Shisui, a Luxury Collection hotel in Nara, one of Japan’s most historic and attractive leisure destinations, combines old and new in magnificent way. The remarkable Mariott Bonvoy facility is set on the western edge of Nara Park, combining Japanese architecture with the lush greenery of a typical 7th century Japanese temple garden, which is part of the hotel grounds.
The Shisui site was previously part of the grounds of Kofuku-ji Temple, the aristocratic Fujiwara clan’s family temple founded in Nara around 710 AD. The temple is listed as one of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara” and is a timeless example of Japanese architecture and culture. Nara, Japan’s imperial capital in the eighth century, is home to an unrivaled array of UNESCO World Heritage monuments, several of which surround the hotel, including Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofukuji Temple, and Todaiji Temple. Beyond the park, beautiful forests, valleys, and traditional Japanese villages await discovery and exploration.
Renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and Associates conceptualized the overall design direction and interiors of the hotel, breathing new life into traditional Japanese architecture and the beauty of the Yoshiki-en Temple garden with a modern aesthetic to creating a rare luxury stay experience for guests. The hotel’s reception hall, restaurant and lounge are located in a low wooden structure, built in 1922 as the residence of the governor of Nara, with its classic Japanese roof gate preserved as the main entrance to the hotel.
The name “Shisui” was inspired by the purple trunks and green leaves or “Shikan Suiyou” of the scenic views of Nara, cherished since ancient times. The hotel beautifully embodies the destination’s indigenous history, culture and traditions, providing explorers from around the world with unique and authentic Nara experiences. The hotel is well located, just a 10-minute walk from Kintetsu-Nara Station, which offers direct connections to Kyoto and Osaka in 35 minutes and 45 minutes respectively. Osaka Itami International Airport is a 45-minute drive away.
Shisui, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Nara: A Family Travel Guide to Japan’s Ancient Capital
Nestled in the heart of Nara, Japan’s ancient capital, Shisui, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Nara offers families an unforgettable getaway. This stunning hotel is located on the banks of the Nara River, surrounded by lush forests and picturesque temples. Shisui’s elegant accommodations, thoughtful amenities, and immersive cultural experiences make it the perfect place for families to create lasting memories.
Family-Friendly Accommodations
Shisui offers a variety of family-friendly accommodations, including connecting rooms and suites with multiple bedrooms. All rooms and suites are spacious and beautifully appointed, with elegant furnishings, modern amenities, and private balconies with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Thoughtful Amenities
Shisui’s thoughtful amenities make it easy for families to relax and enjoy their stay. The hotel offers a kids’ club with supervised activities for children of all ages, a family-friendly swimming pool, and a children’s menu in the hotel’s restaurants. Shisui also provides a variety of family-friendly services, such as babysitting and childcare.
Immersive Cultural Experiences
Shisui offers families a variety of immersive cultural experiences. The hotel’s concierge can arrange private tours of Nara’s many temples and shrines, including Todai-ji Temple, which is home to a giant bronze Buddha statue, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, which is famous for its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns. Shisui also offers traditional Japanese cultural activities, such as origami classes, calligraphy lessons, and tea ceremonies.
Family-Friendly Dining
Shisui’s restaurants offer a variety of family-friendly dining options. The hotel’s main restaurant, Shisui, serves a seasonal menu of Japanese and international cuisine. The hotel also has a casual café and a bar. Shisui’s chefs can also prepare special meals for children with dietary restrictions.
Things to Do in Nara
In addition to the many activities and attractions offered by Shisui, Nara also has a lot to offer families. Visitors can explore the city’s many temples and shrines, visit the Nara Park, which is home to hundreds of freely roaming deer, and shop for souvenirs in the city’s traditional markets.
Specific tips for families planning a stay at Shisui, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Nara:
- Book a connecting room or suite with multiple bedrooms to accommodate your family.
- Take advantage of the hotel’s kids’ club and family-friendly swimming pool.
- Arrange a private tour of Nara’s temples and shrines with the hotel’s concierge.
- Participate in one of the hotel’s traditional Japanese cultural activities.
- Dine at the hotel’s main restaurant, Shisui, which offers a variety of family-friendly dining options.
The itinerary plan for a family vacation at Shisui, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Nara
Day 1:
- Arrive at Shisui and check into your room.
- Explore the hotel’s grounds and enjoy the stunning views of the Nara River.
- Have lunch at the hotel’s casual café.
- Visit Todai-ji Temple, which is home to a giant bronze Buddha statue.
- Return to the hotel and relax by the pool.
- Have dinner at the hotel’s main restaurant, Shisui.
Day 2:
- Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine, which is famous for its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns.
- Take a walk through Nara Park and feed the freely roaming deer.
- Have lunch at a traditional Japanese restaurant in the city center.
- Participate in an origami class or calligraphy lesson at the hotel.
- Enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at the hotel.
- Have dinner at the hotel’s main restaurant, Shisui.
Day 3:
- Visit the Nara National Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from Nara’s long and rich history.
- Do some souvenir shopping in the city’s traditional markets.
- Have lunch at a family-friendly restaurant in the city center.
- Check out of the hotel and depart from Nara.
Shisui nara hotel price
For families on a budget, Shisui offers a variety of affordable room options, including connecting rooms and suites with multiple bedrooms. The hotel also offers special discounts for families and children.
Immersive Cultural Experiences at No Additional Cost
Shisui goes beyond traditional luxury hotels by offering families immersive cultural experiences at no additional cost. Guests can arrange private tours of Nara’s many temples and shrines, participate in traditional Japanese cultural activities, and savor authentic Japanese cuisine. Shisui’s concierge can also arrange special activities for families, such as cooking classes, origami lessons, and tea ceremonies.
Affordable Dining Options for Families
Shisui’s restaurants offer families a variety of affordable dining options. The hotel’s main restaurant, Shisui, serves a seasonal menu of Japanese and international cuisine, beautifully presented in a sophisticated setting. However, the prices are very reasonable, especially compared to other luxury hotels in Japan.
The hotel also has a casual café and a bar, where guests can enjoy lighter meals and drinks for even less money. Shisui’s chefs can also prepare special meals for children with dietary restrictions at a very reasonable price.
Beyond the Hotel: Free and Low-Cost Activities in Nara
In addition to the many activities and attractions offered by Shisui, Nara also has a lot to offer families on a budget. Visitors can explore the city’s many temples and shrines, which are mostly free or have a very low admission fee. The Nara Park, which is home to hundreds of freely roaming deer, is also free to visit. And there are many traditional markets and shopping districts in Nara where families can find souvenirs and other items at reasonable prices.
Tips for saving money at Shisui:
- Book your stay in advance. Shisui often offers discounts for early bookings.
- Consider staying during the off-season. Shisui’s rates are typically lower during the off-season, which runs from November to March.
- Take advantage of Shisui’s value-added packages. These packages offer a great way to save money on activities and dining.
- Book your activities and dining experiences in advance. Shisui offers discounts for guests who book their activities and dining experiences in advance.
- Ask about Shisui’s special offers. Shisui often offers special offers to guests, such as discounts for AAA members or military personnel.
Shisui, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Nara is the perfect destination for families looking for a luxurious and culturally enriching getaway. With its elegant accommodations, thoughtful amenities, and immersive cultural experiences, Shisui is sure to please everyone in the family.
