From "A Place to Stay" to "A Place to Foster Local Culture": New Lounge "Lounge LE CIEL" Opens at Grand Mercure Nara Kashihara

Grand Mercure Nara Kashihara (Location: Kume-cho, Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture / General Manager: Yusuke Kitaguchi), a hotel conveniently located for sightseeing and historical walks in the Kashihara-Asuka area and the Yoshino area, famous for its "Yoshino cherry blossoms," opened its new lounge "Lounge LE CIEL" on the 8th floor of the hotel on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Prior to the opening, a commemorative event was held on Saturday, March 28, inviting local stakeholders, including Kashihara Mayor Tadahiko Kameda.

New Lounge "Lounge LE CIEL"

This lounge opened to coincide with the 70th anniversary of Kashihara City's municipal organization on February 11, 2026, as a space symbolizing the vision of "becoming a hotel that embodies local culture and serves as a starting point for its transmission to the next generation." The concept of "Lounge LE CIEL" is "a bright and clean space where the warmth of wood can be felt." The spatial design and interior coordination were handled by "Muji Aeon Mall Kashihara." The lounge features a flexible layout with a maximum of 146 seats. The furniture primarily consists of antique pieces that have been cleaned and repaired, creating a space where layers of time are felt, harmonizing with Muji's minimalist design. With the opening of "Lounge LE CIEL," the hotel will streamline the flow that naturally guides guests from their stay to local experiences, fulfilling its role as a "hub connecting culture, people, and the city."

"Lounge LE CIEL" Basic Information

In the center of the lounge, an antique table, cherished for many years, is placed as a symbol of the space. There is also a bookshelf curated by hotel staff, featuring books on the history and culture of the Kashihara-Asuka area, designed to naturally spark guests' interest in the region during their stay. Furthermore, a kids' space for families is provided at the back of the lounge. One corner of the raised area features artificial turf and logs, creating a safe play environment for small children. The other side has children's study desks and chairs, providing a space for reading or quiet time. It is a warm place where three generations—grandparents can tell stories, parents can relax, and children can play and learn—can naturally share time in the same space. Operating Hours: 15:00-19:30 / 21:00-23:00

Location: Grand Mercure Nara Kashihara 8th Floor

Fee: Free (for hotel guests only / included in accommodation fee)

Seating Capacity: Maximum 146 seats

Antique table cherished for many years

Kids' space for families

Lounge Menu: A lineup that allows guests to savor Nara's climate and where daily life intersects with local culture

●15:00-18:00

Food: Yamatocha-flavored Warabi Mochi

Drinks: Yamatocha Beer, Nara Prefecture Hojicha Latte

●21:00-23:00 (Nightcap)

Drinks: Sommelier-designed Umeshu YAMATO Blend, Yoshino Cedar-infused Liqueur, Nara Prefecture Hojicha-scented Whiskey *No food or drinks will be served from 18:00 to 19:30. *Children under elementary school age must be accompanied by a guardian when using the lounge after 21:00.

Food Menu

Drink Menu

Lounge Opening Commemorative Event

Prior to the opening, a commemorative event was held on Saturday, March 28, inviting local stakeholders, including Kashihara Mayor Tadahiko Kameda. The event included the unveiling of the lounge, tasting of finger foods such as roast beef rolls and sushi rolls with Nara Prefecture ancient rice and eel, and an introduction to local discovery programs like tatami coasters and bookmarks made from Yoshino handmade washi paper. Panels introducing candidate sites for World Heritage registration were also set up in the venue, and videos were screened. Furthermore, a panel discussion on the theme of "Regional Collaboration for World Heritage Registration" was held, making it a moment to share the path to the future with the community. At the end of the event, Yusuke Kitaguchi, the hotel's General Manager, expressed his gratitude to all attendees.

