Yuzan Guesthouse

I stayed at Nara Yamazato Hostel for two consecutive nights. I'm so glad I found this gem! It's conveniently located near the main road between JR Nara and Kintetsu Nara stations, making it perfect for exploring Nara on foot. It's a very traditional Japanese house, and the hostess is incredibly warm and attentive. She even provides a special check-in guide in Chinese, making communication a breeze. There aren't many beds, giving the place a stylish and charming atmosphere. I stayed in a 4-person female dorm, and each person had a small, lockable storage cabinet. The room also had a sink, and the bedding was soft, comfortable, and warm. The shared facilities include three unisex restrooms and two shower rooms. Slippers, towels, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, and a hairdryer are provided, but you'll need to bring your own personal items like toothbrushes and toothpaste. There's a washing machine available for 200 yen per use, and a dryer that runs for about an hour for 200 yen, which fully dries clothes. The common lounge is a great place to listen to music, read manga, and enjoy free coffee and hot tea. The indoor space has a subtle, pleasant aroma, creating an overall relaxing and comfortable vibe. The shared kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator, stove, tableware, oven, and microwave for guest use. I pre-ordered breakfast at the hostel for 600 yen per day. It included toast, eggs, ham, and coffee or another beverage, freshly prepared by the owner, and it was quite delicious. The only slight drawback was that the water flow from the showerhead wasn't very concentrated, and the water pressure wasn't strong enough. Also, I'd suggest the owner fix the floor in the female dorm room; there's a damaged, raised section near the bed that I almost tripped over once. Hopefully, it can be secured with tape. Overall, if you're planning a short solo trip to Nara, this is an affordable and excellent choice.