The cake was perfectly balanced with a subtle sweetness, featuring fluffy cream and moist sponge that made it incredibly delicious. I highly recommend this cake, even if you’re not celebrating a special occasion!

Behind the sofa, there was a mini-bar. The drinks with tags were available for a fee, while everything else was complimentary.

The original “Honkekikuya” deer-shaped monaka from Fufu Nara is a delightful treat, featuring a thin outer shell filled with generous amounts of sweet red bean paste—absolutely delicious!

Each monaka is embossed with the distinctive emblem of FUFU NARA.

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Under the tabletop, you’ll find an array of glassware, tea utensils, and a refrigerator. The drinks inside the fridge, excluding champagne, are complimentary.

If you prefer non-alcoholic options, you can exchange beer for a different beverage. Here’s what you can enjoy for free:

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Later on, I enjoyed a beer while relaxing on the wooden deck’s sofa bed.

In addition to beer, you can also savor high-quality beverages that are hard to come by, such as Kilimanjaro blend coffee and Kabuse Sencha “Ki-u.”

The wall-mounted TV in front of the sofa is connected to the internet, allowing me to watch promotional videos about “FUFU.”

The indirect lighting design is also impressive, enveloping the entire space in a stylish atmosphere.

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The guest room is equipped with luxurious black appliances that exude sophistication. The presence of Bose speakers indicates that sound quality and soundproofing are well-considered, allowing for a comfortable stay without worrying about noise from neighboring rooms or the hallway.

Additionally, there is a “Milin” (sterilizing humidifier) provided, ensuring a pleasant environment throughout my stay.

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Inside the closet, I found a haori (traditional jacket) and chargers. (I forgot to take a picture of the yukata and bathrobe.)

The haori and bathrobe are made from high-quality materials, offering a pleasant texture and comfort. Even the hangers with the logo exude a sense of luxury.

Additionally, there was a thoughtful touch where the chargers were placed in a mesh basket, keeping the space organized without cluttering the room.

The Hollywood twin room features a double bed made up of two Simmons beds, providing exceptional comfort! It’s important to specify your preference for either a twin or Hollywood twin setup when making a reservation.

With a spacious bedroom that accommodates a 280cm wide bed, you can enjoy a luxurious and relaxing time.

Next, let me introduce the washroom and the outdoor bath. Of course, “FUFU NARA” also boasts a beautifully designed transparent bathroom, typical of high-end hotels and ryokans.

Rest assured, the bathroom curtains are well-equipped to ensure privacy is maintained.

The washbasin and amenity box feature a sleek black design, with a slender tube containing a toothbrush.

The shampoo and conditioner, along with other bath amenities, are from the original brand “Yoko,” exclusive to “FUFU NARA,” featuring a delightful sumi (ink) scent.

In the washroom, you’ll find a high-performance Dyson hairdryer known for its powerful airflow, which provided quick drying, especially since it was my first time using it.

Additionally, the flooring from the washroom (changing area) to the shower room is equipped with underfloor heating, ensuring a comfortable experience.

The room also features a waterproof television and a “herbal-scented bath,” enhancing the bathing experience by transforming the onsen into a medicinal bath with added aromas for a more luxurious time.

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The stone outdoor bath is spacious enough for two adults to enjoy comfortably. With two levels in the bathtub, you can indulge in a “half-body bath” while also enjoying foot baths from the sofa area!

Thanks to the onsen’s natural heat, I quickly warmed up and wrapped myself in a bathrobe before relaxing on the sofa bed. Listening to the gentle rustle of the bamboo leaves created a blissful moment of tranquility.

The wooden blinds are installed at just the right height and angle to effectively block any outside views. Thanks to these blinds, I was able to maintain my privacy and truly enjoy my personal time to the fullest.

Sipping on a cold beer while gazing at the bamboo grove after my bath was the ultimate luxury!

Souvenirs of Japan: A Unique Keepsake Experience

I arrived at the “Souvenir” shop located next to the lobby on the first floor.

