JW Marriott Hotel Nara boasts direct connection to Nara Prefecture Convention Center.
Long been overlooked as a MICE destination, Nara is often considered merely a day-trip option from Osaka or Kyoto. But Simon Foster, director of sales and marketing at JW Marriott Hotel Nara [Stand J12] is out to change this “outdated” perception at The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2025.
“We believe this perception is outdated,” said Foster. “Our property offers a refined luxury experience at a more accessible price point compared to [Osaka or Kyoto], while still providing convenient access to both cities. Moreover, the surrounding area is rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty, offering a diverse range of experiences to suit any needs.”
What sets the property apart, noted Foster, is its JW Marriott Hotel Nara’s direct connection to a convention centre. Its next-door neighbor, the Nara Prefecture Convention Center, features a 2,100sqm convention hall capable of hosting up to 2,000 attendees.
The combined setup makes the location ideal for everything from executive retreats to international exhibitions, while a dedicated passageway links the hotel and convention centre, ensuring seamless access and saving valuable time for attendees and organisers alike.
Sustainability is also a focus at JW Marriott Hotel Nara, which is one of just three hotels in Japan to earn the Forbes Travel Guide’s Responsible Hospitality certification. Green initiatives include menus featuring organic, locally sourced ingredients; the replacement of single-use plastic bottles with reusable options at meetings and events; and a creative recycling programme for used Nespresso pods.
Used coffee grounds are even repurposed into compost for the on-site JW Garden, reflecting a broader commitment to circular sustainability practices.
AloJapan.com