From September 1 to October 31, 2026, Novotel Nara will host a seasonal afternoon tea in collaboration with Nara Shogaku, a long-established local confectioner. The menu, served in the hotel’s Social Lounge, emphasizes the transition into autumn through a combination of traditional wagashi (Japanese sweets) and Western-inspired culinary techniques, utilizing produce sourced from across Nara Prefecture.
Traditional Nara Wagashi Meets Seasonal Flavors
The collaboration features signature items from Nara Shogaku, including “Maboroshi no Ureshi Ume Kogane,” a confection made from ancient plum trees, and “Maboroshi no Ume Awayuki Kagirohi.” The selection also includes seasonal wagashi such as chestnut yokan (sweet bean jelly) infused with Uji matcha. Guests will find artistically crafted nerikiri (sculpted bean paste) shaped to resemble iconic autumn symbols, including persimmons, fallen leaves, and pumpkins.
Creative Japanese-Western Fusion Sweets
The menu bridges culinary traditions with original creations like the Fig Monaka Mont Blanc and a mini dorayaki (stuffed pancake) featuring Shine Muscat grapes and mascarpone. A notable inclusion is the blancmange, prepared with fresh milk from the historic Uemura Farm in Nara. This dish is finished with Nara-grown persimmon and a layer of Yamato tea jelly, providing a clear expression of local terroir.
Savory Selections Inspired by Nara Ingredients
The savory portion of the tea service highlights regional produce through diverse preparations. A cep mushroom pizza is crafted using Nara-grown wheat, while the Yamato-fu French toast is infused with the rich depth of crab miso. Other offerings include tuna paired with autumn eggplant and Mori Narazuke (sake-lees pickles), and grilled eel served with cream cheese on Sannootokomai rice coins from Yamatokoriyama.
Property details
- Property
- Novotel Nara
- Address
- 7-1-45 Omiya-cho, Nara-shi, Nara
- Access
- 8-minute walk from Shin-Omiya Station; 10 minutes by bus or 6 minutes by car from Nara Station
- Official site
- https://www.novotelnara.com/en/
- Rooms
- 264
- Pricing
- ¥4,500 (includes consumption tax and 10% service charge)
- Opened
- September 4, 2024