Panel discussion in progress

General Manager Yusuke Kitaguchi giving a thank you speech

Panel Discussion Attendees Kashihara Mayor Tadahiko Kameda, Muji Aeon Mall Kashihara Store Manager Yutaka Shimoda, Accor Japan CEO Dean Daniels, Grand Mercure Nara Kashihara President Koji Mayanagi ■Hotel Staff Comments at the Lounge Opening Commemorative Event (Summary) ・Dean Daniels, Accor Japan CEO

It is a great honor to take a new step with the local community at this milestone of Kashihara City's 70th anniversary. We hope to expand these initiatives nationwide in collaboration with our partner companies and local communities. We will work to make Nara Kashihara shine as a pioneer in this endeavor.

・Koji Mayanagi, Grand Mercure Nara Kashihara President The Kashihara-Asuka area is a historical region where the origins of Japanese culture can be experienced. We are deeply grateful to be operating a hotel in a region blessed with rich history and culture. We are also very pleased to be able to advance new initiatives with the local community in this year, which marks the 70th anniversary of Kashihara City's municipal organization. ・Yusuke Kitaguchi, Grand Mercure Nara Kashihara General Manager We will further strengthen our collaboration with the local community and develop programs and events that can be enjoyed across generations. To this end, we want the hotel to be not only "a place to stay" but also "a place to foster culture together with the local community." We will carefully create each experience that allows guests to rediscover the charm of Nara and Kashihara.

Special Plan for 2nd Anniversary and New Lounge Opening Now Available

Grand Mercure Nara Kashihara celebrated its 2nd anniversary on April 1, 2026. To commemorate this, and in conjunction with the opening of the new lounge, a special plan offering "half price for elementary school students and free for infants" is now available. Reservations can be made on Jalan net, Rakuten Travel, Ikyu.com, and Rurubu Travel.

About All-Inclusive

The all-inclusive plan includes dinner and breakfast at the buffet restaurant, as well as alcoholic beverages in the lounge, hot springs, and activities. Upon arrival at the hotel, guests can fully enjoy the charms of the region's nature, culture, and traditions, such as soothing scents, food, and activities, at their leisure throughout their stay. From April 1, 2026, the buffet restaurant "Le Sensoriel" has started offering new signature menus inspired by the new Food & Beverage concept "Marche." It is filled with the "joy of discovery" that makes you want to stop, the "excitement" of live cooking where dishes are prepared right before your eyes, and the "fresh experiences" unique to a travel destination.

Concept: A charming local market

New signature menu: "Three Types of Burgers" (Breakfast)

A rich selection of vegetable dishes, including vegetable lasagna, warm vegetables, and smoothies

Click here for details on the new concept menu

*Some drinks and activities are subject to a fee. Lunch is not provided.

Grand Mercure Nara Kashihara

Located in an excellent location, approximately 1 minute walk from Kintetsu Kashiharajingu-mae Station East Exit, this urban resort hotel is ideal for sightseeing and historical walks in the Kashihara-Asuka area, where ancient tombs and shrines from the dawn of Yamato are scattered, and the Yoshino area, famous for its "Yoshino cherry blossoms." The hotel also offers an all-inclusive stay that includes dinner and breakfast buffet featuring local ingredients, hot springs, lounge access, and some activities.

【Location】652-2 Kume-cho, Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture

【TEL】03-6627-4715 (Reservation Center)

【Price】1 night all-inclusive from 25,000 yen (per person when 2 people share a room, tax and service charge included)

*No lunch provided, some services are charged

【URL】https://grand-mercure-nara-kashihara.jp/

About Grand Mercure

Grand Mercure is a premium brand with the concept of "Discover Local Grandly," celebrating the richness of local culture and providing a sophisticated stay experience that harmonizes tradition, elegance, and authenticity. Rooted in the essence of each destination, it offers guests a deep immersion through sensory experiences and storytelling that respects local charms. It values local customs, food culture, art, and human connections, carefully weaving each experience as a tribute to the land. By integrating international standards of hospitality with local individuality, it provides a rich and sophisticated stay while being deeply rooted in the local area. Currently, Grand Mercure