Exploring the Kansai region of Japan can be one of the most rewarding travel experiences you’ll ever have. Kansai serves as a brilliant gateway to western Japan, offering you a perfect blend of culture, history and modern attractions. When planning your trip to Japan, it makes sense to spend 25-50% of your time in this region, especially if it’s your first visit.
Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital, is a treasure trove of history, spirituality, and living traditions.
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Nara is not only a place of deep history—it’s also a land of breathtaking natural beauty.
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You can reach JW Marriott Hotel Nara directly by airport limousine bus or train from both Kansai International Airport and Itami Airport.
Recommendation: The airport limousine bus from Itami Airport is the most convenient, stopping right next to the hotel.
Get up a little early and take a walk. We reccomend walking around Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha SHerinem situated at the edge of the mountain. Meet sacred deer in Nara Park. Also, when you go a little futhure away from the city to Asuka, and Yamanobeno-michi, we reccomend enjoying the morning atnmostphere there.
Nestled at the edge of Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha is one of Japan’s most iconic and sacred Shinto shrines. Founded in 768, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned not only for its deep spiritual significance but also for its breathtaking beauty that changes with the seasons.
In this fun Nara event, a horn is blown—and deer come running from the forest! It's a magical, must-see moment for families. Afterward, you can feed and take photos with them!
At Nakatani-dō in Nara, you can watch mochi being made super fast—it’s a fun and exciting show! Their warm, soft yomogi mochi (mugwort rice cake) is freshly made and delicious. Kids love the pounding, and everyone loves the taste.
At Ikeda Gankōdō, a long-established shop in Nara, you can make your own traditional uchiwa (Japanese fan). Using beautiful Japanese paper and simple tools, it’s a fun and hands-on craft experience for all ages. Take home a special memory made by you.
Nara is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants that offer unforgettable dining experiences rooted in Japanese tradition. From refined kaiseki meals using local Yamato vegetables to masterfully prepared sushi and French-Japanese fusion, each dish tells a story of the region’s rich culture and seasonal beauty.
Step into the quiet elegance of a traditional Japanese tea gathering held at night in the historic heart of Nara. Hosted by Salon—the cultural tea space created by Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten—this evening tea event invites you to experience the philosophy and beauty of the tea ceremony in a relaxed, modern setting.
Awaken your senses with a rejuvenating morning yoga session at JW Marriott Nara. Set in the serene surroundings of our luxury hotel, this session offers the perfect start to your day, blending calming movements with the peaceful atmosphere of Nara.
Start your adventure with a refreshing cycling tour from JW Marriott Nara, where the charm of the city’s ancient history and stunning landscapes unfold before you. This guided bike tour takes you through Nara’s most iconic landmarks, offering an immersive way to explore the cultural heritage of Japan’s first capital.
Experience the authentic flavors of Nara by enjoying a delicious lunch at one of the city's long-established restaurants. These historic eateries offer a taste of local cuisine, steeped in tradition and crafted with care.
Discover the art of Akahada-yaki pottery, a traditional ceramic style that has been crafted in Nara for over 1,300 years. Through a hands-on pottery experience, you can create your own unique piece of art while learning about this ancient craft.
During the sunset in Nara - The sky in the west takes on various colors, such as light pink, orange, and dark red, depending on the season and weather.
At Azekura, the Japanese restaurant at JW Marriott Nara, indulge in an exceptional dining experience that celebrates the finest of Japanese cuisine. From sizzling teppanyaki to exquisite kaiseki multi-course meals and perfectly crafted sushi, each dish is a masterpiece that combines traditional techniques with the best local ingredients.
Nara, known for its ancient temples and peaceful landscapes, is also home to a refined and quietly vibrant bar scene. Here, bar culture blends traditional Japanese hospitality with world-class mixology, offering a unique and intimate nightlife experience.
In the morning in Nara, there is fresh and tranquil air. Most shrines an temples conduct a ceremony for praying very early in the morning. Almost everyday around 6:30-9:00am, each shrine and temple performs a ceremony for praying.
Miwa Somen: Thin, delicate wheat noodles from the Miwa region, perfect served chilled in summer or in a warm broth in winter. A light and refreshing dish that showcases Nara’s craftsmanship.
Kakinoha-zushi: Mackerel or other fish wrapped in persimmon leaves, giving it a unique fragrance and natural preservation. This sushi offers a perfect balance of flavors and a true taste of Nara tradition.
Sake wasn’t invented in Nara, but the process of refining it was pioneered here. In 689, an official Imperial sake brewery was established, producing high quality sake. Ohmiwa Jinja Shrine is home to the god of sake brewing, drawing brewers from all over Japan. With dozens of small breweries across Nara, you have a chance to taste many types.
