It’s a shame you had to book & pay more for the sauna by the pool. Also the pool bar and main bar were closed at all the times we would have liked to use these.

The views, the staff and the restaurant were really exceptional!

Stayed in August 2025

It is a little bit out the way from other stuff but very easy to get a ride to the centre

The indoor pool/spa was very nice

Stayed in July 2025

The only criticism is the shuttle bus. It comes infrequently to the train stations and I’d advise to get a taxi to the hotel. We had an early train out and couldn’t get a taxi so ended up walking back into town which is apparently prohibited. The transport needs to be more flexible.

This property is an absolute gem. Fantastic rooms with amazing views, amazing authentic cuisine, and fabulous open air private onsens all set in a national park overlooking the city of Nara. The free excursions to see the night sky and the fireflies are great little bonuses. The rooms are very roomy, comfy beds, and huge picture window. The staff were brilliant and super helpful. This hotel has become my most favourite hotel ever. Just amazing in every sense. And Nara is just an amazing place.

Stayed in June 2025

The beds and the pillows were terrible, very hard and uncomfortable.

The staff were absolutely amazing, very helpful and friendly. The shuttle bus service to the top of the mountain was great and the staff member was extremely knowledgeable during his speech. The private hot tub on the upper floor was amazing.

Stayed in June 2025

Breakfast / choices was difficult to understand in terms og how to change if you did not want fish for breakfast. Kids menu was not the best (could be nice if possible just to customize it a but more to avoid food waste). The pool area really does bot add up to pictures.

The location, views and the restaurant was surperb. Just missing the final touch on the facilities.

Stayed in May 2025

We arrived early and couldn’t use any facilities which was disappointing.

The property was lovely , the food outstanding and the hot tub on the roof amazing!

Stayed in May 2025

We thought in general the staff was not very friendly towards us. Most of our pre-arrival questions were not answered and only at check-in they communicated that you have to book breakfast, dinner and private onsen slots in advance. As we arrived quite late in the afternoon (6pm), the remaining options were very limited, which was not very convenient. It would be bettter to communicate this clearly in advance, before arrival. The breakfast is not good value for money, it is too expensive for what you get.

We really liked our room. The layout, design and size of the room is impressive, the view over Nara is amazing, and the possibility to make use of the private rooftop onsen was wonderful.

Stayed in May 2025

Perfect location and very friendly personal. The rooms are great, nice view. Perfect to relax after sightseeing. Private onsen on the top floor for good value.

Stayed in May 2025

There was construction and a miscommunication on compensation in the form of meals.

I loved the beautfiul night time star gazing trip, the private baths and the room was beautiful.

Stayed in April 2025

We would have loved to go for walks directly from the hotel. Unfortunately the road to and from the Ando Hotel is only for cars, no people are allowed. Luckily the hotel shuttle offers to drop you off at Wakakusayama where you can walk through nature.

The view was amazing overlooking Nara. Dinner was every evening different, 8 courses all looked like artwork served by the most wonderful people! We enjoyed to be spoilt by a glass of champagne every evening.

Stayed in April 2025

Only criticism would be that there’s literally nowhere to walk from the hotel. Pedestrians aren’t allowed on the steep winding road up to the property and there were no Forest trail paths that you could pick up for a short stroll or a morning run. The hotel does put on a shuttle bus to and from town. But once you’re up there, there no escape. Perhaps that’s a good thing?

Wonderful views and a relaxing place to stay. The staff were so friendly and helpful. The meals were the best presented we’ve ever seen - each course like a work of art. The kids struggled a bit with the Japanese-style breakfast but that’s no criticism of the quality. We loved sitting in the lounge playing some of the traditional wooden board games. And the private baths on the rooftop were fun.

Stayed in April 2025

Unfortunately there was scaffolding up in front of the views which was a shame

We had a lovely stay Great rural location with nice views

Stayed in January 2025

The view is very nice the food is traditional Japanese , for me a little too traditional, the room is very nice

Stayed in November 2024

Equipment like glasses etc in the kitchen however they did supply them when asked.

Incredible vistas, worth staying for these alone. Service was excellent & staff were very accomodating. Our penthouse accomodation was large & very comfortable with a private onsen & firepit which they prepared nightly. We had breakfast & lunch included which were traditional Japanese, superbly presented with the dinner being Michelin star worthy. A pretty special place to stay if you want to relax.

Stayed in September 2024

Amazing staff and service, great food

Stayed in August 2024

All the books in the hotel library are in Japanese The rooms are a little humid during the rainy day. The air-condition outlet just above the bed, caused headache after the whole night wind flow just above your head.

Hotel on the mountain, with a green and beautiful view. Comfortable public bathroom and swim pool A right choice away from the city and close to nature. The hotel has shuttle bus to the Train station and JR station

Stayed in July 2024

Location and amazing view from the window

Stayed in July 2024

Wish the public onsen could have an outdoor onsen

Did not expect such good dinner included. Amazing sakura surrounding the hotel, very friendly staff.

Stayed in April 2024

No outdoor onsen

The paranomic view and the exquisite Kaiseki Dimner

Stayed in March 2024

Tough to get into and out of Nara

Set meals are thoughtful and good

Stayed in February 2024

We had some issues getting picked up from the station as the hotel didn’t respond to our messages so we had to get a taxi ourselves. I’d recommend just staying the one night as there’s not a lot to do aside from the meals and bathing.

We treated ourselves to a night here in the middle of our Japan trip. Was a fantastic choice. The staff were terrific and the room was super comfortable with a great view. The meals were awesome and lots of attention to detail. We slept very well. We enjoyed a late night rooftop bath.

Stayed in March 2024

There was construction happening close to our window. But we were warned about it in advance.

The views from the hotel were phenomenal. The food was absolutely delishious, and roof top bath was fantastic. The staff were perfect. Thank you for a fantastic stay, we wished we were staying longer.

Stayed in March 2024

The only downside this hotel has is the inability for tourists to get into town easily outside of the buses scheduled hours. (Trust me, walking isn't an option for your average joe) This "issue" didn't faze us as we embraced the rest and relaxation Ando has to offer

What's not to like? To start things off they offer a shuttle bus clearly labelled Ando Hotel to pick up & drop off at both train stations. Ando exceeded all expectations for my partner & I. The staff were great & tried their hardest to converse with us in English. We had a spectacular dinner service & 9pm lights tour to the summit of the mountain. In the morning, we got to experience a fantastic private hot bath overlooking the Nara landscape. Breakfast was traditional Japanese with majority local Nara products. The lobby has a fire pit & warm waiting area to play Japanese board games if that's your thing. Would absolutely recommend a relax & recover stay at Ando Hotel. 10/10 will be returning our next visit to Japan.

Stayed in March 2024

The road is narrow to drive up

It’s quiet and inside the forest

Stayed in February 2024