Considered one of Japan's most historic hotels, Nara Hotel has a glorious past. It dates back to the 42nd year of the Meiji Era, specifically October 17, 1909. The building stood strong through the following eras and retains its old-world charm even today. The hotel was built after the Russo-Japanese War to accommodate foreign visitors who now frequented Japan. Nishimura Nihei, founder of the Dai-Nippon Hotel Co., established the property in 1909 after spending a huge sum on its construction. According to the rules of the prefecture, the hotel was given a Japanese-Western style to stay true to its roots while simultaneously adapting to change.

Unfortunately, the hotel was not a hit and business was going poorly for Nishimura. He reached out to the Railway Bureau, the constructor of the property, for a subsidy, but it was all in vain. Instead, the Railway Bureau acquired management of the property in May 1913. Initially, the hotel served as a state-run inn of the Kansai region, only welcoming important guests such as members of the Imperial family or guests of the state.

During the Showa period, which coincided with the Second World War, the hotel even hosted German Nazi Party officials and Italian Fascist Party officials. It was eventually acquired by the Japan Travel Bureau, and in 1945, just before the end of the war, the US military took over Nara Hotel. The hotel's staff were replaced by the military and old Japanese staff were treated as military laborers. However, the strict Americans gradually softened as they warmed up to the Japanese employees. The pay was good and the original employees were treated well too. This situation changed drastically when the military control was lifted. The hotel received very few foreign guests and the Japan Travel Bureau had no choice but to pass it over to Japanese National Railways in 1954. The latter was unable to acquire the hotel due to its policy, and it was instead purchased by Miyako Hotel Co., Ltd in 1956.

Japan's economic progress in the 1950s and 60s directly influenced Nara Hotel's success. The number of foreign guests increased, especially during the Tokyo Olympics. During the World Expo, the property even welcomed the king, first lady, and princess. Despite the newfound success, the hotel again began to face harsh times due to its age and quality of facilities. To revive it, Japanese National Railways and Miyako created the Nara Hotel Co., Ltd in 1983, and construction began o=of a new, more improved building.

In 1995, the Great Hanshin-Awaji earthquake resulted in some damage to the Nara Hotel, but its resilient structure did not give away. It was updated with a chapel in the Heisei era to compete with the modern hotels in Osaka and Kyoto. The hotel also opened new dining venues and hosted art exhibitions to attract travelers. Renovations were also made to update the hotel to the highest standards as it welcomed the 100th year since its construction. In 2015 the property underwent more renovations to accommodate the Act on Promotion of Earthquake-Resistant Renovations of Buildings.

Design and Architecture

Tatsuno Kingo designed the original or main building that was built in 1909. It showcases the cypress wood architecture of the Meiji Era in a style similar to the Momoyama Palace. Meanwhile, the new building, which was built in 1984, showcases the Yoshino architectural style. Rooms in both buildings boast a classical elegance with mantelpieces, wooden details, and warm lighting. Additionally, the rooms in the new building feature soothing oak tones. You can find Japanese-style rooms with shoji screens and tatami mats, as well as more modern units.

Nara Hotel offers an exquisite dining experience with made-to-order dishes that highlight authentic Japanese and French cuisines. Here's what you can expect at the property:

Main Dining Room "Mikasa"

Relish traditional French cuisine in this elegant dining room in the main building that has hosted many celebrities. It features Meiji- and Taishō-era architecture that will transport you back in time. All gourmet dishes here are made using seasonal ingredients. You'll also get to taste a variety of wines. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with set Japanese and Western menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner packages, and kids' plates.

Opening hours: 7 am -10 am (breakfast), 11:30 am - 3 pm (lunch), 5:30 pm - 9 pm (dinner)

Hanagiku

At Hanagiku, located in the new building, you can admire views of the Yamato mountains and feast on authentic Japanese delicacies made with fresh local ingredients. You can pair your meal with some wine or sake based on the sommelier's suggestion. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner.

