[Family Stay Review] The Appeal and Recommended Points of Staying at Hotel New Wakasa
Introduction
"I want to go on a trip to Nara with my children, but where should I stay?"
"Are there any hotels that children can enjoy too?"
"I want to stay at a hotel close to tourist spots!"
For those struggling with choosing a hotel, I recommend Hotel New Wakasa.
In this article, based on my actual experience staying with my children, I will honestly share the appeal, highlights, and points of concern regarding Hotel New Wakasa.
What is Hotel New Wakasa?
Hotel New Wakasa is a Japanese-style inn located in Nara City, Nara Prefecture. It is popular as a base for sightseeing in Nara, with Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park within walking distance. It is also equipped with free parking, so those visiting by car can rest easy.
The calm, Japanese atmosphere is appealing, and it offers a wealth of services that make it easy to use even when traveling with children. It is a recommended inn not only for family trips but also for those who want to enjoy sightseeing in Nara at a leisurely pace.
Highlights of the stay
1. Location and Access
Hotel New Wakasa is conveniently located about a 10-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station and about a 5-minute walk from Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park. When I actually went to the hotel's rooftop garden, I could see Todai-ji Temple right nearby and was surprised, thinking, "It's this close!"
I pushed a stroller to Todai-ji Temple, and since the traffic wasn't too heavy, I arrived in about 7 minutes even walking slowly. Traveling with children using public transportation can be difficult due to luggage and strollers, so being able to leave the car in the hotel parking lot and leisurely tour the major tourist spots was also a major appeal.
2. Guest room with a slide
Even after enjoying sightseeing, children's desire to play never ends. This hotel actually has guest rooms with slides. The moment we entered the room, my daughter was overjoyed to find the slide. She had so much fun sliding down it over and over that she even said, "I don't want to go home!" when it was time to check out.
The guest room also featured a 100-inch projector, which my daughter loved because we could enjoy YouTube on a big screen. There was also a relaxation-style bath where you can enjoy shoulder-warming water, allowing not just the children but also the adults to slowly soothe the fatigue of the trip. It was the perfect room for a family trip, satisfying both children and adults.
3. Meals
For dinner, you can enjoy a Kaiseki meal that makes abundant use of local, seasonal ingredients. The steamed Yamato pork in a bamboo steamer that I had during my stay was very delicious and still leaves a lasting impression on me. Another happy point was being able to taste Nara's famous persimmon leaf sushi in its home region.
For my 2-year-old daughter, they prepared a children's lunch for toddlers, which she happily ate with great enthusiasm. A child's chair was also provided, and since items like udon, karaage, and french fries could be ordered à la carte on the day, we were able to spend our time without any trouble with meals, even with a small child.
4. Facilities and Services
From the rooftop garden, you can overlook Todai-ji Temple and Mount Wakakusa, allowing you to slowly enjoy the scenery typical of Nara. In a spot just down the stairs, there is also a kids' space where children can enjoy a slide and bouldering, so my child was able to play without getting bored.
Also, the staff's service was very kind and impressive. They took a family photo for us during dinner and presented us with a printed copy the next day. I was very happy to be able to take home a tangible memory of our trip.
Points that were a little concerning
This time, we stayed in a guest room with a slide, but the path leading to the slide is built like a loft, and there are some areas with low ceilings. While chasing after my daughter, I almost hit my head several times myself. Since my daughter was also absorbed in playing, she hit her head on the ceiling a few times as well.
Also, since the slide is higher than I expected, it is safer for an adult to watch nearby when small children are playing.
That said, those were the only points that concerned me, and it was a hotel that the whole family could be satisfied with.
Recommended for people like this
People planning a trip to Nara with children
People looking for a hotel that children can also enjoy
People looking for a hotel near Todai-ji Temple or Nara Park
Families with childrenwho want to stay at a hotel with excellent services
Summary
Having actually stayed there, the access to Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park was great, and we were able to enjoy sightseeing at a relaxed pace even with children. My daughter especially loved the guest room with a slide, and it was a hotel that the whole family could be satisfied with.
Families with children planning a trip to Nara, I hope this helps you in choosing your hotel. It was a highly recommended hotel for family trips that made me think, "I want to stay here again!" after actually staying there.
*Written based on an experience from a stay in July 2025. Please check the official website of the accommodation for the latest information, as facilities and service details may change.
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