02–05 June
2026 At
JW Marriott Hotel Nara
2026 At
JW Marriott Hotel Nara
This exclusive journey to Nara, our Kanpai Season of Nara is our way of recognising your exceptional performance, commitment, and results. Your achievements have set you apart, and this trip celebrates the impact you have made. We are delighted to have you join us for a memorable experience in one of Japan’s most historic and culturally rich cities.
During your stay at the JW Marriott Nara, enjoy refined comfort paired with warm Japanese hospitality. From moments of rest and indulgence to thoughtfully curated experiences, every detail has been planned to ensure you feel appreciated and inspire you. Nara’s timeless temples, serene landscapes and unique local charm provide the perfect setting to reflect on your success and create lasting memories with fellow associates.
We invite you to explore the trip highlights, schedules and important updates. Take this time to relax, connect and celebrate how far you have come. This journey is a tribute to your excellence, and it is truly well deserved.
Warm regards,President
Asia Pacific (excluding Greater China)
This ancient city is home to three World Heritage sites, comprising Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara, Buddhist Monuments in the Horyuji Area, and Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.
Filled with natural beauty, charming townscapes and National Treasures, Nara is less than 2 hours by train from Kyoto and Osaka, and easily accessible from Tokyo.
Unfolding over 3 powerful days — each session is crafted to help you unlock clarity, confidence, and calling.
Raise your glasses to a distinguished celebration of achievement, ambition, and unity — welcome to Kanpai to Excellence, inspired by the heart of Japanese tradition. Kanpai, the timeless toast, embodies respect, gratitude, and well-wishes. Paired with Excellence, it becomes a profound expression of recognition — honouring exceptional dedication, perseverance, and outstanding success.
Guests will be also immersed in an atmosphere that reflects the warmth, richness, and transformative beauty of Nara's fall season, with décor, lighting, and experiences designed to evoke the glowing hues of autumn.
Glow & Gather celebrates the beauty of coming together under the gentle glow of ambient lighting. This theme embodies the essence of cultural harmony; creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that celebrates the richness of Japan.
It's a reminder that in moments of unity, shared brilliance shines brightest. This evening also offers a warm welcome to Nara, showcasing Japan's cherished Kanpai culture. With an atmosphere inspired by an intimate Izakaya bar, the setting invites guests to relax, connect, and raise a glass in celebration.
Please see below frequently asked questions for your reference. Should you need any further information, please feel free to contact apectopperformer@marriott.com.
Countries requiring visa to enter Japan include Philippines, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea. Please check Japan eVisa website for eligibility of eVisa for yourself.
Please reach out to your local travel agency for the latest information. If you need an invitation letter for application, please send the invitation letter template together with your details to Ida-san at Junko.ida@jwmarriott.com.
In addition, please check that your passport has a validity of at least 6 months from your departure date of 5 June 2026. Otherwise, it might be a good idea to start renewing or applying for one. Please note that you are responsible for:
Japan Immigration Clearance:
To enter Japan, you will need to complete Japan's online arrival form. Upon completion of the form, you will receive a QR code. On the day of arrival at the airport in Japan, please have this QR code ready.
Here is the link below for further information:
https://services.digital.go.jp/en/visit-japan-web/
You're on vacation, so feel free to dress comfortable and wear casual.
As part of the celebration, your room and tax (for one room) will be taken care of for the nights of Tuesday, 2 June through Thursday, 4 June (3 nights) at JW Marriott Hotel Nara. The celebration will also cover the following:
You will be provided with the schedule of local transportation from Kansai International Airport to Nara. Please plan your flights to coincide with the local transportation timings provided to ensure a smooth transit to JW Marriott Hotel Nara. For any additional request, it will be on guest’s own account and to be settled with hotel directly upon departure.
Babysitting service is available at a fee. Please pre-book at least 5 days in advance. You may contact Concierge to arrange. Payment must be posted to the room account only. Direct payment to the care giver is not allowed. Additional fee of JPY1,430 per hour applies for each child between the hours of 10pm to 9am.
