About this Stay
In June 2020, I stayed for one night at Nara Hotel, which was founded in 1909 during the Meiji era.
Since its opening, the hotel has served as the “Guest House of Kansai” and has welcomed members of the imperial family and many distinguished guests from Japan and abroad. The building’s architecture and furnishings were truly magnificent and full of dignity and elegance.
From the hotel, I explored nearby sightseeing spots including Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Nigatsudo Hall of Todai-ji Temple, and the Great Buddha Hall of Todai-ji Temple.
For dinner, I enjoyed a full-course French meal at the hotel’s main dining room, “Mikasa.” Breakfast was also served at the same restaurant, where I chose a Western-style breakfast while my companion had a Japanese-style breakfast.
Table of Contents
Entrance and Interior
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Main Entrance
This is the main entrance of Nara Hotel, which was established in 1909 during the Meiji era.
Front Desk and Grand Staircase
I checked in at the front desk on the right.
On the left is the “Grand Staircase,” which the hotel describes as “one of the hotel’s finest photo spots.” It is covered with a red carpet, and the handrails are made from individually crafted pieces of wood.
Tea Lounge – Tea
I enjoyed a cup of tea at the hotel’s lounge area.
Tea Lounge – Beer
I also enjoyed a beer at the same lounge space.
Giboshi Ornaments and Japanese-style Chandelier
This photo was taken after going up to the second floor via the “Grand Staircase.”
- * The “giboshi” ornaments on the staircase were made using Akahada ware, a traditional craft of Nara, and are said to be unique to Nara Hotel.
- * The Japanese-style chandelier hanging from the ceiling is said to have been inspired by traditional hanging lanterns.
Nearby Sightseeing
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Kasuga Taisha Shrine
I went out from the hotel to explore the nearby sightseeing spots.
First, I visited Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
Hanging Lanterns of Kasuga Taisha (1)
These are the hanging lanterns of Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
Hanging Lanterns of Kasuga Taisha (2)
These are more of the hanging lanterns.
It is said that there are around 1,000 lanterns at Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
Nigatsudo Hall of Todai-ji Temple
Next, I visited Nigatsudo Hall of Todai-ji Temple.
Tea House at Nigatsudo (1)
I stopped by Ryumido, a tea house located within the Nigatsudo area.
First, I enjoyed their specialty warabi mochi.
Tea House at Nigatsudo (2)
This is matcha tea.
Since it was hot outside, it was served with ice.
Tea House at Nigatsudo (3)
This is matcha shaved ice.
Great Buddha Hall of Todai-ji Temple
This is the Great Buddha Hall of Todai-ji Temple.
Front View of the Great Buddha Hall
This is the front view of the Great Buddha Hall of Todai-ji Temple.
It has an impressive dignity and elegance, and its scale is truly magnificent.
Vairocana Buddha of Todai-ji
This is the Great Buddha, the Vairocana Buddha statue.
Great Buddha Hall of Todai-ji
This is a side view of the Great Buddha statue.
Dinner
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Main Dining Room “Mikasa”
I returned to the hotel.
This is the main dining room “Mikasa” on the first floor of the main building. Dinner was served here.
Table Setting
The table was beautifully set with a green tablecloth.
We enjoyed a full-course French dinner.
Champagne
I had champagne as an aperitif before dinner.
Appetizer
This was the appetizer.
- ・ White fish mousse served with salmon roe and vegetables
- ・ Bread
Soup
This was the soup course.
- ・ Pumpkin soup
- It was topped with a white foam similar to meringue.
Beer and Red Wine
I also enjoyed beer and red wine.
Wagyu Beef Fillet Steak
This was the main steak dish.
Dessert
This was the dessert of cake and ice cream.
Petit Fours
These were petit four macarons.
Tea
This tea was served in a teapot.
The flavor was Rooibos Cream Orange.
Macarons and Tea
Macarons and tea.
Breakfast
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Table Setting
This was breakfast at the main dining room “Mikasa.”
Guests could choose between a Japanese-style or Western-style breakfast.
I chose the Western-style breakfast, and the table was beautifully set for me.
Japanese Breakfast Menu
My companion chose the Japanese-style breakfast.
This was the Japanese breakfast menu, illustrated with drawings.
Japanese Breakfast (1)
This is how the Japanese breakfast was served.
- ・ The main dish was grilled salted salmon served with rolled omelet and grated daikon radish
- ・ Sesame tofu
- ・ Nara pickles and small pickled plums from Tsukigase
Japanese Breakfast (2)
The dishes were served with lids that were opened at the table.
- ・ Bottom left: Tea porridge, one of Nara Hotel’s specialties. Tea porridge is usually made with roasted tea, but here it was made with green tea.
- ・ Side dishes: Crab salad, vinegared okra and wakame seaweed, tsukudani, kuzukiri noodles, and more
- ・ Possibly sashimi-style yuba (tofu skin)
- ・ Miso soup: Red miso soup with wheat gluten cakes
- ・ Simmered vegetables: Taro, carrots, and more
Western-style Appetizer
When I ordered the Western-style breakfast, an appetizer plate was served first.
It included salad, fruit, and yogurt.
There were also two kinds of dressing for the salad.
Bread
This was the bread served with the Western-style breakfast.
Omelet
This was the omelet.
It was soft, fluffy, and beautifully cooked.
Checking Out
After breakfast, I placed my bag on the sofa and prepared to check out.
I had a wonderful holiday in this dignified and historic hotel.
