This was a very nice change from the urban hotels during our travels around Japan. The proprietress is very charming and the breakfast prepared for us was very intricate with many Japanese foods. Sleeping and bathing traditional Japanese style is also something worth experiencing. To get there from Nara, take the train from Kintetsu Nara to Ikoma station where you can take the tramway up. You can just as quickly reach Ikoma station from Osaka. We visited in September and the last tram up was at 11pm. There was a restaurant open near the ryokan until 10pm (Indonesian). And if you are able to do some stairs, I highly recommend a visit in the morning to the temple complex above the ryokan. Keep following the steps above the first temples and you will find yourself on a truly magical path.

It was the best four days in my three weeks visiting in Japan. This ryokan is very cosy. Though everything looked authentic and traditional all the facilities weren't old, but instead very clean an modern. The breakfast was very tasty and there was variety each day. If you don't take the cable car (station is right next to the ryokan) you'll get a good workout each day, when you explore the surroundings - mainly the beautiful temples. There are many stairs! After a day of waking, relaxing in the onsen was the highlight of my day. But the best thing was the very friendly owner and staff. Even though I couldn't speak Japanese they helped me with everything and were really caring. I will definitely be back! :)

That I couldn't stay longer. :)

A very quiet place in a nice neighborhood, close to the Hozanji funicular station, and you can get to Toyama station by foot using the stairs for a hundred meters heigh walk. The traditional bedrooms of the Ryokan have a small entrance where you can leave your luggage. Then you can appreciate the size of the room and the view over Ikoma and around. For breakfast, the staff cooks delicious meals for you and each morning you can enjoy different ingredients. An upright piano is in the entrance hall, and if you ask for, you might be allowed to play... It can leads to karaoke sessions with oba-chan, a must-do!

There are only 2 onsens (japanese baths) and none in the rooms, so you might have to wait before bathing. Even if there are 2 onsens, it is organized so as you enter in one and share it with all your pals, and not like it is frequently seen with male and female onsens only. The toilets and sink are outside the bedroom, in the corridor.

The most traditional Ryokan I have visited. The place runs by a family. The rooms are traditional, some rooms don't have en suite bath and toilet (if you need one, make sure to request it), but the shared toilets are right outside the rooms. The onsens are also traditional and private. There are 2 onsens. When in use, you can lock the door and have your private onsen, which is good for 5-6 people I believe. The owners are very very nice and helpful. The local train station is nearby, check train table before you reserve the ryokan as it is a local train station with less train running. The view from the rooms and in front of the ryokan is spectacular, you can confirm this by Google streetview.

If you go there by car, you have to park at the top of the hill and descend to the ryokan by 65 steps stairway. This could be problematic for those with multiple heavy bags. The parking is free though.

- the view of the city from the room window. - walkable area with reliable mini-train. - wonderful bath. - quiet atmosphere. - pleasant hosts - interior aesthetics. You can feel the earnestness and sincerity of a place like this. I had Osaka City planned, I Had Nara park planned, but my personal favorite part of my first trip to this area, was Ikoma and this adorable Ryokan. I could have sat there in my room looking out the window for weeks. A conversation with the owner alone is worth the price of admission. This place is charming in all capital letters. Ikoma and Yamato are truly gems.

I personally don't mind it, but for foreign travelers not used to it: 1.) it's a straw floor and a futon. The heavier you are, the more it's going to be an issue. 2.) it's a shared/private bath. There's some etiquette involved to getting in on your own or with others. That's the reality of this kind of place. You have to know what you're signing up for. I like these things. Consider them warnings.

This is a very beautiful old ryokan, just next to the cable car stop, on an old stairway, steps away from a beautiful mountain Buddhist temple. All with great views of the city. The rooms are delicately done, you sleep on 'tatami' floor with futon and a fluffy comforter, and bathe in one of the two private 'sento' baths. Breakfast was totally huge and amazing. It took me an hour to eat it properly, so be aware of time planning! You might call this place 'retro' in the most authentic sense of the word. My Japanese ability is not great, but it was mostly enough to get through the stay. However, a couple from France with no Japanese language were also staying there at the same time and seemed to enjoy it fully. That was awesome to see. As long as you accept the language barrier and are willing to be a bit lost, this would be a wonderful authentic adventure in Japan. I lived in Osaka for some years but never visited Ikoma. I am glad to finally have done so, and to have stayed here. Will absolutely try to visit here again!

I liked everything! But I might advise that anyone wanting to stay here should be willing to be humble, and want to learn about (and follow) how things are done in Japanese culture. Study the information on how to use the baths (eg: wash before entering), be open and aware, and accept that you (like me) will make mistakes, but that the host couple are super kind, and will help you have a good experience. The place is a bit isolated, and not much going on in the town at night, so either expect a peaceful time, or head down to the city for nightlife.

The greeting we got on arrival was nothing but friendly. The lady who runs it doesn’t speak English, but understands little bits (we used Google translate for longer sentences). She’s such a lovely lady and very welcoming, showed us around the Ryokan and the facilities. The shower room is amazing with its hot bath! We loved staying in a traditional Japanese room with tatami flooring and the comfy futon beds, and the views from our window of the city was gorgeous! Definitely want to make a return visit and stay for longer :)

No negatives, some people have commented on the location. It is up a hill but we checked this on Google maps prior to booking. We arrived in the evening and walked up, and it was lovely and quiet, just very hot/humid due to visiting in August. I recommend taking the cable car from Ikoma Station to the first station up the hill, but don’t let the location put you off, it’s beautiful and unique in comparison to the cities of Japan.

This woman is a boss lady and the sweetest hostess you are going to have in this area. She is respectful and thoughtful and runs the place so well. The bath is soooo nice and you can go in in the morning or evening, it is a blessing. The washing machine is really good, and she helps you whenever you need her. Her doggies are true guards haha and very well behaved. If i would go back, i certainly would stay here again.

There is truly nothing that i missed. What a nice experience.

The accommodation was only a few steps away from the cable car station, making it accessible. Not only is the outside reminiscent of the traditional ryokan imagery but the inside is also beautifully decorated and maintained by the host. Flowers are freshly placed, baths are timed for guests' use, and the host is always there to make sure your stay is as welcome as possible.

It should be noted for future travelers to this location that the cable car from Ikoma Station does close at night, which should be considered when making travel plans to/from outside this accommodation. Taking the stairs from Ikoma Station is...not ideal when traveling with luggage.

Yamato may not be the closest to Osaka, but it is still pretty close to Ikoma station from where you can take the Kintetsu line into the city. The area around the ryokan is amazing, but warning - the stairs going up to it are only easy downwards :D Yamato itself is amazing, it has everything for the traditional ryokan experience - tatami, futon, onsen and yukata. The owner is super nice and she even asked her husband to help me with my big luggages, thank you so much! I would definitely come back here if I'm in the area!