For the following services, please contact jw.osajw.roomreservation@marriott.com:
Yes, Airport Transfers are provided via selected routes as shown below, on Tuesday, 2 June 2026 (Day of Arrival only). Transfers are valid for you and your 01 registered guest only. Additional tickets, if required, are to be purchased separately at your own expense (refer to below information on how to purchase).
Route 1 via Bus to Nara: Bus tickets are provided for you and your 01 registered guest. In the event you require additional tickets, please refer to the below information on how to purchase separately.
Note: Additional Tickets are to be purchased on your own, at your own expense.
Route 2 and 3 via Train to Nara: A dollar value will be deposited into your SUICA Card, which you will receive upon your arrival at JW Marriott Hotel Nara.
JW Marriott Hotel Nara Address:
1 Chome 1 1 Sanjooji, Nara, 630 8013, Japan
Route 1:
Bus Ticket Redemption from Klook:
Bus Timetable: kate.co.jp
Nara Prefectural Convention Center Bus Stop
Route 2:
Route 3:
Osaka Itami Airport to Nara:
Your go to guide for a seamless arrival at JW Marriott Hotel Nara – Let your Japan experience begin from the moment you land
Yes, Airport Transfers are provided via selected routes as shown below, on Tuesday, 2 June 2026 (Day of Arrival only). Transfers are valid for you and your 01 registered guest only. Additional tickets, if required, are to be purchased separately at your own expense (refer to below information on how to purchase).
Route 1 via Bus to Nara: Bus tickets are provided for you and your 01 registered guest. In the event you require additional tickets, please refer to the below information on how to purchase separately.
Note: Additional Tickets are to be purchased on your own, at your own expense.
Route 2 and 3 via Train to Nara: A dollar value will be deposited into your SUICA Card, which you will receive upon your arrival at JW Marriott Hotel Nara.
JW Marriott Hotel Nara Address:
1 Chome 1 1 Sanjooji, Nara, 630 8013, Japan
Route 1:
Bus Ticket Redemption from Klook:
Bus Timetable: kate.co.jp
Nara Prefectural Convention Center Bus Stop
Route 2:
Route 3:
Osaka Itami Airport to Nara:
Need help with packing? Here are our most recommended packing items.
As Nara enters summer in June, the weather may fluctuate between rainy and sunny conditions. You can expect some variability in daily temperatures between 18°C to 28°C.
Nara: Yoshikien and Isuien Gardens Tour with Tea Tasting
Begin your experience with a visit to Yoshikien Garden, a tranquil and lesser-known space that once served as a temple residence. This garden features three distinct styles—a pond garden, a moss garden, and a tea tasting garden—each with its own mood and aesthetic rhythm.
Next, step into Isuien Garden, a more expansive and architecturally layered space, composed of two seamlessly integrated sections from the Edo and Meiji periods. Take part in a matcha tea tasting held in a historic tea house within Isuien, offering panoramic views of the garden and its surrounding natural beauty.
Kofukuji (興福寺, Kōfukuji) used to be the family temple of the Fujiwara, the most powerful aristocratic clan during much of the Nara and Heian Periods. The temple was established in Nara at the same time as the capital in 710. At the height of Fujiwara power, the temple consisted of over 150 buildings.
Kasuga Taisha (春日大社) is Nara's most celebrated shrine. It was established at the same time as the capital and is dedicated to the deity responsible for the protection of the city. Kasuga Taisha was also the tutelary shrine of the Fujiwara, Japan's most powerful family clan during most of the Nara and Heian Periods.
Todaiji (東大寺, Tōdaiji, "Great Eastern Temple") is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara. Todaiji's main hall, the Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall), held the record as the world's largest wooden building. The massive building houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu). The 15 meters tall, seated Buddha represents Vairocana and is flanked by two Bodhisattvas.
