We booked one night here initially and ended up staying for one extra, partly due to bad weather the morning after the first night, but also due to the friendly atmosphere, good price and excellent location. We arrived around 7pm after walking from the JR station in town (30 mins) to find that unfortunately the local cafes had shut (we should have checked beforehand but didn't) however the staff were happy to place a take-out order for us from one of the menus they had in the communal area. [If you don't speak or read much Japanese and don't already have it-download google translate and the image translate attachment-it was so handy for translating menus!]
The inn was in a great location for early morning deer spotting/feeding and only a short walk from most shrines. There are also buses going from just outside during the daytime which loop from the station up to the inn for only 100¥ (Around 65p/$1) Amenities, though shared, were very clean and pleasant. There was free green tea and coffee in the kitchen area, cooking facilities, and a small 'shop' for pasta, sauces, noodle pots and beers. The sitting and dining area was a nice size with soft jazz playing in the background, and overall the place just had a nice feel to it. Would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to sight-see in Nara.