Ubusuna no Sato TOMIMOTO
Green molded course with peas on ceramic plate at Ubusuna no Sato TOMIMOTO Nara
Low wooden benches with red cushions beside a stone pathway at Ubusuna no Sato TOMIMOTO in Nara
Tatami seating with low table, stained glass lamp and shoji screens at Ubusuna no Sato TOMIMOTO, Nara
Geta and slippers at Ubusuna no Sato TOMIMOTO genkan in Nara Kansai
Plated sashimi on a rectangular dish with edible garnishes, citrus wedge and chopsticks
Assorted seafood and garnishes on ice with ceramic sake set in ryokan dining
Chef in white uniform preparing dish at wooden counter, Ubusuna no Sato TOMIMOTO, Nara

Ubusuna no Sato TOMIMOTO

9.1
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 9.1/10, based on 1 review. ? 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 / Check-out until 11:00 AM
Countryside Escape Garden Setting Quiet Village Old Town Indoor Bath Reservable Bath
Staff 10,0/10
Facilities 10,0/10
Cleanliness 10,0/10
Comfort 10,0/10
Value for money 7,5/10
Location 7,5/10

Ryokan highlights

A very small heritage stay in Ando, Nara centered on Tomimoto Kenkichi’s former family estate.

Historic Tomimoto EstateSet on the former family grounds of potter Tomimoto Kenkichi, with strong cultural character.
Only Two RoomsJust two guest rooms create a quiet, private stay with low guest density.
Guest-Only DiningOvernight guests can enjoy an intimate counter dinner in a renovated traditional storehouse.
Local Seasonal CuisineMeals highlight local ingredients and pair well with Japanese sake in the evening.
Garden AtmosphereTraditional garden surroundings add calm scenery and an unhurried, reflective mood.
Horyuji Area BaseWell placed in Ando for exploring the wider Horyuji and historic central Nara area.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1 nightDining and atmosphere are the strongest reasons to stay here: arrive in the afternoon, settle into the historic house and garden, enjoy a full kaiseki dinner and breakfast, then visit Horyuji or nearby heritage spots before moving on. A second night only makes sense if you want a very slow rural Nara pace rather than dense sightseeing.
Trip-planning verdict: Best as a 1-night destination stay for travelers who want refined kaiseki, pottery heritage, and a quiet rural Nara atmosphere near Horyuji rather than an onsen-centered ryokan break.

Know before booking

Not an onsen stayThis property is not verified as a hot spring ryokan; expect a bath-focused stay, not an onsen-town experience.
Very small propertyIt has only a couple of guest rooms, so availability can be tight and the stay style is intimate rather than full-service resort-like.
Limited walk-out areaThe setting is quiet and rural, so do not expect many cafes, shops, or nightlife right outside.
Transport planning mattersAccess is easier by car or short taxi from JR Horyuji Station than by casual station-area walking with luggage.

Food & drinks

Verified at 1442 Higashiando, Ando, Nara; dining centers on refined on-site kaiseki, with a few useful options around Horyuji.

Gofu Juu (on-site)
on-site

Guest-focused kaiseki counter in a renovated storehouse.

  • Seasonal kaisekifoodMulti-course Japanese dinner.
  • Tempura coursefoodLight seasonal fried items.
  • Hot potfoodSeasonal nabemono style dish.
  • Japanese sakedrinkLocal sake pairing in the evening.
Salon (on-site)
on-site

Large salon open for lunch and dinner with local-ingredient Japanese meals.

  • Lunch setfoodJapanese set meal style lunch.
  • Seasonal dinnerfoodCourse-style dinner with local produce.
  • Asian breakfastfoodRyokan breakfast for staying guests.
  • TeadrinkIn-room and meal-time tea service.
Cafe Comodo (nearby)
nearbyabout 10 min drive

Useful nearby cafe around Horyuji for coffee and light meals.

