CONTENTS
Hotel Introduction
Shisui Luxury Collection Hotel Nara is located at the western edge of Nara Park, surrounded by World Heritage sites such as Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofuku-ji Temple, and Todai-ji Temple. This luxurious hotel, designed by architect Kengo Kuma, offers a blend of traditional Nara beauty with modern comfort.
The hotel boasts 43 rooms, with 23 featuring private baths supplied with natural hot springs. The design reflects the fusion of Nara’s traditional elegance and contemporary amenities, offering guests an unforgettable experience.
The main building, a renovation of the Nara Prefectural Governor’s Residence, was originally constructed during the Taisho era. Additionally, the hotel features a Japanese garden, where guests can enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons.
Exterior & Entrance
The hotel’s exterior showcases the harmony between modern architecture and historical elements, with a welcoming entrance that sets the tone for a tranquil and luxurious stay.
The former reception hall has been transformed into a lounge, where we checked in upon arrival. This space exudes a sense of history and elegance, offering a welcoming atmosphere to begin the stay.
Next to the lounge is a room known as the “Goninsyou-no-Ma” (The Room of Imperial Certification), which is historically significant as the place where Emperor Showa signed the San Francisco Peace Treaty and the Japan-US Security Treaty in November 1951, marking a pivotal moment in Japanese history.
Guest Rooms
The guest rooms are located in a separate building, distinct from the main structure of the hotel. This provides a more private and tranquil setting for guests, ensuring a restful and peaceful experience during their stay.
The path leading from the main building to the accommodation building is called the “Path of Time”. This peaceful route is safe for pedestrians and deer, but vehicles are not allowed, providing a tranquil and secure walk through the surroundings.
The space features a blend of Nara’s traditional craftsmanship and modern comfort, creating a unique atmosphere that harmoniously combines historical artistry with contemporary amenities.
This time, we were upgraded to a Deluxe Room with an outdoor hot spring bath, offering an added layer of luxury and relaxation during the stay.
The hot spring water, known as “Suzaku-no-Yu”, is sourced from near the Heijo Palace. It is a simple alkaline spring, offering a smooth, refreshing quality that is known to be effective for joint pain and cold sensitivity.
Soaking in the outdoor hot spring, with the cool breeze gently brushing against your cheeks, creates the ultimate relaxation experience. The contrast between the warm water and the refreshing air adds to the sense of tranquility and calm.
Deer-shaped gummy candies are a playful and delicious treat, often inspired by the famous deer of Nara, offering a fun, local souvenir or snack with a nod to the city’s unique wildlife.
Yamato Toki Cookies are a specialty treat made with Yamato Toki, a traditional Japanese herb known for its health benefits. These cookies incorporate the herb’s subtle flavor, creating a unique and aromatic snack that highlights the rich culinary traditions of Nara.
Services & Amenities
Garden Delight
For hotel guests, there is a “Garden Delight” service, offering free-flow champagne. This special service allows guests to enjoy an elegant, refreshing experience while relaxing in the hotel’s beautiful surroundings.
This service is available daily from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Saryo Zeze, a tea lounge located next to the hotel. Guests can enjoy the champagne offering in a relaxed and tranquil setting.
During “Garden Delight”, guests can enjoy champagne along with specialty savory cakes (cakésalé) and snacks such as okaki. As you sip your drink, you can relax and enjoy a luxurious moment while admiring the historical building and the beautiful garden surrounding you.
Hotel Breakfast
The breakfast at Shisui Luxury Collection Hotel Nara is served at the restaurant “Suiyou” located on the first floor of the main building. Guests can enjoy a refined and delicious meal in a comfortable setting, starting their day with a taste of local and seasonal ingredients.
The breakfast at Shisui Luxury Collection Hotel Nara primarily features a traditional Japanese breakfast that highlights the rich local ingredients of Nara. It is served in two parts, consisting of “Ichi-no-Zen” and “Ni-no-Zen”. Each set offers a selection of carefully prepared dishes, showcasing the flavors of the region.
Ichi-no-Zen (First Course):
- Today’s Ohitashi (lightly blanched vegetables in a seasoned broth)
- Egg Tsume with Nara Sake Lees (a dish made with egg and fermented sake lees from Nara)
- Seasonal Compote
- Yamato Konjac with Sesame Dressing (a dish featuring the traditional konjac from Nara, seasoned with sesame)
- Pickled Persimmon
- Oboro Tofu Stew (a simmered dish of soft tofu and seasonal ingredients)
Each dish is thoughtfully prepared to showcase the natural flavors of Nara’s seasonal ingredients.
Ni-no-Zen (Second Set)
- Grilled fish
- Yoshino kudzu with egg sauce (Tamago an kake)
- Rice made from Nara-grown Hinohikari rice or chagayu (tea porridge)
- Yamato pork miso soup (Tonjiru)
- Pickles (Kou no mono)
The rice can be selected as either white rice or chagayu (tea porridge), and guests can also refill their portions along with the tonjiru (pork miso soup).
While enjoying breakfast, guests can admire the beautiful landscape of the Japanese garden, fully immersing themselves in Nara’s traditional food culture.
Guest Experience Review
I experienced a unique and unforgettable time where history and luxury beautifully merged. Surrounded by the quietude and elegance of Nara, the refined design, and the pleasant hospitality, I was able to forget the everyday and indulge in a special moment.
In autumn Nara, I found relaxation in the hot springs, savored exquisite meals, and embraced the tranquility—an indulgent experience I will never forget.
