JW Marriott Hotel Nara

'Where ancient Japan meets modern luxury in the spiritual heart of the former imperial capital.' What's Special? This is Japan's first JW Marriott, uniquely positioned in Nara - the country's first permanent capital and birthplace of Japanese Buddhism. The hotel sits within walking distance of Todai-ji Temple, home to the world's largest bronze Buddha statue, and Kasuga Taisha shrine with its 3,000 mystical stone lanterns. Nara's famous free-roaming deer, considered sacred messengers of the gods, wander freely through the nearby Nara Park. Don't Miss The evening illumination of Kasuga Taisha's thousands of lanterns during Setsubun festival, and the nearby Kofuku-ji Temple's five-story pagoda - one of Japan's most photographed landmarks. Sample local kakinoha-zushi (persimmon leaf-wrapped sushi) and visit during autumn when Nara Park transforms into a golden wonderland.