Kitty Trail: Japan 2008 -> Where I Stayed in Nara

NARA

For this, I was able to book a ryokan through http://www.itcj.jp/

Inns and budget accommodations can be accessed through members of the Welcome Inns which are collaborating with the Japan National Tourist Organization. Rates range from 8K Yen or less for a single room. No reservation fee is charged though you will be asked to input your credit card details as guarantee. 

You have to sign up at the site to be able to choose from various locations and hotels. I tried at least 4 different hotels and ryokans listed in Kyoto but was turned down since they were already fully booked. 

This is how I ended up getting a ryokan in Nara for May 9, 2008 visit which was hopefully more out of the way as tourists usually just took day trips to Nara, and Golden Week had also ended by that time.

Although it was written that if you are in a pinch you could always ask for help at Tourist Information Centers (TIC) which are usually found at the airports or train stations, normally I would not recommend it especially if it is peak season.

Aside from not knowing beforehand what or where the location would be for where you will end up, the other problem is that these offices close early. You can bet that most of these TICs are closed by 5 pm already, so unless you happen to be there early, you're stuck.

I stayed at Ryokan Seikan-so in Nara. Address is 29, Higashi-Kitsuji-cho, Nara City, Nara Pref. 630-8327.

Check out http://www.itcj.jp/hdb/529002.html if you can see their pictures.  Pictures posted here are my own. Isn't the garden nice and typical of ryokans? (understatement!)

 I was disappointed I had not wrangled a room facing the garden but since I had arrived late afternoon and would be out most of the day the next day, I reasoned it was okay as long as I could take pictures of their garden, reputed to be one of the more beautiful ones of the Welcome Inns' member ryokans.

That and the fact that I was a bit tired so I only remembered about asking for a room facing the garden after all my things were settled on the tatami mats *sheepish grin*

I arrived in Nara May 8 at 5 pm, took Bus 1 and checked in to my room. Left Nara on May 9, 2008 for Tokyo around 4 pm. What can I say? Nara Park is a bit too big and I underestimated it.


For my Nara pictures, check out these links:

http://cuh888.multiply.com/photos/album/156/NARrA-tion_Descanso_Seikan-so

http://cuh888.multiply.com/photos/album/159/NARrA-tion_The_Inner_Garden

http://cuh888.multiply.com/photos/album/157/My_Only_Night_at_Nara

http://cuh888.multiply.com/photos/album/158/NARrA-tion_The_Breakfast_Room

http://cuh888.multiply.com/photos/album/160/Neko_in_Japan_Nr_Prk


Directions:

12 min. walk from Kintetsu Nara Sta. (half of it under arcades) or 25 min. walk from JR Nara Sta. 10 min. by No. 1 loop bus or taxi.

I don't think you should attempt to walk this if you come from JR Nara Line...as its pretty far..unless you don't have baggage at all.

Anyway, once you exit from JR Nara Station, cross the street to the other side where the buses are going towards your right when you face the street before crossing. That way you will only have 6 bus stops to pass through to reach Kitakyobate Bus stop. When you step out of the bus, turn to your right and walk towards the traffic light but don't cross the street. When you reach the corner of that traffic light, turn to the left and walk 3 to 5 minutes. The ryokan is on the left side of the street. This street is very useful since if you follow it, it will lead you to more shops and restaurants and also to Nara Park.

Actually, the design of Nara streets are laid out in a grid-like pattern so its easy to navigate...its just that the distance which will get you down if you are in a hurry while walking.

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Welcome Inn Reservation Center

Head Office (9:15-12:00/13:00-17:00, Closed on
             Sat., Sun., national holidays and Dec. 29-Jan. 3)
  Tel. +81-(0)3-3233-3303

Narita Intl. Airport Terminal 1 (8:00-20:00, daily)
  Tel. +81-(0)476-30-3383

Narita Intl. Airport Terminal 2 (8:00-20:00, daily)
  Tel. +81-(0)476-34-5878

Tokyo (9:00-12:00/13:00-17:00, closed on Jan.1)
  Tel. +81-(0)3-3286-6611

Kyoto (10:00-13:00/14:00-18:00, Closed on
       the 2nd and 4th Tue. of each month and Dec. 29-Jan.3)
  Tel. +81-(0)75-343-4887

Kansai International Airport
  (Apr.-Oct.: 8:30-20:30, daily, Nov.-Mar.: 9:00-20:30, daily)
  Tel. +81-(0)72-456-6025