Canyoning is an exhilarating outdoor activity that takes you on a thrilling journey through rivers, waterfalls, and canyons. It’s a perfect blend of adventure and nature, offering a chance to explore Nara’s stunning landscapes in a completely unique way.
Our world-class spa offers a range of treatments, from soothing massages to rejuvenating facials, all using the finest products to nourish your body and mind. Each therapy is tailored to meet your individual needs, promoting deep relaxation and wellness.
Take a dip in our elegant pool, offering a serene environment for swimming or simply lounging by the water. The calming ambiance of the pool area, combined with stunning views, makes it an ideal place to recharge and enjoy moments of peace.
Take a 30-minute journey from Nara to Kyoto on the Kintetsu Limited Express, stopping on the way in Uji in order to visit Byodoin, and spend the rest of the day and the night in Kyoto.
Take a 40-minute journey from Nara to Osaka on the Kintetsu Express Train. Osaka is Japan's second largest metropolitan area after Tokyo.
Please have a safe and pleasant journey home. We truly look forward to welcoming you back to Nara in the near future.
Nara is the most historic and spiritual center of Japan, where Buddhism first flourished and the first capital city was built over 1300 years ago. Close to Kyoto and Osaka and quickly accessible by train, Nara is a living history book, full of World Heritage sites and well-preserved.
Somen noodles were brought from China in the Nara period. There’s a story that the son of a shinto priest from Ohmiwa Jinja Shrine planted wheat seeds in the area about 1200 years ago, and started making somen. As Miwa is on several pilgrimage routes, Miwa Somen spread throughout Japan. Don't leave Nara without trying this historic dish.
Sake wasn’t invented in Nara, but the process of refining it was pioneered here. In 689, an official Imperial sake brewery was established, producing high quality sake. Ohmiwa Jinja Shrine is home to the god of sake brewing, drawing brewers from all over Japan. With dozens of small breweries across Nara, you have a chance to taste many types.
Nara’s culinary scene features Michelin-starred restaurants like Hirooka, Accorde, Sushi Kawashima, and Tsukumo, highlighting local ingredients. Stylish bars like Lump, Pipin, and Sailing offer innovative cocktails. With Yamato beef, chicken, and vegetables, Nara blends tradition and modernity, attracting discerning diners.
The world famous Michelin Guide has confirmed that Nara is a foodie paradise, awarding its maximum three stars to Wa Yamamura. Hanagaki, Musoan and Onjaku received two stars. There are also 12 one star restaurants and 15 Bib Gourmand, for affordable excellence. In Nara, you’ll find world class dining at a reasonable price.
Nara’s not all temples and deer. Down back lanes and in venerable hotels, you will find discreet, world standard bars, with rare whiskies and innovative cocktails. Free to develop their craft, Nara’s bartenders have won major international awards. But it’s the friendly, low key service that has built a loyal following. Browse bars and izakaya in Nara.
As an early seat of power, Nara has elegant traditions, including tea ceremony. Noted tea master Rikyu spent time here, building a garden for tea ceremony in Yoshino. Jikoin Temple in Yamato Koriyama was built for prayer, but also to enjoy a Zen style tea ceremony. From a casual cup of matcha to a full ceremony, you can experience the art and rich taste of Japanese tea.
There are many ways to satisfy a sweet tooth in Nara. Try kusamochi, warmed on a hotplate in winter. Many sweets are based on mochi: glutinous rice. Mugwort leaves are often added for a subtle taste and green color. Sweet bean paste is another key ingredient. If you don’t like bean paste, try a vanilla Daibutsu Purin custard.
Nara’s rich soil, clean air and pure water are ideal for growing the vegetables used in shojin ryori. The area was once known as Yamato, and Yamato Yasai has become a formal brand, indicating high quality, organic produce. Some restaurants display a green paper lantern with the characters for Yamato, indicating their commitment to local farms. Read about Yamato Yasai & Nara's Vegetarian Heritage.
Nara is the most historic and spiritual center of Japan, where Buddhism first flourished and the first capital city was built over 1300 years ago. Close to Kyoto and Osaka and quickly accessible by train, Nara is a living history book, full of World Heritage sites and well-preserved
Somen noodles were brought from China in the Nara period. There’s a story that the son of a shinto priest from Ohmiwa Jinja Shrine planted wheat seeds in the area about 1200 years ago, and started making somen. As Miwa is on several pilgrimage routes, Miwa Somen spread throughout Japan. Don't leave Nara without trying this historic dish.
Sake wasn’t invented in Nara, but the process of refining it was pioneered here. In 689, an official Imperial sake brewery was established, producing high quality sake. Ohmiwa Jinja Shrine is home to the god of sake brewing, drawing brewers from all over Japan. With dozens of small breweries across Nara, you have a chance to taste many types.
