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Novotel Nara Celebrates Second Anniversary with Nara Gastronomy

Novotel Nara celebrates its second anniversary this summer with a series of culinary and hospitality offerings that highlight the regional flavors of Nara Prefecture. From August 1 through September 30, 2026, the hotel will host a “Summer Festival” themed buffet at its signature restaurant, Trattoria Ponte Nara, while providing an upgraded beverage and dining experience for guests in the Executive Lounge.

Summer Festival Anniversary Buffet spread
The anniversary buffet features a spread inspired by Japanese summer festivals.

Summer Festival Anniversary Buffet at Trattoria Ponte Nara

The first-floor Trattoria Ponte Nara serves as the centerpiece for the anniversary celebrations. The menu centers on Nara-sourced ingredients, blending Italian techniques with local staples. Notable dishes include pasta with blue crab and lobster, seasoned with white miso from Nara, and Japanese-style pizza made with locally grown wheat. The buffet also features roast beef and tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) using local “Baaku” pork, known for its quality.

Blue crab and lobster pasta
Pasta with blue crab and lobster enhanced by Nara white miso.
Trattoria Ponte Nara interior
The contemporary dining space of Trattoria Ponte Nara on the first floor.

The dessert selection takes inspiration from traditional festival stalls. Guests can find playful interpretations such as takoyaki-style cream puffs and panna cotta made with milk from Uemura Farm, the oldest dairy farm in Nara. The buffet is available for both lunch and dinner, with weekend dinner service including additional items such as beef steak.

Takoyaki-style cream puffs
Playful cream puffs designed to resemble festival takoyaki.

Upgraded Executive Lounge Experience

During the anniversary period, the Executive Lounge offers an elevated selection of food and beverages. Guests with lounge access can enjoy free-flow Laurent-Perrier Champagne alongside an expanded portfolio of sake from various Nara breweries. The food pairings are designed to complement the premium beverage selection, featuring seafood terrines, shrimp and avocado croissant sandwiches, and the hotel’s signature Baaku pork curry.

Laurent-Perrier Champagne and appetizers
The Executive Lounge service includes free-flow Laurent-Perrier Champagne.
Executive Lounge food selection
A variety of small plates and signature curry served in the lounge.

2nd Anniversary Special Stay Plan

A limited-time “2nd Anniversary Stay Plan” has been introduced to commemorate the milestone. The package includes original anniversary gifts and late check-out privileges. Guests booking this plan are also entered into a special lottery for the chance to win prizes, ranging from hotel stays to dining vouchers. The program aims to combine the hotel’s international hospitality standards with the distinct cultural charm of the Nara region.

Novotel Nara exterior
Novotel Nara opened in the Omiyacho district in September 2024.

Property details

Property
Novotel Nara
Address
7-1-45 Omiyacho, 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/
Rooms
264
Pricing
Lunch: Weekday ¥3,520, Weekend ¥3,980; Dinner: ¥6,600
Opened
September 4, 2024

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Area: Nara