Over 1,400 sika deer roam around the park freely and it attracts a ton of tourists. In the park, you can find some stands selling packs of shika senbei, or deer crackers, to feed the deer. They cost around ¥200 and give you a chance to feed them.
Get dressed in an iconic kimono and stroll through the parks and streets of Nara, immersing yourself in traditional Japanese culture.
View more here
Naramachi (奈良町, literally “Nara Town”) is the former merchant district of Nara, where several traditional residential buildings and warehouses are preserved and open to the public.
The narrow, winding streets of traditional merchant houses now host sweet shops, modern art galleries, hip cafes and boutique ryokan. With shops like Yu Nakagawa, Naramachi is a great place to find contemporary Nara crafts and stylish souvenirs.
Naramachi Koshi-no-Ie, or the “Lattice House,” is a beautifully reconstructed traditional machiya townhouse located in the historic merchant district of Naramachi, Nara. Its distinctive wooden lattice façade allowed residents to look out at the street while maintaining privacy, a hallmark of Edo-period urban architecture.
The house offers a tangible glimpse into how merchant families lived, blending work and home life while maximizing space, light, and ventilation. Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed Mondays).
Mochiidono Arcade (Mochiidono Center Gai) is a historic, covered shopping street in Nara, Japan, known as one of the city's oldest shopping arcades, offering a charming mix of traditional shops, modern cafes, souvenir stores (like unique tenugui towels at Akemitori), and eateries, serving as a delightful gateway to the Naramachi area and connecting to other shopping streets like Higashimuki.
Guests can enjoy local culture firsthand by stopping at Nakatanidou, where the iconic traditional mochi pounding is performed in front of the crowd—a must-see for food and culture enthusiasts.
Nara is renowned for its sake, and Harushika Sake Imanishi Seibei Store is a good place to learn about the brewing process. You can tour the brewery and the family’s historic residence and gardens, taste different varieties or drop by the cafe and shop.
Sanjo Dori Street is a major, historic artery in Nara, Japan, connecting JR Nara Station to Nara Park and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, bustling with souvenir shops, restaurants, cafes, and national stores, serving as the main path for tourists to see deer and temples, with pedestrian-friendly sections and occasional events like mochi pounding. While there's also a Sanjo Dori in Kyoto, the Nara one is the primary tourist hub for its iconic access to ancient sites.
Higashimuki Shopping Street is Nara's main covered shopping arcade, a bustling hub near Kintetsu Nara Station filled with about 80 shops selling souvenirs, local crafts, fashion, and food, perfect for exploring shops and grabbing snacks.
Board the iconic Ikoma Cable Car and ascend through lush mountainside scenery. Midway, make a stop at Hōzanji Temple, a serene and historic site nestled into the slopes, where you can admire its pagoda, stone stairways, and the peaceful atmosphere of ancient Japan.
Continuing to the summit, arrive at the charming retro amusement park, a little mountaintop haven where you can ride mini attractions and enjoy panoramic views of Nara city spreading across the valley below, especially magical as the sun begins to set.
Located in Higashimuki Shopping Street, Tonkatsu Ganko freshly prepares their tonkatsu (breaded and deep fried pork loin / fillet cutlets) sets priced around JPY 1200 per person. This restaurant also offers takeout.
Accepts Suica Card payment.
Served with rice bowls, Maguro Koya is known for its fresh, high quality tuna dishes and local sake from Nara, the birthplace of Japanese sake. Its range of tuna dishes include sashimi, steak, donburi and nigiri. English menus are also offered. Its prices average around JPY 2500 per person, including drinks.
Accepts Suica Card payment.
This restaurant is popular among tourists for its prime location, situated along the path leading to historic spots as well as having a close view of Mt. Wakakusa. Although more expensive at around JPY 3000 per person, Kotoya serves large set meals featuring local ingredients and delicacies. Within the restaurant is also a small shop selling local snacks and souvenirs.
Accepts Suica Card payment.