The shop features a chic atmosphere with a black theme and offers a variety of items, including the amenities found in the room and a selection of coffee and tea bags.

My main goal for visiting was to purchase a unique goshuincho (stamp book) made from Yoshino cedar, available only here, with two different designs to choose from.

I was thrilled to secure this travel companion for my future journeys!

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In Japan, goshuin (御朱印) are unique stamps that are collected at shrines and temples. Each stamp is typically accompanied by a handwritten inscription that includes the date of your visit and the name of the temple or shrine. These stamps serve as a beautiful and personal record of your spiritual journey and the places you’ve visited.

The goshuincho, or stamp book, is used to keep these stamps organized. It’s a wonderful way to commemorate your travels in Japan and engage with the rich culture and history of its religious sites. When you visit a shrine or temple, you can request a goshuin at the designated area, where you’ll receive a beautiful stamp that captures the essence of your visit.

Luxurious Breakfast at “Tekisui”

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To reach the breakfast venue “Tekisui,” guests stroll through a path surrounded by beautifully maintained bamboo groves, which are thoughtfully thinned to create an inviting atmosphere.

While “Tekisui” is open to non-guests for lunch and tea service (11:30 AM to 4:00 PM), the exclusive passage from “FUFU NARA” is reserved for overnight guests only!

As a side note, we enjoyed dinner at a restaurant near Nara Park.

After passing through the bamboo grove, you’ll come upon the “Yugayama Garden,” a restored historic cultural site.

Just beyond it lies “Tekisui,” the breakfast venue, beautifully nestled within this serene setting.

Upon arrival, the warm and welcoming staff greeted us with genuine hospitality, setting a comforting tone for the experience ahead.

As you enter, you’ll first encounter a souvenir corner, featuring nearly the same lineup as the main building at “FUFU NARA.”

One standout item here is the exclusive goshuincho (stamp book), which you can purchase even without staying overnight. It’s a perfect keepsake, allowing visitors to take home a memorable piece of Japanese culture.

This time, I was fortunate enough to be guided to a private room on the second floor.

Being able to enjoy breakfast while gazing out over a beautiful garden truly makes for a luxurious experience.

The breakfast spread was a feast of traditional Japanese flavors and creative touches:

• Spinach and soy milk smoothie
• Simmered eggplant with red konjac, green beans, and fried squid
• Simmered beef with ginger
• Blanched spinach with roasted sesame seeds
• Komatsuna greens with mentaiko (cod roe) and salted seaweed
• Tuna with scallions, wasabi, and seaweed soy sauce
• Mountain pepper simmered sardines
• Crab croquette
• Bite-sized tea porridge
• Grilled flounder with saikyo miso
• Hearty miso soup with various ingredients
• Assorted pickled vegetables

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• Hinokihikari rice, freshly cooked in a traditional iron pot
• Furikake (Japanese rice seasoning)

• Almond tofu
• Coffee and tea

The breakfast offered a remarkable variety of dishes, each delicately seasoned—never too rich or too light.

It was a luxurious, flavorful experience that felt just right. Starting the day in such an elegant setting was truly satisfying and left me feeling completely content!

With a relaxed check-out time set at 11 a.m., I had the luxury of enjoying a second, leisurely soak in the onsen after breakfast.

It was the ultimate indulgence and a perfect way to end my stay.

Conclusion

In my stay at FUFU NARA, I experienced exceptional hospitality in a luxurious setting. The hotel’s design, inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics, provides a serene atmosphere with modern comforts.

Highlights included a spacious “Comfort Suite” featuring a unique woody scent from their original essential oil, indulgent amenities like a well-stocked minibar, and a beautiful outdoor bath that allowed for a relaxing soak while enjoying views of the bamboo grove.

Dining at “Tekisui” offered a lavish breakfast featuring a variety of meticulously prepared dishes. Overall, fufu Nara combines elegance and tranquility, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a unique Japanese experience.

Thank you for reading until the end!