Gyokuzoin

9.3
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 9.3/10, based on 693 reviews. ? Our score combines two signals: 50% based on traveler sentiment and guest feedback found online, and 50% based on our internal on-site evaluation plus ratings from verified travelers on our platform, who must provide proof of stay.
? This ranking compares properties in the same region. It is based on the overall rating and the number of reviews, using a weighted score so properties with more review data are ranked more fairly.
Check-in from 3:00 PM
Mountain Setting Forest Surroundings Temple District Quiet Village Kaiseki Cuisine
Staff 9,6/10
Facilities 9,3/10
Cleanliness 9,4/10
Comfort 9,3/10
Value for money 8,8/10
Location 9,2/10

Ryokan highlights

A temple lodging on Mount Shigi offering a quiet, traditional stay in Heguri, Nara.

Temple StayA rare shukubo stay inside the Shigisan temple grounds with a distinctly spiritual atmosphere.
Mount Shigi SettingSet on wooded Mount Shigi, giving the property a calm, scenic hillside feel.
Quiet RetreatReview patterns consistently emphasize peaceful surroundings and a restorative break from busy city itineraries.
Hands-On CultureKnown for temple experiences such as prayer, zazen guidance, and other Buddhist activities.
Bus-Friendly AccessReachable from Shigisanguchi Station by local bus, useful despite the mountain temple location.
Nearby OnsenShigisan Onsen is within walking distance, adding an easy bath option to the stay.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1 nightDining and temple-stay rhythm are the main drivers here: arrive in the afternoon, settle in before dinner, enjoy the quiet mountain setting, and join the very early morning services before moving on. A second night only makes sense if you want an unhurried temple-focused stay with walks around Shigisan.
Trip-planning verdict: Best as a 1-night temple stay on Mount Shigi for travelers who want a quiet spiritual setting and traditional meals, not a full sightseeing base.

Know before booking

Very early morning rhythmThis stay suits travelers comfortable with temple timing and optional predawn religious services.
Limited town lifeDo not choose it for nightlife, cafe-hopping, or many nearby restaurant choices.
Not an onsen-led stayChoose cautiously if your main goal is an in-house hot spring ryokan experience.

Food & drinks

Verified as the temple stay at 2280 Shigisan in Heguri, with simple on-site meal service and a few useful nearby dining spots.

Dining Room (on-site)
on-site

Temple-stay meals with shojin vegetarian or kaiseki by reservation.

  • Shojin cuisinespecialtyTraditional Buddhist vegetarian set.
  • Kaiseki dinnerfoodMulti-course seasonal Japanese meal.
  • Sesame tofufoodClassic shojin dish.
  • TempurafoodPart of some kaiseki meals.
  • TeadrinkSimple tea service on arrival.
Shigisan Kanko Eye Center (nearby)
nearbynear the ryokan

Casual cafe stop in the Shigisan area for drinks and light bites.

  • CoffeedrinkCafe-style hot coffee.
  • TeadrinkSimple hot drinks.
  • Light snacksfoodSmall cafe fare may be available.
Jyusouya (nearby)
nearbyabout 10 min walk

Refined Japanese ryotei near Mount Shigi, known for kaiseki.

  • Kaiseki coursefoodSeasonal multi-course Japanese meal.
  • MatchadrinkJapanese green tea service.
  • Local specialtiesspecialtyNara-focused seasonal ingredients.

Access, transport and nearby sights

This temple lodging is on Mt. Shigi above the valley, so the most practical arrival is via Oji-area rail access followed by bus or taxi up the mountain.

Distances are approximate and calculated from the ryokan coordinates. Travel times may vary depending on route, traffic and schedules.

Should you choose this ryokan?

A distinctive temple stay on Mount Shigi, Gyokuzoin suits travelers who want spirituality, views, and a more unusual night than a standard hotel. It is less suitable if you want easy transport, private modern comforts, or a flexible late-night stay.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Authentic temple-stay atmosphereThis is a real shukubo at Shigisan, not a themed inn, so the experience feels rooted in daily Buddhist life rather than staged for tourists. It is a strong fit if you want a meaningful overnight stay with temple character.
  • Morning prayers and cultural activitiesGuests can join morning prayers, and the property is known for experiences such as sutra copying, meditation, and Buddhist-image tracing. That adds substance to the stay beyond simply sleeping in a traditional room.
  • Scenic Mount Shigi settingThe temple sits in the hills of Mount Shigi, giving the stay a calm mountain feel and attractive seasonal scenery. The setting is especially appealing for travelers who value quiet surroundings over city convenience.
  • Shojin ryori meals includedTemple stays here typically include two mostly vegetarian shojin ryori meals, which makes the experience feel cohesive and distinctly Japanese. It is a good choice for travelers interested in Buddhist cuisine and a lighter, more mindful style of dining.
  • Large temple grounds to exploreStaying here also gives you time to enjoy the wider Shigisan temple area in the evening and early morning, when day visitors are fewer. That can make the visit feel more immersive than a quick daytime stop.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Not a standard ryokan luxury stayIf you expect polished hotel-style service, plush amenities, or a pampering kaiseki ryokan experience, this temple lodging may feel too simple and functional. The appeal here is spiritual atmosphere, not indulgence.
  • Access is less convenientThe property is in the Mount Shigi area rather than near a major station, so getting there is less effortless than staying in central Nara or Osaka. It works best for travelers comfortable with taxis, buses, or a more planned arrival.
  • Cash-only can be inconvenientPayment information indicates cash only, which can catch international travelers off guard. That is a practical downside if you prefer cards or digital payment while moving around Japan.
  • Limited fit for younger childrenThe stay is oriented toward quiet temple lodging, and children are generally required to be older. Families with small kids may find the rules and atmosphere restrictive.
  • Comfort and privacy may be modestAs a temple stay, the rooms and overall setup can feel more traditional and communal than many travelers expect from a conventional inn. If you are sensitive to simple bedding, strict routines, or less private facilities, this may not be the best match.

Ranking around this ryokan in Nara

Showing 5 above and 5 below the current ryokan. The full ranking loads only when you click or hover over this block.

Current position: 4th out of 37 ryokans in Nara.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
🥇 1st Nara Inn Japanese Ryokan 9.9/10 25
🥈 2nd Nara Kasugaokuyama Tsukihitei 9.4/10 464
🥉 3rd Ryokan Taishoro 9.4/10 104
4th Gyokuzoin Current ryokan 9.3/10 693
5th Misenkan 9.4/10 55
6th Ryokan Asukasou at the entrancne of Nara park 9.2/10 1,089
7th Hanaya Tokubei 9.3/10 51
8th Minshuku Kawarabi-so 9.2/10 197
9th Kasuga Hotel 9.1/10 1,262
10th Mikasa 9.1/10 955
11th Kanko Ryokan Kuboji 10.0/10 5
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Traveler routes

Popular in traveler itineraries

This ryokan is included in 1 public itinerary.

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1

5 days – Hyogo > Kyoto > Nagano > Nara

5 stops
Chloé Garcia Updated 20 May 2026 1 matching ryokan
Hot Spring Town 25% Forest Surroundings 17% Mountain Setting 17% Old Town 17% Quiet Village 16% City Center 8%
1. Arima Hot Spring Ryokan Kotori 2. Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki St. 3. Sakaenoyu Ryokan 4. Gyokuzoin 5. Rurikoh

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