  • CoffeedrinkCafe-style hot drinks.
  • TeadrinkSimple tea options.
  • Light lunchfoodCafe meal or snack.
  • SweetsfoodDessert or cake items.

Access, transport and nearby sights

A countryside auberge in Ando, Nara, best reached by train to the Horyuji–Oji area and then a short taxi ride.

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

Should you choose this ryokan?

This is a highly distinctive luxury stay for travelers who value art, privacy, and a refined rural Nara atmosphere over classic hot-spring resort comforts. It feels more like an intimate cultural retreat with acclaimed dining than a conventional ryokan base for easy sightseeing.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • A stay inside Tomimoto's birthplaceThe property is set in the birthplace of celebrated potter Kenkichi Tomimoto, which gives the stay a genuine artistic and historical identity rather than a generic luxury-ryokan feel.
  • Only two suites for real privacyWith just two guest rooms, the experience is unusually quiet and exclusive. It suits couples or small groups who want space, calm, and very low guest density.
  • Beautiful garden-centered atmosphereThe suites look onto carefully designed gardens, and the baths are enclosed by private garden spaces. This makes the stay especially appealing if you want scenery and a contemplative mood built into the room experience.
  • Strong food focus on-siteThe property offers dedicated dining on-site, including a more intimate counter for staying guests. That is a major advantage in a quiet town where memorable dinner options are not plentiful within easy walking distance.
  • Convenient for Horyuji area cultureIt is well placed for travelers who specifically want the Horyuji area rather than central Nara City. You get a calmer base while staying close to one of the region's most important heritage sights.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Not a classic onsen ryokanThe baths are private and spacious, but this is not the kind of stay to book if your main goal is soaking in a famous natural hot spring. Travelers seeking a true onsen destination may find the experience less satisfying.
  • Very limited room availabilityBecause there are only two suites, it can be hard to book on preferred dates. This also makes it less flexible for travelers planning at the last minute.
  • Rural setting can feel isolatedAndo is quiet and atmospheric, but it is not the most convenient base for travelers who want lively streets, lots of shops, or easy evening wandering. The setting favors seclusion over urban energy.
  • Less ideal without a car or careful planningAccess is easier if you are comfortable arranging transport around the Horyuji area. If you want a ryokan directly beside a major station, this location may feel inconvenient.
  • Luxury style is niche and design-ledThe appeal is tied to art, architecture, and a restrained sense of place rather than broad entertainment or resort facilities. Travelers wanting many amenities, family-oriented activities, or a more casual ryokan atmosphere may not connect with it.

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: 22nd out of 37 ryokans in Nara.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
17th Kanko Ryokan Yamato 9.0/10 153
18th Nara Ryokan 8.9/10 1,438
19th Kinokuniya Jinpachi 8.9/10 103
20th Monzen Okagero 8.9/10 98
21st Tsubakiso 8.9/10 39
22nd Ubusuna no Sato TOMIMOTO Current ryokan 9.1/10 1
23rd Shiroyama Ryokan 8.8/10 150
24th Ryotei Jyusouya 8.2/10 3
25th Kakimotoya 8.7/10 69
26th Hotel New Wakasa 8.7/10 111
27th Yoshidaya Ryokan よしだや 8.7/10 699
Loading full ranking...
Traveler routes

Popular in traveler itineraries

This ryokan is included in 1 public itinerary.

View all itineraries
1

5 days – Nara > Nagano > Oita

5 stops
Anna Simon Updated 14 May 2026 1 matching ryokan
Hot Spring Town 23% Quiet Village 23% Garden Setting 16% Mountain Setting 15% Valley Scenery 15% City Center 8%
1. Ubusuna no Sato TOMIMOTO 2. Fukeikan 風景館 3. Umine Annex 4. Yutorelo Beppu 5. Hotel New Wakasa

Similar ryokans in Nara ? Similarity is calculated only among ryokans in the same region. We compare their stored environment and wellness pills, prioritize exact pill matches, then sort by the number of shared pills, rating comparison, rating value, and recency.