PRESS RELEASE

Press Release

[Grand Mercure Nara Kashihara] From “place to stay” to “place to nurture local culture”. New Lounge "Lounge LE CIEL" opens

In commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Kashihara municipal organization, Grand Mercure Nara Kashihara will take a new step as a hub hotel that will serve as a starting point for experiencing local culture and passing on to the next generation.

The hotel "Grand Mercure Nara Kashihara" (Location: Kume-cho, Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture / General Manager: Yusuke Kitaguchi) has opened a new lounge on the 8th floor of the hotel on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 Prior to the opening, on March 28 (Saturday), we invited local stakeholders, including Mayor Tadahiko Kameda, Mayor Kashihara, to hold an opening commemorative event.

New Lounge "Lounge LE CIEL"

In line with the milestone of Kashihara City, which celebrated its 70th anniversary on February 11, 2026, this lounge is a space that symbolizes the vision of "to a hotel that will be a starting point for experiencing local culture and passing on to the next generation."
The CONCEPT of "Roundgill Ciel" is "a bright and clean space where you can feel the warmth of wood." Space design and interior coordination were handled by "Muji Aeon Mall Kashihara". The entire lounge is composed of flexible layouts, with a maximum of 146 seats. The furniture is mainly used for old furniture that has been cleaned and repaired, creating a space where materials that feel the lamination of time and minimal design like Muji are in harmony.
With the opening of the Lounge LE CIEL, we will create a flow line that naturally leads from staying to local experiences, and play a role as a hub connecting culture, people and towns.

Basic information on “Lounge LE CIEL”

In the center of the lounge, a table of old tools, which has been carefully used for many years, has been placed as a symbol of space. In addition, we have set up bookshelfs that collect books on the history and culture of the Kashihara and Asuka areas selected by hotel staff, so that moments during our stay can naturally lead to interest in the community.
In addition, there is a kids space in the back of the lounge where families can spend time. Artificial turf and logs are placed in the corner of the small rise, creating an environment where small children can play safely. On the other hand, there is a school desk and chair for children, making it a space where you can read and spend quiet time. It is a warm place where the grandparents generation talks, the parent generation relaxes, the child generation plays and learns, and three generations can share time naturally in the same space.
Business hours 15:00 to 19:30 / 21:00 to 23:00
Place Grand Mercure Nara Kashihara 8F
Free of charge (for guests only / included in the accommodation fee)
Maximum capacity of 146 seats

Lounge menu A lineup where you can enjoy the culture of Nara, where everyday life and local culture intersect
●15:00-18:00
Food Yamato tea flavor warabi mochi
Drink Yamato Tea Beer, Nara Prefecture Hojicha Latte
●21:00 to 23:00 (night cap)
Drink Sommelier devised Umeshu YAMATO Blend, Yoshino cedar scented pickled sake, Nara Prefecture Hojicha scented wi
Ski
※Food drinks are not available from 18:00 to 19:30.
After 21:00, if children under elementary school age use it, be sure to bring a guardian.

Lounge Opening Memorial Event

Prior to the opening, on March 28 (Saturday), an opening commemorative event was held inviting local stakeholders, including Mayor Tadahiko Kameda, Mayor Kashihara. In addition to the announcement of the lounge, we also sampled finger foods such as roast beef rolls, ancient rice and eel rolled sushi from Nara Prefecture, and introduced tatami coasters of the local Discovery program and bookmarks using handmade Japanese paper from Yoshino. In addition, a panel will be set up in the venue to introduce candidate sites for World Heritage registration, and video will be broadcast. In addition, a panel discussion on the theme of "Regional Collaboration for World Heritage Registration" was held, and it was a time to share the history of the future with the community.
At the end of the event, Yusuke Kitaguchi, the general manager of the hotel, expressed his gratitude to the visitors.

■Panel Discussion attendees
Mr. Tadahiko Kameda, Mayor of Kashihara, Mr. Hiroshi Shimoda, Director of Aeon Mall Kashihara, Director of Accor Japan Representative Director Dean Daniels, Mr. Grand Mercure Nara Kashihara Representative Director Koji Mayanagi
■Lounge Opening Memorial Event Comments from Hotel Officials (Summary)
・Dean Daniels, Accor Japan Representative Director
At this time, when Kashihara City celebrates its 70th anniversary, I am very honored to be able to take a new step with the local community. We would like to expand these initiatives nationwide in cooperation with our partner companies and local communities. We will work to make Nara Kashihara shine as a pioneer.
・Koji Mayanagi, President & CEO, Grand Mercure Nara Kashihara
The Kashihara / Asuka area is a historic area where you can experience the origins of Japanese culture. We are deeply grateful to be able to operate our hotel in a region blessed with rich history and culture. In addition, in this year, when Kashihara City reached the milestone of the 70th anniversary of the municipal organization, I am very pleased to be able to promote new initiatives with local residents.
・Yusuke Kitaguchi General Manager, Grand Mercure Nara Kashihara
We will develop programs and events that can be enjoyed by generations while further cooperating with local residents. To that end, we want to be a "place to stay" and a "place to nurture culture together with the local community." We will carefully create experiences that allow you to rediscover the charm of Nara and Kashihara.

2nd anniversary of opening and new lounge opening special plan
Grand Mercure Nara Kashihara celebrated its 2nd anniversary on April 1, 2026. To commemorate this, we are selling a special plan for "half price for elementary school students and free for infants" together with the opening of the new lounge. Jalan net, Rakuten Travel, Ikkyu. You can make a reservation by com or rurubu Travel.

■About all-inclusive
All-inclusive includes breakfast at the buffet restaurant as well as drinks containing alcohol in the lounge, hot springs and activities. The all-inclusive plan includes room charge breakfast and dinner buffets, loungeroom refreshments, and access to the hot springs (public bathing facilities) and activities within the hotel.
From April 1, 2026, the buffet restaurant Le Sensoriel has started offering a new signature menu inspired by Food & Beverage's new CONCEPT Marche. The "fun of discovery" that makes you want to stop your feet unintentionally, the "excitement" of a live kitchen where you can finish cooking in front of you, and the "fresh experience" unique to your travel destination are packed.

Click here for details on the new CONCEPT menu

※Some drinks, activities, etc. are charged. We do not offer lunch.

■Grand Mercure Nara Kashihara
Located about a 1-minute walk from the east exit of Kintetsu Kashiharajingumae Station, it is ideal for sightseeing and historical walks in the Kashihara and Asuka areas dotted with tumuli and shrines of the early Yamato era, and the Yoshino area famous for its Yoshinoyama cherry blossoms. In addition, you can enjoy an all-inclusive stay that includes dinner, breakfast buffet, hot springs, lounges, and some activities that make use of the ingredients unique to this area.
[Location] 652-2, Kumecho, Kashihara-shi, Nara
【TEL】 03-6627-4715 (Reservation Center)
[Fee] All-inclusive 25,000 yen per night (per person when using 1 room for 2 people, tax and tax included)
※No lunch, some fee
【URL】 https://grand-mercure-nara-kashihara.jp/

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