Nara is known for having the second fewest hot springs in Japan after Okinawa. However, if you’re looking for a luxurious option close to all the sightseeing areas in Nara, why not consider staying at Fufu Nara?
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Quick Video Guide
Where is Fufu Nara?
Fufu Nara is located in a corner of Nara Park, which is the central area for sightseeing in Nara. It’s within walking distance of world heritage sites like Kasugataisha Shrine and Todaiji Temple. Despite being a bit away from the main tourist areas, it offers a quiet and peaceful environment.
What is Fufu?
Fufu is a brand that operates luxury hot spring resorts in Japan, including locations such as Lake Kawaguchi, Kyoto, Atami, and Hakone. Their concept revolves around “small luxury,” providing spaces where privacy is paramount. For example, rooms may have private hot springs, and meals can be enjoyed in private dining rooms, ensuring families can have their own private space without encountering others. Fufu Nara, located on approximately 13,000 square meters of land, offers just 30 rooms, creating a luxurious and spacious environment.
The building itself is designed by Kengo Kuma, a renowned Japanese architect who also designed the National Stadium used for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The design incorporates traditions, culture, and techniques that have been passed down in Nara. For example, the dark wood tones throughout the building are inspired by “Nara Sumi,” a traditional ink color used since the Asuka period. The theme of the hotel, “teiokuichinyo,” means the unity of garden and building, emphasizing the integration of the garden and the building. The design is filled with trees, making it feel like part of the garden. As you enter the lobby, you are greeted by a large garden.
Open-air baths with natural hot springs
Fufu offers five types of suites, each uniquely designed among its 30 rooms, emphasizing luxury. The Precious Suite, priced in the middle range, features a chic interior reminiscent of Nara’s sumi ink and ancient wood. All rooms have open-air baths with natural hot springs, allowing you to enjoy the bath while feeling the refreshing air. Whether in the bath or in the room, you can enjoy a graceful time.
'Gourmet' Offerings
For dinner, you will pass through a bamboo grove to reach “TEKISUI.” This restaurant is located in a garden restored from a historic cultural property, and every seat offers a view of this garden. Although it’s about a 5-minute walk from the hotel rooms to “TEKISUI,” you can also request a car ride. The stairs in the bamboo grove are a bit steep, so it might be a good idea to request a car in advance, especially for families with small children and anyone who is not comfortable with it. At “TEKISUI,” you can enjoy Japanese cuisine, including refined dishes made with local ingredients unique to Nara and seasonal ingredients. In addition to sake pairing, you can also enjoy non-alcoholic pairing. For breakfast, you can also enjoy a Japanese-style breakfast at “TEKISUI.”
Details of Fufu Nara
Contact: View Website
Address: 1184-1 Takabatake-cho, Nara-shi, Nara, Japan
