Flânons

Nara-shi · Japan · To stay

Shisui

Location & practical

Behind the governor's gate

  • A former governor's residence from 1922
  • Contemporary architecture by Kengo Kuma & Associates
  • Private open-air hot springs in secluded gardens
  • €300 / night
  • 43 rooms
  • Noboriojicho / western edge of Nara Park

# Behind the governor's gate

Shisui has two sides, separated by a narrow public lane. On one stands the former Nara prefectural governor's residence, its tiled gate dating back to 1922. Inside, the room where Emperor Shōwa signed Japan's ratification documents for the San Francisco Peace Treaty in 1951 has been preserved. The former reception rooms now house Restaurant Suiyou, while the old storehouse has become Shousou, an eight-seat sushi counter.

Across the lane, 43 guestrooms occupy low contemporary buildings designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates in collaboration with Taisei. Rather than imitate the old residence, they make room for the surrounding gardens. Twenty-three rooms have private natural hot-spring baths; in the open-air categories, the bath opens onto a small enclosed garden. That's the category we'd choose, not for extra space, but for the pleasure of bathing outdoors in complete privacy.

Nara Park is practically on the doorstep, with Kōfuku-ji and Tōdai-ji within easy reach. After a morning among temples and deer, return for the hotel's complimentary Garden Delight champagne service at Café Zeze, housed in a former temple building, or reserve a private hot-spring session at SUI Spa. Shisui isn't a traditional ryokan, and you won't be sleeping in the old governor's house. But dinner in a piece of Nara's past, followed by a private onsen across the lane, is a rather appealing arrangement.

  • Former residential building Historic setting
  • Restaurant
  • Spa Reservation required
  • Gym
  • Garden

Rooms.

The Flânons choice

Which room would we choose?

Deluxe Room (Open-Air Hot Spring Bath) Choose a Deluxe with an open-air natural hot-spring bath if it fits the budget: the small private garden is the most distinctive in-room experience here. If you prefer an indoor bath, the Deluxe with Hot Spring Bath is a strong alternative.

All 8 room types

Standard Room

Up to 3 guests

40–41 m²

Garden view · Floor to ceiling windows · Sitting area · King or twin

The smallest category, still generously sized, with a seating nook and views of greenery. No private hot-spring bath.

Superior Room

Up to 3 guests

43–46 m²

Garden view · Floor to ceiling windows · King or twin

More room to spread out with views onto the planted grounds. No private hot-spring bath; check exact bedding and availability directly with the hotel.

Deluxe Room (Hot Spring Bath)

Up to 3 guests

41–49 m²

Private indoor onsen · Garden view · King or twin

Includes an indoor bath supplied with natural hot-spring water. A worthwhile option for guests who prefer bathing indoors.

Deluxe Room (Open-Air Hot Spring Bath)

Up to 3 guests

43–46 m²

Private open air onsen · Private garden · Garden view · King or twin

The private natural hot-spring bath opens to a small enclosed garden. Flânons’ preferred room category for its character and experience.

Junior Suite (Hot Spring Bath)

Up to 3 guests

53–61 m²

Private indoor onsen · Larger living area · Garden view · Twin beds

More generous floor area, with a natural hot-spring bath indoors; marketed with twin bedding.

Junior Suite (Open-Air Hot Spring Bath)

Up to 3 guests

57 m²

Private open air onsen · Larger living area · Garden view · Twin beds

Spacious junior suite with its own open-air natural hot-spring bath. Direct enquiries may be required for availability.

Suite (Hot Spring Bath)

Up to 3 guests

64 m²

Private indoor onsen · Separate sitting area · Garden view · Twin beds

A 64 m² suite with a private indoor natural hot-spring bath and additional living space.

Presidential Suite (Hot Spring Bath)

Up to 3 guests

98 m²

Private indoor onsen · Separate living area · Garden view · Twin beds

The largest accommodation category, overlooking Nara Park greenery, with an indoor natural hot-spring bath. Enquire directly for rates and availability.

Standard and Superior rooms have garden views but no private hot spring. Ask for the exact outlook and bedding configuration rather than assuming all rooms face the same landscape.

Good to know.

Location
62 Noboriōjichō, Nara, 630-8213, Japan
Open map & directions
Check-in & check-out
Check-in from 15:00, check-out by 12:00
Parking
Ten on-site parking spaces, advance reservation compulsory. Approximately €13 per car per night (based on the published tariff and exchange rate at review). The gateway approach has steps that may prevent access for low-clearance vehicles.
EV charging
On-site EV charging is listed by Marriott, subject to availability. Confirm connector compatibility, charging costs and access when reserving a parking space.
Getting around
Approximately 15 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by taxi from Kintetsu-Nara Station. From JR Nara Station, take a bus to Kenchō-higashi (Prefectural Office East), then walk about 3 minutes. No hotel-operated airport shuttle.
Arriving
Entrance through the former governor’s residence gate at 62 Noboriojicho, beside Nara Park and Yoshikien Garden. Reception is in the restored historic building; guestrooms are in the newer wings. Arrange parking in advance if driving.
Pets
Pets are not admitted; trained assistance/service animals are accepted.
Accessibility
Marriott lists an accessible main entrance and routes to restaurants, spa and fitness centre, elevators, accessible parking and mobility-accessible guestrooms. Some original buildings have historic layouts; confirm the precise accessible room and bathroom features directly with the hotel before booking. Loaner wheelchairs are available in limited numbers.
Travelling with children
Children of all ages are welcome. Children aged 12 or younger sharing an existing bed stay without an additional room charge; breakfast is not included. Cots are available by advance request, subject to availability. Contact the hotel for extra-bed and room capacity arrangements.
Dietary options
Vegetarian and Halal

Worth knowing

  • - **Old and new are separate.** Reception and dining are housed in the former governor’s residence, while the guestrooms occupy contemporary buildings across a narrow public lane. Despite its historic setting, Shisui is a luxury hotel, not a traditional ryokan.
  • - **Not every room has an onsen.** Only 23 of the 43 rooms have private natural hot-spring baths. For the most memorable experience, choose a room with an open-air bath and its own enclosed garden.
  • - **Champagne is on the house.** Garden Delight offers complimentary free-flow champagne to staying guests every evening from 5 to 7 pm, with last orders at 6:30 pm. Worth making time for before dinner.
  • - **The spa requires planning.** SUI Spa has two private open-air hot-spring baths, available to hotel guests by advance reservation. Sessions last 60 minutes and carry a separate charge; treatments are booked separately.
  • - **Book the sushi counter early.** Shousou has just eight seats, housed in the governor’s former storehouse. It's an intimate dining experience worth arranging before arrival.
  • - **Breakfast is a sit-down affair.** Expect a Japanese set breakfast at Restaurant Suiyou rather than a buffet. Check whether it's included in your room rate, and discuss dietary requirements in advance.
  • - **Yoshikien is worth exploring.** The beautiful Japanese garden next door is a separate visitor attraction, not simply part of the hotel's private grounds. Allow time to visit rather than just admire the greenery from your room.
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