Hyatt Affiliate Inks Franchise Agreement for New Luxury Hotel in Nara, Japan

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced that it will open its first hotel in western Japan in partnership with JR Tokai Hotels Co., Ltd. The Hotel NEI Nara will be located in the heart of Nara city, near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kofuku-ji Temple. This will be the third Japanese property under The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand, including the Fuji Speedway Hotel in Shizuoka and Hotel Toranomon Hills in Tokyo.

The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand offers unique experiences in special locations, including luxury boutique hotels in historic landmarks and modern accommodations in urban areas. Hotel NEI Nara will join 39 other hotels within The Unbound Collection by Hyatt’s portfolio globally.

The name NEI Nara, which conveys serenity and tranquility in Japanese, reflects the hotel’s respect for tradition and a return to origins. Nara city, with a history of over 1,300 years, is considered the spiritual center of Buddhism in Japan. The city is known for its eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, preserved temples, shrines, and scenic gardens, making it a popular travel destination in the Kansai region.

Hotel NEI Nara will provide convenient access to Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofuku-ji Temple, and Todai-ji Temple. The hotel’s prime location will easily connect guests through Kintetsu Nara Station and JR Nara Station. Nara is an hour from Kyoto and Osaka by express train and about 3 and a half hours from Tokyo via the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train.

According to the Nara City Tourism Survey, the number of tourists visiting Nara in 2023 increased by over 30% year-on-year, totaling more than 12 million. Overnight tourists exceeded 1.7 million, surpassing the pre-pandemic level in 2019. Overseas visitors reached 1.8 million, eight times more than the previous year.

Hyatt’s partnership with JR Tokai Group marks the organization’s first collaboration. The project is a joint undertaking between Central Japan Railway Company, JR Tokai Real Estate Co., Ltd., and JR Tokai Hotels Co., Ltd. 

Hyatt Hotels Corporation is a leading global hospitality company with over 1,350 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 79 countries across six continents.