This store specialises in Kakinoha-Sushi, a unique sushi originating from Nara, wrapped in persimmon leaves. This unique 2-storey shop sells Kakinoha-Sushi on the first floor, with a restaurant on the second floor where you can get a stunning view of the Great Buddha Hall of Nara.
Accepts Suica Card payment.
Kuruminoki is a chic, lifestyle cafe with a small fashion boutique and a homeware shop where you can stock up on souvenirs. The bottom right image features its seasonal lunch, a healthy meal created using locally sourced ingredients. This cafe also offers ice cream and cake desserts.
Accepts Suica Card payment.
There are also several vegan options in Nara. One popular option is Onwa cafe, a chef owned and highly rated plant based dining spot. They offer salads, seasonal vegan plates and burgers, among other Japanese dishes. The staff are English speaking, and English menus are also available. They offer a variety of drinks, including teas and alcohol.
Accepts Suica Card payment.
The chef of this vegetarian restaurant is a committed vegan, so there is no fear of animal products being used. She welcomes customers from around the world with inexpensive and healthy lunch and dinner set courses, using local organic vegetables. You can also have as much rice and miso soup as you want. The owner/chef speaks English and some Chinese, and she is happy to explain each dish. Reservations are recommended for dinner.
For more vegan options, please refer to the links below:
itravelforveganfood.com – Vegan Nara GuideGeisha Culture (Hanamachi): The district houses two main geisha areas, Gion Kobu and Gion Higashi, where geiko (fully trained) and maiko (apprentice) perform, particularly in the evenings.
Refer to the links below for more information:
japancheapo.com – Where to See Geisha in Kyoto
Refer to the links below for more information:
insideosaka.com – Osaka 1 Day ItineraryThe last train to Nara from Osaka-Namba is generally around 23:30 on the JR Yamatoji Line. Kintetsu line trains from Osaka-Namba to Kintetsu-Nara usually finish slightly earlier, with the final departures around 23:20–23:30. For the fastest service, the Rapid Express from Osaka-Namba reaches Kintetsu-Nara in 36 minutes.
Please do download Uber app if in case you need any transport around the town area. Other than train and buses, Ubers are common in Nara.
Walk 10–12 minutes
Easy, flat route
Take the Kintetsu Nara Line toward Osaka
Direct train, 10 minutes
Travel time ~25 minutes
Walk to Ikoma Cable Car Station
10–15 minute uphill walk
Follow signs to Ikoma Cable
Fun, retro cable cars
Scenic ride
Atmospheric hillside temple with lantern-lined paths
Retro mountaintop park with panoramic Osaka views
You can either pack lunch from Nara city and have a picnic at the summit or consider the following:
Wood-fired pizza
Rustic countryside setting
Great views while you eat
Handmade soba noodles
Calm, traditional setting
Close to Hōzan-ji Temple
Walk around summit paths
Relax, take photos, enjoy the view
Great light for photos mid-afternoon
Traditional Townscape
They have the best strawberries
The viral mochi-pounding shop. Multiple times a day, they make fresh mochi with a special mochi pounding technique called mochitsuki. Don't miss it! It gets really crowded and they sell out fast too.
There are rows of shops to shop from. You can get some cute souvenirs too!
They also have lots of eateries, where you can have your lunch.
Head back to the hotel via shuttle
Pick-up at JR Nara Station or Kintetsu-Nara Station
6 stops (est. 30 mins)
A charming street lined with traditional tea houses
Must try: Matcha soba, Matcha ice cream, Premium ceremonial tea
Famous for matcha desserts
Great for gifts & sweets
Udon Miyoshiya
Torikiku
Byodoin Omotesando CHIKURIN
There are lots of cafes to try! Don't skip the desserts.
