Novotel Nara, which opened in the autumn of 2024, has announced its Summer Tropical Afternoon Tea, scheduled to run from July 1 through August 31, 2026. The offering centers on the use of seasonal fruits such as mango, lychee, and peach, combined with dairy and produce sourced from local Nara Prefecture suppliers. Served in the hotel’s first-floor Social Lounge, the experience is designed as a seasonal retreat for guests seeking a blend of international tropical flavors and regional Japanese gastronomy.
A Signature Take on Nara’s Shaved Ice Tradition
The centerpiece of the summer menu is the Special Mango kakigori (shaved ice). Shaved ice has a long history in Nara, and this iteration features a rich mango puree and fresh mango chunks. To add a creamy depth, the dessert is served with an anglaise sauce prepared using milk from Nara’s Uemura Farm. The combination of the chilled ice and the mellow richness of the local dairy provides a cooling transition during the humid summer months.
A Palette of Tropical Fruit and Local Dairy
The sweets selection emphasizes vibrant colors and the aromatic profiles of summer fruits. Highlights include a Butterfly Pea Rare Cheesecake topped with mango jelly and a Tropical Earl Grey Cake. The pastry team has also incorporated diverse textures through items such as the Fromage Melon and a Lychee and Peach Jelly. Traditional favorites are reimagined with a seasonal focus, including a Mango Shortcake and a Caramel Mango Cake, each crafted to highlight the natural sweetness of the fruit.
The presentation utilizes clean lines and bright hues, mirroring the summer season. Guests can pair these desserts with a selection of teas from Dilmah, providing a balanced accompaniment to the sugar and acidity of the tropical fruit elements.
Regional Gastronomy and Neapolitan-Style Pizza
The savory portion of the afternoon tea integrates Nara specialties into international formats. The menu features “Baaku Pork,” a local variety prepared with BBQ seasoning, alongside Yamato yasai (traditional vegetables of Nara). Seafood elements are marinated with passion fruit to maintain the tropical theme. A distinctive addition to the tea service is the freshly baked pizza from the hotel’s Trattoria Ponte Nara.
The pizza dough is prepared using a blend of Nara-produced Koto-mugi and spelt flour, resulting in a traditional Neapolitan texture. Topped with locally grown Nara tomatoes, the dish serves as a bridge between Italian culinary techniques and the agricultural output of the region.
The Social Lounge Experience
The afternoon tea is hosted in the Social Lounge on the ground floor, a space characterized by its contemporary design and open atmosphere. Since its opening in September 2024, Novotel Nara has positioned itself as a hub for both international visitors and the local community, emphasizing a “social” approach to the hotel experience. The 120-minute tea service offers a controlled pace for guests to explore the varied menu.
The property is located an eight-minute walk from Shin-Omiya Station, providing convenient access for those exploring the historic sites of Nara City. With 264 rooms, the hotel serves as a modern base for travelers seeking a connection to Nara’s cultural heritage while enjoying contemporary hospitality standards.
Property details
- Property
- Novotel Nara
- Address
- 7-1-45 Omiya-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture
- 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/
- Telephone
- 0742-32-3020
- Rooms
- 264
- Pricing
- ¥4,500 (Summer Tropical Afternoon Tea)
- Opened
- September 4, 2024
