Tenpyo Ryokan is a ryokan in central Nara that has welcomed visitors for more than 70 years. It sits inside the covered Higashimuki shopping arcade, a minute on foot from Kintetsu Nara Station. Before you book, three things matter: the large baths open only from 17:00 to 23:00; the doors lock at 23:00, though guests can still let themselves in and out; and the inn has closing days every month, posted on its news page.
Where is Tenpyo Ryokan in Nara, and how do I get there?
The inn’s own words are “one minute on foot from Kintetsu Nara Station.” Leave by Exit 2 and you are in the Higashimuki arcade, lined with places to eat, drugstores, fast food and cafes. Behind its wooden lattice front, the inn looks like an old townhouse.
| From | Time (official site) |
|---|---|
| Kintetsu Nara Station, Exit 2 | 1 minute on foot |
| JR Nara Station | About 15 minutes on foot |
| Kyoto Station | 33 minutes direct (Kintetsu limited express) |
| Osaka Namba Station | 32 minutes direct (Kintetsu rapid express) |
| Kansai International Airport | About 90 minutes (limousine bus) |
| Osaka (Itami) Airport | 60 minutes (limousine bus) |
| Sarusawa Pond, Nara Park | About 5 minutes on foot |
| Todaiji Temple | About 15 minutes on foot |
From the official access page and booking page, read October 21, 2026.
Is there a shuttle or parking?
The official pages do not mention a shuttle; from the station, you simply walk. Drivers use the partner garage, Mizutani Parking, a lift-type multi-story garage of 95 spaces just north of the station. Ask the inn for the current fee. For the great temple nearby, see our Todaiji guide.
Tenpyo Ryokan at a glance
| Item | Official information |
|---|---|
| Address | 9 Higashimuki-nakamachi, Nara |
| Rooms | Japanese rooms of 7.5 and 13 mats, Western twin, large room, one special room of 22.5 mats |
| In every room | Bath and toilet, fridge, electric kettle, TV, hair dryer, free Wi-Fi |
| Check-in / out | From 16:00 / by 10:00 |
| Doors lock | 23:00 (guests can open them by hand) |
| Large baths | One for men, one for women, 17:00–23:00 |
| Prices | From 6,600 yen per adult (room only), tax and service included |
| Smoking | Non-smoking throughout; a smoking area is available |
| Cards at the inn | Visa, Mastercard, JCB, AMEX, UnionPay, Discover |
From the official site and booking page, read October 21, 2026.
The rooms at Tenpyo Ryokan
What room types are there?
There are four types: Japanese rooms of 7.5 mats and 13 mats, a Western twin and a large room. The inn says plainly that the rooms are not big, but are just right for time face to face with someone close. The booking page lists the 7.5- and 13-mat rooms as non-smoking, with their own bath and toilet and a washlet toilet.
Is there a room for a family or group?
Yes, one: the special room, two connected Japanese rooms of 22.5 mats (about 36 m²) for 5 to 7 guests, in the annex. It has a separate bath and toilet. It is sold room only; meals are added separately, so ask by phone or email in advance. Elementary school children are not accepted on this plan.
The baths at Tenpyo Ryokan
When are the baths open?
There is one large bath for men and one for women, open 17:00 to 23:00. The inn calls it a “Koumeiseki natural mineral bath”: an artificial hot spring made with koumeiseki mineral stone in the tub, said to ease tiredness, stiff shoulders and back pain and to keep you warm after bathing.
Is there a private bath, and can I bathe with a tattoo?
The official pages do not mention a private bath or tattoos. Every room has its own bath, so you never have to use the large baths. If you want them, ask the inn before you book; our tattoo and onsen guide explains what to ask.
Meals at Tenpyo Ryokan
What is breakfast like?
Breakfast is served at Ratsuku, the shabu-shabu restaurant on the inn’s 1st floor. Choose a start of 8:00 or 8:30; when it is busy, the choice may be 7:30 or 8:30. The Japanese breakfast is generous, and one plan serves Nara’s chagayu, rice porridge made with roasted hojicha tea and cooked at your table. The inn also offers a morning sukiyaki for meat lovers, with a light sauce made for mornings.
Is dinner served?
Only on dinner plans. The shabu-shabu plan, with domestic beef and Nara’s Gou Pork, is limited to five groups a day; dinner can start from 17:00, with the last start at 19:30. A plan with A5 Kuroge Wagyu shabu-shabu or sukiyaki is booked by phone only, for two or more guests. On other plans, the arcade outside has many places to eat.
Can the inn handle allergies or a special diet?
The official pages do not say. Ask before you book, and write it in your booking.
Prices, children, cancellation and payment at Tenpyo Ryokan
How much does a stay cost?
The official booking page lists, per adult per night with tax and service included, room only from 6,600 yen, Japanese breakfast from 8,800 yen, the chagayu breakfast from 9,020 yen and the shabu-shabu dinner plan from 13,750 yen. Prices change by date; for two in a 13-mat room on a room-only plan, the calendar showed 8,800 to 11,000 yen per person for late October.
What do children cost?
On the standard plans, elementary school children pay 80 percent of the adult rate. Infants who need no meals or bedding are 2,200 yen; infants who need meals or bedding are not accepted.
What is the cancellation policy?
No deposit is required. The fee is 10 percent from 7 to 4 days before, 30 percent 3 to 2 days before, 50 percent the day before, and 100 percent on the day or for a no-show. See our hotel cancellation guide.
How do I pay?
The inn’s information page lists cash or cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, AMEX, UnionPay, Discover); electronic and QR payment are under consideration. Plans on the official booking page are paid by card online.
What foreign guests should know before staying at Tenpyo Ryokan
- The booking page is in Japanese. The English site’s contact form also takes booking requests and promises a reply within three days; for anything urgent, call +81-742-22-0551.
- Arriving after 22:00? Contact the inn first. Our late arrival guide has a short message you can send.
- Take your room key when you go out. The doors lock at 23:00; you can open them by hand.
- Luggage is kept free before check-in and until 16:00 after checkout, but not if your checkout day is a closing day.
- Check the closing days for your month before you plan; in October 2026, seven days were listed.
- Booking without a member account? You cannot change it later; cancel and book again.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Tenpyo Ryokan from the station?
What time is check-in at Tenpyo Ryokan?
Can I bathe with a tattoo at Tenpyo Ryokan?
What is the cancellation policy at Tenpyo Ryokan?
Does Tenpyo Ryokan have an English booking page?
Bottom line (2026): Tenpyo Ryokan is a simple, long-running ryokan a minute from Kintetsu Nara Station, with rooms that each have a bath, large baths from 17:00 to 23:00 and a breakfast of Nara chagayu. Check the monthly closing days, contact the inn if you will arrive after 22:00, and book on the official booking page.
Sources
Every fact on this page is from Tenpyo Ryokan’s official pages: home (Japanese), home (English), general information (English), hospitality, access, news and the official booking page. All were read on October 21, 2026. Prices and rules change; check the official site before you book.
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