“Nara has an abundance of sightseeing resources, including historical, cultural and natural attractions. It is important for us to play the role of ‘Nara’s guide’ to promote its charms,” said Hiroyuki Hatori, general manager of the hotel. Architect Kengo Kuma, whose work includes the new National Stadium, designed the hotel. It has 43 guest rooms ranging from 40 square meters to 98 square meters. Of them, 23 are equipped with a natural hot spring bath or an outdoor spa. One-night stays start from 126,500 yen ($850).
Originally built in 1922, the old governor’s residence was used until 2017. The building is also known as the place where Emperor Hirohito, posthumously known as Emperor Showa, signed the instruments of ratification for the San Francisco Peace Treaty and the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty in 1951. Guests can see a round table, chairs and other furniture from back then in the Room of Royal Verification, where the documents were signed. A former guest room was refurbished into a restaurant to serve dishes that incorporate the food culture of Nara Prefecture.
About 2.07 million visitors stayed overnight in Nara Prefecture in 2022, the fourth lowest in the country, according to the Japan Tourism Agency. Although Nara is famous for many sightseeing spots, many tourists apparently visit the prefecture during the day and stay overnight in Osaka and Kyoto prefectures.
