About this Stay
I stayed at the historic Nara Hotel, founded in 1909, in August 2018.
I arrived at the hotel after walking past famous landmarks such as Sarusawa Pond and Kofuku-ji Temple. In the afternoon, I also visited several attractions within walking distance from the hotel, including the Nara National Museum, Nara Park, Todai-ji Great Buddha Hall, and Nigatsu-do Hall.
Since its opening, the hotel has served as the “State Guesthouse of Kansai,” welcoming members of the imperial family and distinguished guests from both Japan and abroad. As expected, the building’s architecture and furnishings were magnificent and full of character. There were also many historical exhibits from the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras, making for a truly valuable experience.
For dinner, I enjoyed a full-course French meal in the main dining room.
Getting to the Hotel
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Sarusawa Pond
This is Sarusawa Pond, seen on the way to Nara Hotel.
Kofuku-ji Central Golden Hall
The reconstruction of the Central Golden Hall (Chukondo), the main hall of Kofuku-ji Temple, was nearing completion.
The original hall was destroyed by fire in 1717 during the Edo period. After about 300 years, a major reconstruction project spanning nearly 20 years was in its final stage. The work was officially completed two months after my visit, in October 2018.
Five-Story Pagoda of Kofuku-ji
This is the five-story pagoda of Kofuku-ji Temple.
Eastern Golden Hall of Kofuku-ji
This is the Eastern Golden Hall of Kofuku-ji Temple.
Kikusuiro, a Historic Restaurant
This is Kikusuiro, a traditional Japanese restaurant located on the way from Kofuku-ji to Nara Hotel.
It was established in 1891 and has a long history.
Araike Pond
You can see Nara Hotel in the distance beyond Araike Pond in the foreground.
Slope to the Main Entrance
This is the slope leading up to the main entrance of Nara Hotel.
Main Entrance
This is the main entrance of Nara Hotel, which was established in 1909.
Entrance
This is the entrance of Nara Hotel.
Hotel Interior
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First-Floor Corridor
After checking in at the front desk, you pass through this corridor to reach the guest rooms.
Torii Gate and Fireplace
This unique furnishing combines a torii gate and a fireplace.
(From the Nara Hotel official website)
“This symbolizes the hotel’s blend of Japanese and Western architectural styles, reflecting the design philosophy of Kingo Tatsuno. Fireplaces were installed in most rooms of the main building and were actually used until the early Taisho period.”
Grand Staircase and Sofa Area
On the left, you can see the hotel’s iconic grand staircase, while in the foreground is a spacious sofa area near the reception.
The grand staircase is covered with a red carpet, and its finely carved handrail creates a dignified and elegant impression.
Lounge
This is the lounge on the first floor, offering a relaxing and luxurious atmosphere.
Lounge Chairs and Tables
These are the tables and chairs in the lounge.
The leather-upholstered chairs are solidly built, comfortable, and well maintained.
Staircase
This is the staircase leading from the first to the second floor.
A red carpet runs down the center.
Steam Heating
This is the steam heating system.
Japanese-Style Chandelier and Second-Floor Seating
A Japanese-style chandelier hangs from the open ceiling on the second floor, inspired by traditional hanging lanterns.
At the far end of the second floor, there are two sets of luxurious four-chair seating arrangements, creating a special space along with the view from the windows.
Window Frame and View
This is the view from the second-floor window above the main entrance.
The wooden window frames add a sense of elegance and character.
Corridor to the Guest Rooms
This is the corridor on the second floor leading to the guest rooms.
Guest Room
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Room in the New Wing
This is the inside of the room. It is located in the new wing.
Bathtub
This is the bathtub in the room.
Exhibits
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Imperial-Related Exhibits
These are exhibits displayed inside the hotel.
- ・ Western tableware used by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, members of the Imperial Family, and state guests
- ・ A menu from the visit of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess in 1994
- ・ The original guest register (visitor signatures) from the hotel’s opening in 1909
Railway Ministry Hotels in the Taisho Era
These are believed to be labels from hotels operated by Japan’s Railway Bureau, Railway Ministry, and South Manchuria Railway during the Taisho era.
- Fengtian Yamato Hotel, Dalian Yamato Hotel, Harbin Yamato Hotel, Chosen Hotel, Taiwan Railway Hotel, Tokyo Railway Hotel, etc.
Nara Hotel Labels Through the Years
This exhibit illustrates the changes in management of Nara Hotel since its founding.
