JW Marriott Hotel Nara (1-1 Sanjodairo 1-chome, Nara City) has expanded its "Journey through Nara's Traditions and Local Experiences" program, making its cultural experiences available to all hotel guests as of June 1, 2026. Previously offered exclusively to guests booking a dedicated accommodation package, the experiences can now be reserved individually by any guest staying at the hotel.
The program covers five areas that represent Nara's regional culture: sake brewing, tea ceremony, wagashi (Japanese confectionery), Nara brushes, and specialty coffee. Each session runs approximately 60 minutes and is led by local artisans, craftspeople, or specialists in their field. The hotel also provides round-trip transport from the property to each experience venue.
Five Cultural Experiences
A: The World of Japanese Sake at a Nara Brewery
A seasoned Nara brewer who has been producing local sake since 2020 leads this session. Guests tour the brewery, learn about the history and production process of Japanese sake, and taste sakes with different flavor profiles.
- Guide: Kurose Toji (Head Brewer), Inada Shuzo
- Brewery: Toyozawa Shuzo or Inada Shuzo
B: Nerikiri Wagashi-Making with a Confectionery Artisan
Under the guidance of a wagashi artisan, guests learn about the history and characteristics of Japanese confectionery while shaping delicate nerikiri sweets by hand. The finished pieces are enjoyed alongside tea.
- Guide: Tokuda-san, wagashi artisan at Judo
- Venue: Nishimuraya
C: Chanoyu Tea Ceremony in Ancient Nara
Guests learn about the history of Japanese tea ceremony and its long association with Nara, then take part in a formal tea gathering. They practice the etiquette of preparing and serving tea in a quiet, composed setting.
- Venue: Nishimuraya
D: Nara Brush-Making — A Craft Spanning Over 1,200 Years
Participants learn the history and techniques behind Nara brushes and take part in the actual brush-making process. Under the instruction of a traditional craft artisan, each guest completes their own brush to take home.
- Guide: Tanaka-san, Traditional Craft Artisan, Nara Brush
- Venue: Narafude Tanaka
E: Hand-Drip Coffee Class with a Master Barista
An introduction to specialty coffee culture, covering techniques, roasting basics, and different extraction methods. Each cup is tasted alongside baked goods, allowing guests to appreciate the individual character of each brew.
- Guide / Venue: Astral Ray Coffee
Reservation & Pricing
Activities only (standalone booking):
¥15,000 per experience, tax and service charge included. The rate is the same for 1 to 2 guests. Additional experiences can be added at the same price per session.
Reservations must be made at least 5 days before the check-in date.
Package plan (accommodation + breakfast at the Silk Road Dining all-day restaurant + one cultural experience + round-trip transport):
https://www.marriott.com/ja/offers/nara-living-traditions-off-210514/osajw-osajw-jw-marriott-hotel-nara
