Nara Park Nara, Japan
Opened
2023
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe HeritageOutside the door
The house
MarriottRestored Taisho quarters
Glass pavilions and manicured courtyards unfold behind a traditional tiled gate, offering quiet reflection right at the edge of Nara Park.
“The 43 guest rooms are bright and serene, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views of nearby Mount Wakakusa.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Kengo Kuma pairs clean-lined glass pavilions with traditional timber joinery and garden-facing vistas.
Notable
Bespoke hospitality centered on private in-room hot spring onsen soaks and evening garden champagne service.
Notable
Set around the restored 1922 Nara governor's residence, preserving classical Taisho woodwork and historic treaty rooms.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Also in AFAR.
Shisui, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nara stands compound-like behind walls and gates; within its historically minded buildings are clean-lined, contemporary rooms and suites...
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Just past the gates, wild deer roam freely through Nara Park, with the mossy grounds of Yoshiki-en and Todai-ji moments away.
The rooms
Floor-to-ceiling windows look toward Mount Wakakusa, while select rooms and suites open to private indoor or open-air natural hot spring baths.
The spa and gym
Soak slowly.
Spa treatment suites have private open-air volcanic onsen baths, and a gym looks out over the garden.
At the table
Restaurant Suiyou serves regional dishes under restored 1922 timber trusses. In a former storehouse, Shousou serves omakase sushi.
How it began
The grounds incorporate the restored 1922 governor's residence, including the historic chamber where Emperor Showa ratified the 1951 peace treaty.
Good to know
Stay here
Shisui, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nara
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Nara
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
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.
The eight vibes
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.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
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.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.