No. 01
1 hotel
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
One of eight vibes
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
1 hotel
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
3 hotels
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
FUFU Nara
Low-rise Yoshino cedar pavilions inspired by ancient triangular azekura storehouses around heritage gardens.
4 hotels
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Ando Hotel Nara Wakakusayama
Mid-century ryokan architecture reimagined with clean wood finishes, panoramic floor-to-ceiling glass, and modern Western-plan layouts.
JW Marriott Hotel Nara
Timber lattices and earthy palettes inspired by the Wakakusa Yamayaki festival.
Nara Hotel
Kingo Tatsuno designed the cypress main hall with Kasuga shrine brass lanterns.
Villa Communico
Curved plaster walls and element-themed suites built inside a century-old timber frame.
Gold. Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver. Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze. They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed. A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
Design. Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe. Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local. It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Heritage. A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness. You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic. The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort. A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
