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Anou Former Imperial Palace

 

©Nara Prefecture 

HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Anou Former Imperial Palace

 

Enjoy private accommodations on the grounds of a historic palace in Gojo, Nara

Nara Prefecture

 

©Nara Prefecture

 

The Hori Family Residence, also known as the Anou Former Imperial Palace, is where four emperors resided during the 14th century. The Kanau Hotel, which occupies a house on the palace grounds, is available as a private accommodation for one party at a time. Built in the Edo period (17th to 19th century), the house has been renovated into a comfortable space with access to Wi-Fi.

As you enter the serene and elegant former palace, you will feel as if you have stepped back in time into a world of fantasy. A sign hanging on the Kabukimon Gate, which welcomes visitors, reads "Anou Former Imperial Palace" in Kanji characters written by a samurai of the late Edo period.

Though it is now known as “Anou,” during the 14th century, an emperor named the area “Kanau,” which is pronounced the same as a word meaning “wish come true” in Japanese. This is the origin of the name of the Kanau Hotel.

During your stay at the hotel, you can play the piano in your room or even bring your own instrument to play. Please enjoy your private time in your very own space. For meals, Western cuisine is available at the attached restaurant--or you can have a barbecue on the riverbank next to the hotel.

 

©Nara Prefecture

How to get there

 

From Shin-Osaka Station, take the JR Osaka Higashi Line to Kyuhoji Station (about 30 minutes). From Kyuhoji, take the JR Yamatoji Line to Oji Station, then take the JR Wakayama Line to Gojo Station. Kanau Hotel is about 15 minutes from the station by taxi.

 

1 Anou, Nishi-Yoshino-cho, Gojo-shi, Nara-ken

 

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