Imagasa-so, Nara, Kitamachi - Manaka no Yu -

“Manaka” is a beautiful name used to honour deer since the days of the *Man’yōshū*, and it is also recorded in the *Nihon Shoki*. Since ancient times in Nara, a legend has been passed down that the deity enshrined at Kasuga Grand Shrine (Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto) descended riding a white deer. Since then, deer have been cherished and protected as messengers of the gods, and today they are designated as a Natural Monument. In particular, the sight of mother and fawn deer walking side by side has long soothed the hearts of visitors to Nara Park. We see in their bond—spanning generations—a reflection of our hope for precious family time together.

“Konjaku-so Nara Kitamachi – Manaka no Yu” was created based on the concept of this story of parent and child deer, through the renovation of a traditional Japanese house situated in Nara’s Kitamachi district. In addition to a kids’ room and a bouldering wall for children to enjoy, as well as BBQ facilities for gatherings with friends, we offer “Shika no Yu,” a hot spring bath set in the garden. While soaking in the bath and admiring the artwork that evokes the charm of history and nature, please enjoy a private stay with just your family and friends—a cross-generational experience.

This private villa, available for exclusive rental, is the perfect base for exploring Nara. Nestled in the quiet streets of Nara, where history and nature harmonize, you can relax comfortably with your family or group without worrying about your surroundings. Located just a 10-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, it offers excellent access to popular tourist spots such as Nara Park, Tōdai-ji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Furthermore, with Kyoto Station about 45 minutes away and the Osaka Namba and Shinsaibashi areas about 40 minutes away, it’s the perfect base for a Kansai trip covering Nara, Kyoto, and Osaka, or for a multi-night stay.

The hotel features indoor baths, and outdoors, there is an open-air bathing area that can be enjoyed as both an open-air bath and a pool. In addition, you can use the electric BBQ grill in the garden for a casual cooking experience.

The playroom, popular with families travelling with children, is fully equipped with bouldering walls, a trampoline, hammocks, and swings. Since children can play to their heart’s content indoors even on rainy days, this is highly recommended for family trips.

Another unique charm of Nara is that wild deer occasionally visit the garden. Enjoy a special moment while connecting with nature.

At this private, whole-house rental featuring an open-air bath, BBQ area, and playroom, enjoy a luxurious stay where you can fully relax and have fun while taking in the unique scenery of Nara. We offer a memorable stay that’s perfect for a Kansai tour of Nara, Osaka, and Kyoto, as well as for extended stays.