WHERE TO STAY

✤ JW MARRIOTT HOTEL NARA

The JW Marriott Nara is the first international luxury hotel in Nara, where guests can select from 158 gracefully-appointed guest rooms, including 16 suites offering a complete range of modern amenities and conveniences. The hotel has an array of dining options including the multi-concept food theatre, Silk Road Dining, a speciality Japanese restaurant Azekura and the lounge bar Flying Stag. One can enjoy a refreshing workout in the 24-hour state-of-theart fitness centre, swim in the indoor pool or get pampered with a massage, facial or other treatments at the hotel’s luxury spa. The executive lounge offers concierge service, world-class immersive F&B offerings and a private meeting room. Professional meeting and wedding planners are available to customize the perfect event utilizing the ballroom and four additional meeting rooms as well the ample space in the connecting convention centre which is the largest in Nara. marriott.com

✤ NARA HOTEL

The grandeur of Nara Hotel and its stately appearance has remained the same for the last century. It evokes an era of compelling fashion and magnificent presence that blends seamlessly with the unique elegance of the ancient capital. The main building is a classical marvel which is built of Japanese cypress in the style of a Momoyama period residence, with numerous touches such as mantelpieces in guest rooms. All rooms combine traditional charm and contemporary comfort to create a beautiful, relaxing and enjoyable space. The new building was built in the distinctive architectural style of the Yoshino region. All rooms face a courtyard planted with soothing greenery and feature an interior design embodying the Yamato culture against a calming backdrop of oak. Nara Hotel has impressive food and beverage offerings with verdant views and delectable fares. It has six banquet venues to suit any special event. All halls can be arranged to match the occasion, from wedding receptions and special celebrations to lectures and seminars. narahotel.co.jp

✤ NIPPONIA HOTEL NARA NARAMACHI

Realising the concept of a sake hotel, Nipponia Hotel Naramachi stands on the former grounds of Gangoji Temple, in a precinct that retains distinct townscapes from the Edo to Taisho periods. The hotel was renovated from a grand traditional residence and the former brewery of the Toyosawa Shuzou company, which was founded in the Meiji period. Guests can dine at a counter in the Restaurant Le Un in a space renovated from the former doma earthen floor part of the residence. The restaurant has an extensive cellar, including rare sakes exclusive to Restaurant Le Un and raw sakes delivered directly from Nara Toyosawa Shuzou. The pleasure of pairing sakes with dishes highlighting the local produce of Nara is a delectable and unforgettable culinary journey. Experience the charm of sake and the ancient capital of Nara, the birthplace of sake. vmg.co.jp

✤ FUFU NARA JAPAN

The handwork and awe-inspiring craftsmanship of local Nara artisans is interspersed throughout Fufu Nara from Yoshino cedar wood, vases and pottery made from Nara clay, handcrafted hemp tapestries, local art adorning the walls to iron artefacts. Dining at Fufu is an unparalleled experience through dishes made from local produce, ingredients and healing plants which are characteristic of this region. Guests can indulge in kaiseki ryori a traditional course dining or teppanyaki unique to Nara. Lunch and afternoon tea services at Tekisui are also open to the public. An open-air bath of a natural hot spring in the guestroom gives a feeling of numinous air as one bathes. The spacious guestrooms combine novelty, comfort and nostalgia. At the Spa by Sisley, each guest benefits from plants and methods based on traditional rituals from around the world and an all-hand treatment method that restores health and vitality. The spa offers personal and customised treatments through a team of highly skilled specialists. fufunara.jp