Experience the formal tea ceremony
One of Japan's oldest bridges
Beautiful river views — great for photos and a slow stroll
Take Kintetsu train (~40–50 min)
Arrive around Namba / Nipponbashi (food hub)
Known as "Osaka's Kitchen" with ~170 food stalls
Walk the entire market slowly (it's ~600m long)
Eat as you go — don't sit for one meal
Wagyu beef skewers
Grilled scallops or crab
Fresh tuna sashimi
Tamagoyaki (sweet omelette)
Walk the castle grounds and moat
Optional: go inside for city views
One of Osaka's best specialty coffee spots
Huge selection of beans
Walk the covered shopping arcade (~600m)
Explore side streets and discover hidden gems for food and shopping
Walk along the canal
Take photo with the iconic Glico sign
Explore the neon streets
Tiny lantern-lit alley right near Dotonbori
Feels like "old Osaka" hidden in the city
Takoyaki (octopus balls), Okonomiyaki (savory pancake), Ramen — the options are endless.
Take JR Nara Line rapid service (~50 min)
Take JR Nara Line local one stop to Inari Station (~5 min)
Walk from station to shrine (~10 min)
Walk the iconic torii pathway
Optional: climb halfway for great views (~45 min)
Photos: early in the walk to avoid crowds
Walk to Inari Station → JR/Keihan Line to Gion-Shijo Station (~10 min train)
Try Kyoto specialties such as Yudofu (tofu hotpot), Kyoto-style sushi and more.
Explore Gion and neighbouring streets for souvenir shopping.
Explore the wooden main hall & terraces
Take photos of Kyoto skyline
Walk through adjacent streets: Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka for souvenir shops
Walk along the scenic canal
Small shrines and quiet tea shops along the way
Best for photos and a reflective break
Stroll historic streets; catch glimpses of geisha/maiko
Browse local craft shops or pick up small souvenirs
Quick photo stop at Shirakawa Canal
282-7 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
Charred miso ramen
452 Jumonjicho, Yanaginobamba-dori, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto
112-1 Nakaicho, Shimogyo-Ku, Kyoto
Located in Higashimuki Shopping Street, Tonkatsu Ganko freshly prepares their tonkatsu (breaded and deep fried pork loin / fillet cutlets) sets priced around JPY 1200 per person. This restaurant also offers takeout.
Accepts Suica Card payment.
Opening hours:
11.00am to 9.30pm
Served with rice bowls, Maguro Koya is known for its fresh, high quality tuna dishes and local sake from Nara, the birthplace of Japanese sake. Its range of tuna dishes include sashimi, steak, donburi and nigiri. English menus are also offered. Its prices average around JPY 2500 per person, including drinks.
Accepts Suica Card payment.
Opening hours:
11.00am to 8.00pm
This restaurant is popular among tourists for its prime location, situated along the path leading to historic spots as well as having a close view of Mt. Wakakusa. Although more expensive at around JPY 3000 per person, Kotoya serves large set meals featuring local ingredients and delicacies. Within the restaurant is also a small shop selling local snacks and souvenirs.
Accepts Suica Card payment.
Opening hours:
8.30am to 5.00pm
This store specialises in Kakinoha-Sushi, a unique sushi originating from Nara, wrapped in persimmon leaves. This unique 2-storey shop sells Kakinoha-Sushi on the first floor, with a restaurant on the second floor where you can get a stunning view of the Great Buddha Hall of Nara.
Accepts Suica Card payment.
Opening hours:
11.00am to 4.00pm
Closed on Monday
Shikamaru offers a variety of bar foods and Japanese dishes, including fried chicken, sashimi, and yakitori, and is well-regarded for its kind staff and friendly service with a casual and welcoming atmosphere.
Opening hours:
11.00am to 11.00pm
A fun, busy restaurant on the edge of Naramachi for okonomiyaki, a kind of savoury Japanese pancake, and teppanyaki, food cooked on a hotplate. English menus are available.
Opening hours:
11.00am to 9.00pm
Closed on Tuesday
Nara Sakagura Nabe is a popular restaurant in Nara known for its delicious dishes and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant offers a variety of hot pots, including mixed spicy nabe and sake nabe, made with tender and tasty Yamato pork. Visitors also praise the fantastic udon and oysters served at this izakaya.
