We loved everything about Seikanso. The courteous proprietors were so kind and accommodating, the smell of the wooden building, delightful garden and wonderfully authentic rooms, meals served in a traditional setting, tiny balconies overlooking the cloistered courtyard . . . all made for the most memorable stay in Nara.

This is the place to stay for a genuinely relaxing taste of Japanese hospitality in a homely and natural environment. Reviewers comparing this beautifully simple and traditional ryokan with others (benefitting from Western ensuites, wifi to all areas and free airport transfers) have missed out on taking the time to breathe in the atmosphere of this historic building, and enjoying the peaceful freedom from commercial chain hotel 'luxuries'.

If you desire to experience this enchanting culture then discovery of the real Japan starts here. Couldn't commend it highly enough.

I chose this Ryokan because of its historical significance as a Geisha house and its location in Nara, which I believe is the oldest settlement in Japan. The gardens are stunning. I did not mind sharing a bath down the hall, nor that the building was old. This added to the charm. Location was superb, easy walk to bus and loads of shopping in historic center of town. I took their loaner bicycle for more sightseeing.The owners are vintage race car enthusiasts and stable their rare sports racing car under a car cover in the LOBBY. I loved chatting with them about racing. They knew all about the corkscrew at Laguna Seca, Monterey, CA. Stay here if you have an interest in history and culture and have a sense of adventure.

Based on the reviews on tripadvisor we expected better facilities. It was the 3rd ryokan we had stayed in and it was by far the poorest. It was not expensive but I would not say it was good value for what it was. Times for check in were restrictive ie. from 4pm and the reason is because there are no usual staff there.
Basically It is a very economically run place where there's been little investment in the facilities - 4 toilets in the whole place with more than 15 rooms and the communal bathing area was very poor with a tiny change room for men's and no mirrors or hairdryer and tiny bath towels.
There were 2 good things about the place - the garden is beautiful and the rooms were quite large but walls were literally paper.

I stayed at Seikanso with 2 friends for 1 nights in June 2010 and was satisfied with our choice.

Location:
Okay. You'll need a map, so try asking at the Tourist Info booth at Nara station. Bus/taxi ride from station, then down a small side street. Some small shops and restaurants nearby.

Apperance:
Resonably large for a Ryokan. Very pretty garden at rear. Inside is a little tired and run down, but very authentic.

Staff:
Good. Quite friendly with a good level of English.

Rooms:
Traditional Japanese. Not as clean as the rest of the places I stayed in Japan, but definitely not dirty. More old than unclean and could definitely do with some updating. However, I guess this adds to the authentic charm. No bathrooms in room, shared only which were outside near the garden area.

Value:
Excellent.

I would recommend this place for anyone who needs a budget base in Nara for one or two nights.