A new Novotel hotel has opened its doors in Nara, Japan, inviting guests to experience the perfect blend of modern comfort and ancient Japanese culture.
Nestled along the scenic Saho River, renowned for its beautiful cherry blossom trees, Novotel Nara provides an ideal base for exploring the city’s rich heritage while enjoying the contemporary amenities of a global hotel brand.
The hotel, strategically located just an eight-minute walk from Shin-Omiya Station and a short five-minute cab ride from Nara Station, offers 264 guest rooms, including executive suites. Each room harmoniously combines European modernity with traditional Japanese aesthetics, creating a serene and welcoming environment for both business and leisure travelers.
Makoto Kaita, General Manager of Novotel Nara, highlighted the unique aspects of the new hotel, stating, “We are excited to welcome guests to Novotel Nara, where they can experience both the serenity of Nara and the modern comfort that Novotel offers. Our commitment to sustainability, local engagement, and exceptional service will ensure a memorable stay for all visitors, whether they are here for business or leisure.”
The hotel’s location provides easy access to Nara’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the city’s historical and cultural legacy. The Rooftop Terrace on the eighth floor offers stunning views of the cherry blossoms along the Saho River during spring and the spectacular Wakakusa Yamayaki fire in the winter, creating unforgettable moments for visitors.
Novotel Nara goes beyond being just a hotel—it serves as a bridge between tourists and the local community, promoting Nara’s hidden charms.
The property’s diverse dining options, such as Trattoria Ponte Nara, offer a unique culinary experience. Embracing a “slow food” philosophy, the restaurant focuses on locally sourced ingredients from Nara, including organic dishes like pizzas made with spelt flour from the Katsuragi Shuroku Council. Guests can savor authentic Italian cuisine while enjoying an open-air setting with picturesque views of cherry blossoms in full bloom.
For those looking to relax and socialize, the Social Lounge provides a cozy space for teatime with family and friends. This area, open to both guests and locals, creates a welcoming atmosphere enriched by a selection of teas, light snacks, and local culture, perfect for a leisurely break.
The hotel is also equipped with modern conference facilities and two banquet rooms, making it a premier venue for meetings and events in the region. Whether it’s a corporate meeting or a social gathering, Novotel Nara offers flexible spaces supported by state-of-the-art technology and a dedicated team of event professionals.
In line with Novotel’s commitment to sustainable development, the hotel is part of the Novotel Oceans Initiative, a partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) aimed at protecting and restoring the planet’s oceans. Through a comprehensive three-year Positive Impact Plan, Novotel Nara is dedicated to reducing plastic and carbon footprints, promoting sustainable food choices, and enhancing ocean conservation awareness among guests and the local community. This initiative integrates eco-friendly systems, the use of locally sourced, organic ingredients, and active support for local conservation efforts, embodying the brand’s commitment to making a positive impact on both people and the planet.
Aligned with the Novotel brand’s ethos of balanced living, the hotel provides a range of wellness facilities, including a fully equipped fitness center, a large public bath designed for relaxation, and a wellness lounge featuring a children’s area for families to enjoy quality time together. The welcoming area, adorned with a Japanese garden and traditional Nara crafts, adds to the serene ambiance, offering a holistic wellness experience for all guests.
With a global presence of over 590 hotels in 65 countries, Novotel continues to be a trusted destination for travelers seeking balance, whether for business efficiency or family-friendly experiences. As a participating brand in ALL – Accor Live Limitless, Accor’s lifestyle loyalty program, guests can enjoy a wide variety of rewards and limitless experiences when staying or dining at Novotel Nara.