Opening hours:
11.30am to 10.00pm
Closed on Tuesday
A popular udon restaurant near Kintetsu Nara station with a contemporary interior. The noodles and stocks are made fresh every day on the premises. In winter, hearty curry udon will keep you warm, while the light, cool bukkake udon dishes are refreshing in summer. Popular extra toppings include fried chicken, tempura chikuwa (ground fish) and thinly sliced beef.
Opening hours:
11.00am to 3.00pm, 5.00pm to 9.00pm
A soul food dining experience where you can enjoy a variety of creative gourmet dishes made with abundant ingredients from Nara Prefecture. Try the signature "Kougen no Ito" arranged somen, Nara rice onigiri, and delicious side dishes featuring local Nara vegetables.
Opening hours:
11.30am to 3.00pm, 5.30pm to 10.00pm
There are also several vegan options in Nara. One popular option is Onwa cafe, a chef owned and highly rated plant based dining spot. They offer salads, seasonal vegan plates and burgers, among other Japanese dishes. The staff are English speaking, and English menus are also available. They offer a variety of drinks, including teas and alcohol.
Accepts Suica Card payment.
Opening hours:
11.00am to 5.00pm
The chef of this vegetarian restaurant is a committed vegan, so there is no fear of animal products being used. She welcomes customers from around the world with inexpensive and healthy lunch and dinner set courses, using local organic vegetables. You can also have as much rice and miso soup as you want. The owner/chef speaks English and some Chinese, and she is happy to explain each dish. Reservations are recommended for dinner.
Opening hours:
11.30am to 2.30pm
Closed on Monday
Kururu is a cozy, highly-rated vegan cafe near Kintetsu-Nara Station (3-minute walk) that serves healthy, organic, and dietary-therapy-based food. Run by a passionate owner, it specializes in brown rice dishes, soy milk cream, and plant-based, additive-free meals in a relaxing, intimate atmosphere.
Opening hours:
10.00am to 10.00pm
For more vegan options, please refer to the links below:
itravelforveganfood.com – Vegan Nara Guide
Important train timings to get back to Nara.
The last train to Nara from Osaka-Namba is generally around 23:30 on the JR Yamatoji Line. Kintetsu line trains from Osaka-Namba to Kintetsu-Nara usually finish slightly earlier, with the final departures around 23:20–23:30. For the fastest service, the Rapid Express from Osaka-Namba reaches Kintetsu-Nara in 36 minutes.
Please do download the Uber app in case you need any transport around the town area. Other than train and buses, Ubers are common in Nara.
Optional workshops available on Day 2. Based on a first come first served basis as space is limited.
Guests make seasonal Japanese sweets (wagashi) and enjoy them with matcha in a traditional tea ceremony setting. A perfect blend of craft and culture.
Max capacity: 30
Guests create a small tatami mat using authentic materials. A rare opportunity to experience one of Japan's most iconic traditional crafts.
Max capacity: 90
Guests will have a guided tour around Nara park and learn about its history.
Max capacity: 90
Tap, go, and explore – Everything you need to know about using your Suica card in Japan.
The Suica card is a prepaid transportation card that enables convenient, ticketless travel across Japan’s extensive public transportation network.
Beyond trains and buses, Suica is widely accepted for everyday purchases. To check if Suica can be used at a store or restaurant, simply look for the green Suica logo or the brown and red “IC” symbol, which indicates acceptance. When in doubt, just ask.
Suica is accepted at many retailers, convenience stores, and even vending machines — making it an easy and cash free way to pay, especially when credit cards are not accepted and carrying loose change can be inconvenient.
Some train services require an additional fare that is not covered by the Suica card.
This includes:
Tickets for these services must be purchased separately.
Upon your arrival at JW Marriott Hotel Nara, you will receive your Suica card during the check in process.
The card will come with a pre stored value, which will cover:
Any amount exceeding the pre loaded value will be charged to the guest's own account.
⚠️Important Notes