Opening hours: 11:30 am - 3 pm (lunch), 5:30 pm - 9 pm (dinner)

Tea Lounge

Your experience in Japan will be incomplete without tasting its finest teas. In the main building's tea lounge, you can find not only handpicked teas but also coffee and delicious cakes made by the pastry chef. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer beautiful views that you can admire over a cup of tea.

Opening hours: 10 am - 6 pm

The Bar

Nara Hotel's old-fashioned bar offers a great space to socialize over some drinks. It features Meiji-era architecture and atmospheric lighting that creates an elegant vibe. Sip on some malt whisky or enjoy a refreshing cocktail here.

Opening hours: 6 pm - 11 pm

Reservations: You can make reservations for Mikasa and Hanagiku directly on the hotel's official website. Reservations for The Bar can be made via phone.

Albert Einstein - A world-famous German physicist who developed the theory of relativity, and a guest of the hotel.
Helen Keller - A 20th-century American author and lecturer who was a guest of the hotel.
Audrey Hepburn - A famous British actress who had visited the hotel after its mid-century renovations.
14th Dalai Lama - A Buddhist religious leader who visited the hotel in 2003.
Abbot of Asgiriya Temple - A Buddhist religious leader who visited the hotel in 2006

Cultural Experiences

Expect to indulge in enriching cultural experiences during your stay at Nara Hotel. The property offers the "special Nara experience", which includes seasonal guided tours. You can explore the temples and shrines in the area and even experience special viewings. The month of booking will determine what experience the hotel has in store for you. Alternatively, rent a bike on site and visit Nara Park or discover the historic lanes of Naramachi. If you wish to take something back home to remember your stay by, stop by the hotel shop. It's located in the main building and offers a variety of local products. You can even buy original Nara Hotel products such as tea, coffee, hotel-made pound cake, or canned beef curry. The shop is open from 8 am to 6 pm.

Other Celebrations

Nara Hotel's six banquet halls are well-equipped to host private events of all types and sizes, such as Shichi-Go-San celebrations, engagements, reunions, and anniversaries. The restaurant team will take care of your catering needs. You can choose from French cuisine, Japanese-Western cuisine, and buffet cuisine. Captain, chefs, and sommeliers will always be around to help you out.

The elegant Nara Hotel with its classic charm is a wonderful choice if you want a memorable wedding. Its grand architecture provides the perfect setting for your special day. You can actually get a feel of how the ceremony and reception will pan out by attending one of the bridal fairs. You'll be given a detailed tour of the building and an estimate of prices by the wedding planner. You won't have to worry about food as the restaurant team will cater to your event, offering excellent Japanese and Western cuisine. Moreover, you'll have a gorgeous wedding cake prepared by the pastry chef.

If you wish to have the ceremony at the hotel itself, you can do so in the St. Raphael Church, the property's original free-standing chapel. The chapel boasts a gorgeous interior showcasing Yoshino cedar furnishings, a 19th-century British pipe organ, and antique stained glass. You can book the hotel's Shinzen Ceremony Hall or the 13th-century Kasuga Taisha Shrine nearby if you're planning a Shinto wedding ceremony. The shrine is ideal for a completely traditional and formal event in Japanese clothes. You can book it with the help of the hotel's wedding planner. A taxi will transport you from the hotel to the shrine for the ceremony. Post-ceremony, you can capture lovely photos in the shrine's garden. If you choose to the wedding at the hotel, you can dress up in either Japanese or Western clothes.

The reception can be held in one of Nara Hotel's banquet halls. Check them out below:

Mikasa Room: The hotel's main dining room boasting Meiji-era architecture
Capacity: 70 - 90 people

Yamato Room: Customizable wedding reception hall with elegant decor
Capacity: 60 - 200 people

Kongo Room: Wedding reception hall with a ship-shaped ceiling and access to the terrace garden
Capacity: 40 - 80 people

Chrysanthemum Room: Reception hall with period features such as mantelpieces
Capacity: 20 - 42 people

Paulownia Room: Wedding reception hall with an old-world charm and coffered ceilings
Capacity: 10 - 42 people

Young Grass Room: Classy modern reception venue
Capacity: 30 - 60 people