Nara Hotel (1096 Takabatake-cho, Nara City) has announced that its newly renamed West Wing will reopen on September 2, 2026 (Wednesday) at 3:00 PM check-in, following a major renovation. General accommodation reservations will open on April 1, 2026 (Wednesday) at 12:00 PM, with JR Hotel Members and WESTER members able to book from March 18, 2026 (Wednesday) at 12:00 PM.
Additionally, the Main Building guest rooms, hotel shop, Main Dining Room "Mikasa," tea lounge, and bar "THE BAR" will resume operations on June 4, 2026 (Thursday).
Renovation Overview
Nara Hotel is known as the "Reception Hall of the Kansai Region" and holds a formality and tradition on par with a state guest house, having hosted dignitaries and members of the Imperial Family. The Main Building was designed by Kingo Tatsuno, who also worked on Tokyo Station and the Bank of Japan's headquarters. Its tiled exterior, splendid Momoyama-style interiors, and elegant Japanese-Western fusion aesthetic continue to captivate visitors to this day.
In this large-scale renovation of the new wing, the building has been renamed the "West Wing" with the concept of "seisho yuzen" (clear and serene). Guest rooms offer a contemporary reinterpretation of the Main Building's classic design, alongside a refined teppanyaki restaurant "Hanagiku" that creates a tranquil, high-quality atmosphere. Artwork incorporating bricks from the hotel's founding era is also displayed throughout the building, breathing historical significance into the space.
West Wing Reopening Details
- Reopen date: September 2, 2026 (Wednesday), from 3:00 PM check-in
- General reservations open: April 1, 2026 (Wednesday) at 12:00 PM
- Member priority reservations open: March 18, 2026 (Wednesday) at 12:00 PM (JR Hotel Members / WESTER members)
Note: The Main Building guest rooms, hotel shop, Main Dining Room "Mikasa," tea lounge, and bar "THE BAR" will resume on June 4, 2026 (Thursday).
West Wing Guest Rooms
To deliver an even more premium stay while preserving the atmosphere of the Main Building, the West Wing introduces newly established "Premium" and "Superior" categories. The total room count across both the West Wing and Main Building has been revised from 127 to 114 rooms, allowing for more spacious, luxurious accommodations. West Wing rooms face a lush courtyard garden and feature restful, non-everyday ambiance along with comfortable bathrooms.
Teppanyaki "Hanagiku"
The Japanese restaurant "Hanagiku" is being reborn as the teppanyaki restaurant "Hanagiku." Set in a calm space with a special view overlooking the historic town of Nara, guests can enjoy the traditions of Nara and Nara Hotel through seasonal local ingredients prepared in a lively teppanyaki style.
Reservation details for the teppanyaki "Hanagiku" will be announced on the official website once finalized.
About Nara Hotel
Set on a gentle hill adjacent to Nara Park, Nara Hotel has welcomed distinguished guests since its founding in 1909 (Meiji 42). The Main Building, designed by Kingo Tatsuno, features a Momoyama palace-style hinoki cypress exterior. Furnishings throughout the interior evoke the Meiji era, giving the hotel the feel of staying in a museum. This classic hotel in the Kansai region continues to stand in stately grandeur after more than 100 years.
Official website: https://www.narahotel.co.jp/