It presents the hotel’s history alongside the evolution of its labels from each era.
Nara Hotel in the Early Showa Period
This is a photograph of the entire Nara Hotel from the early Showa period (likely the 1920s).
Chimneys for fireplaces can still be seen on the roof.
Hotel Cards and Memorabilia
These include old matchboxes and information cards from Nara Hotel.
Cards from 1918 and 1930 are on display.
Guidebooks from Around 1990
This appears to be an English-language guidebook for the Miyako Hotel (now The Westin Miyako Kyoto) from around 1990.
The old photograph placed above it may depict Nara Hotel from that time.
Railway Bureau Route Map
This is labeled “Railway Bureau Route Map and Outline of Rail Connections to Korea and China” (1915).
It also includes Taiwan and southern Sakhalin. It may have been intended to demonstrate the prominence of the Railway Bureau, which operated the hotel from the Taisho era until 1945.
Historical Photographs
These photographs convey the hotel’s history.
- ・ The hotel entrance from the early Taisho to early Showa period
- ・ Audrey Hepburn’s visit in 1983
Hotel Miniature Model
This is a 1:400 scale model of Nara Hotel.
Garden and Views
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View of the Building from the Garden
This is a view of the Nara Hotel building as seen from the garden area.
Garden Scenery
This shows part of the garden at Nara Hotel, featuring pine trees.
Hotel Garden
This is the view of the garden from the connecting corridor.
View from the Hotel
This is the scenery visible from the connecting corridor.
At Sunset
This shows the exterior of the hotel around sunset.
Pond and Five-Storied Pagoda of Kofuku-ji
The five-storied pagoda can be seen in the distance.
Afternoon Walk
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Hotel Exit
I left Nara Hotel and went out for a walk.
Nara National Museum
This is the building of the Nara National Museum.
Nara Park (1)
Deer in Nara Park. The building in the background is the Nara National Museum.
Nara Park (2)
There are quite a lot of deer here.
Todai-ji Nigatsu-do Hall (1)
This is Nigatsu-do Hall at Todai-ji Temple.
Todai-ji Nigatsu-do Hall (2)
This is Nigatsu-do Hall as seen from below.
Todai-ji Nigatsu-do Hall (3)
The steps leading up to Nigatsu-do Hall. A parent and child deer are walking up the stairs together.
View from Todai-ji Nigatsu-do Hall
This is the view of Nara from the second floor of Nigatsu-do Hall.
Todai-ji Nandaimon Gate
This is the Nandaimon Gate of Todai-ji Temple. The Great Buddha Hall can be seen in the distance.
Heijo Palace Reconstruction Model
This is a three-dimensional reconstruction model of Heijo Palace displayed in the lobby on the first floor of Nara City Hall.
Dinner
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Returning to the Hotel
In the evening, I returned to the hotel.
Main Dining Room “Mikasa”
This is the main dining room “Mikasa” located on the first floor of the main building of Nara Hotel.
We had dinner here—a full-course French meal.
Table Setting
This is the table setting.
Bread and Amuse-Bouche
Bread and an amuse-bouche were served.
(Editor’s note)
An amuse-bouche is a small bite-sized appetizer in French cuisine, similar to an “otoshi” served in Japanese dining.
Amuse-Bouche
The amuse-bouche was served in a glass dish.
- ・ Salmon and salmon roe
Champagne and Appetizer
Champagne and the appetizer.
- ・ Marinated salad with tuna, shrimp, baby greens, and cherry tomatoes
Soup (1)
A chilled soup was served.
Soup (2)
This is a chilled soup made with Kagoshima Anno sweet potatoes.
Sautéed White Fish
Sautéed white fish, flavored with a Japanese-style sauce.
Sherbet
A palate-cleansing sherbet.
Dessert and Coffee
Dessert, coffee, and petit fours.
Lounge
After dinner, I relaxed in the lounge.
Morning Stroll
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Morning View of Nara
In the morning, after checking out of the hotel, I took a short walk around the area.
This is the morning scenery of Nara. The five-storied pagoda of Kofuku-ji can be seen beyond the pond.
Near Todai-ji Temple
This is the area in front of Todai-ji Temple. Since it was midsummer, many tourists were stopping by street stalls such as shaved ice vendors.
Todai-ji Nandaimon Gate
In front of the Nandaimon Gate of Todai-ji Temple. Many deer gathered here.
Which are more numerous—the tourists or the deer?
