An exterior rendering of the lodging facility to be built within the former grounds of Todaiji temple in Nara (Provided by Kintetsu Miyako Hotels International Inc.)
NARA–In an answer to prayers for more luxury accommodations in Nara, a high-end lodging facility will open on the former grounds of Todaiji temple here in the fall of 2028.
The temple and Kintetsu Miyako Hotels International Inc. made the announcement on Feb. 4.
Nara, located close to Osaka and Kyoto, offers relatively few high-end accommodations, which has been a challenge for the local tourism industry.
“The number of foreign visitors to Nara city is increasing, and the high-value-added travel market is expanding. We hope to enhance the value of the region over the mid- to long term,” said a Kintetsu Miyako Hotels sales planning department staffer.
Although the site lies outside the temple’s current precincts, it is still owned by Todaiji and sits within an area designated by the government as a national historic site.
The location is within walking distance of major tourist attractions including Nara Park, Todaiji and Kofukuji temples.
The facility will cater to affluent travelers from Japan and abroad, though accommodation rates have yet to be determined.
The site covers approximately 12,000 square meters. A garden will be created by incorporating the former precinct’s natural contours, slopes and existing trees. Around the garden, roughly 25 low-rise guest rooms will be constructed as separate buildings.
The facility will also include a restaurant, a tea room and other amenities. Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2027.
The lodging will be the latest to open in Nara in recent years. In 2020, Fufu Nara Japan and the JW Marriott Hotel Nara opened.
In June 2026, Hoshino Resorts Inc. will also open Hoshinoya Nara Prison, a 48‑room property consisting entirely of suites and converted from the former Nara Prison, an Important Cultural Property.
Central Japan Railway Co. (JR Tokai) is also moving forward with plans to open a luxury hotel in collaboration with Hyatt Hotel Corp. in fiscal 2030 in the city.
