Grand Mercure Nara Kashihara グランドメルキュール奈良橿原 奈良橿原美爵酒店

Grand Mercure Nara Kashihara is an urban resort–style hotel located in Kume-cho, Kashihara City, just a one-minute walk from the East Exit of Kintetsu Kashiharajingu-mae Station. As one of the closest hotels to Kashihara Jingu, it offers an excellent base for exploring the Kashihara and Asuka areas, as well as southern Nara, including the Yoshino region.

The surrounding neighborhood is dotted with historic sites such as Kashihara Jingu and the Mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu, making it easy to enjoy a compact journey through the ancient roots of Japan’s Yamato region. With Asuka Village’s Ishibutai Tumulus, Asukadera Temple, and Mt. Yoshino also within day-trip distance, the hotel is well positioned for sightseeing by either car or train.

Formerly operating as “THE Kashihara,” the property underwent a full renovation and reopened under Accor’s Grand Mercure brand. The interior design follows a “tradition meets modern” concept, featuring calm tones and subtle Nara-inspired artwork in the lobby and restaurant. Rather than a classic ryokan style, the hotel presents a modern city-resort atmosphere infused with Japanese elements.

The hotel offers around 200 guest rooms, including Classic, Superior, Japanese-style rooms, and Junior Suites. Standard Twin Rooms are spacious at around 29 m², while Superior Twins accommodate up to four guests, and Japanese-style rooms with futons suit families and groups. Junior Suites range from about 60 to 75 m² and include a separate living area, ideal for celebratory stays or a more relaxed visit. All rooms are non-smoking and equipped with essentials such as a TV, refrigerator, electric kettle, free Wi-Fi, and a modern bidet toilet.

One of the hotel’s signature features is its on-site natural hot spring. The gender-separated bathing areas include indoor and open-air baths, as well as a sauna—perfect for unwinding after a day of walking and travel. A dedicated “Onsen Lounge” provides a comfortable place to relax after bathing. Although the hot spring water is circulated and filtered, it is described as beneficial for relieving fatigue and muscle stiffness.

Dining centers around a buffet-style restaurant offering Japanese and Western dishes, with many items featuring local produce from Nara and Kashihara. Both breakfast and dinner are typically served buffet-style, balancing regional specialties with familiar, family-friendly options. A lounge area is also available, offering drinks and light snacks depending on the time of day.

A key highlight of the property is its strong focus on an “all-inclusive” stay. Representative plans include dinner, breakfast, selected beverages in the buffet restaurant and lounge, access to the hot spring, and some in-house activities—all included in the room rate. Every guest room comes with lounge access, where visitors can enjoy sparkling wine, wine, beer, coffee, juices, herb-infused water, and simple snacks (with certain premium drinks and activities available for an additional charge). It’s an easy setup for guests who prefer to relax and enjoy the hotel without worrying about extra costs.

Facilities include a restaurant, lounge, large public bath, sauna, banquet halls, meeting rooms, a gift shop, vending machines, and coin laundry, making the hotel suitable not only for leisure stays but also for conferences, training sessions, and banquets. The largest banquet hall can host up to around 800 people, accommodating events ranging from academic conferences to wedding receptions.

In terms of access and parking, the hotel is only a one-minute walk from Kintetsu Kashiharajingu-mae Station’s East Exit. An underground parking garage with a 2.1-meter height limit is available on site, holding around 70 vehicles, along with EV charging facilities. Parking is operated as a paid service for hotel guests, and nearby public parking lots are suggested when full. As conditions may change, checking the official website for the latest details is recommended.

Overall, Grand Mercure Nara Kashihara offers a well-balanced combination of convenience, natural hot springs, sauna facilities, and an all-inclusive lounge experience. Rather than serving primarily as a base for Nara Park, the hotel is ideal for exploring the historical regions of Kashihara, Asuka, and Yoshino. Its facilities and atmosphere cater to families, couples, groups, and even business travelers attending events at nearby convention facilities.