A Hyatt affiliate has reached a franchise agreement with JR Tokai Hotels for the establishment of Hotel NEI Nara in downtown Nara, Japan.

This property marks the first hotel in western Japan and the third in Japan under the Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand, following Fuji Speedway Hotel and Hotel Toranomon Hills.  

Central Japan Railway Company, JR Tokai Real Estate, and JR Tokai Hotels are collaborating on this project.

The Unbound Collection has 39 other properties in its worldwide portfolio.

Hyatt Japan and Micronesia vice president Sam Sakamura said: "We are honoured to join hands for the first time with JR Tokai Group to bring The Unbound Collection by Hyatt to western Japan.

"We look forward to the opening of this luxury boutique hotel that will appeal to guests and World of Hyatt members from all over the world."

Known as a spiritual centre where Buddhism first flourished in Japan, Nara has eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city is a leading travel destination featuring preserved temples, shrines, and scenic gardens of natural beauty. 

Hotel NEI Nara offers access to Kintetsu Nara Station and JR Nara Station, connecting travellers to Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo via express train services.

Guests can explore local attractions such as Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofuku-ji Temple, and Todai-ji Temple.

Central Japan Railway Company president Shunsuke Niwa said: "We are honoured by this collaboration with Hyatt. Through our planned first base in this wonderful city, we are excited about working with the local community to create even more attractive travel opportunities for Nara. We hope to entice both domestic and international travellers to have culturally rich experiences in this historic and spiritual city."

In June, Hyatt Hotels expanded its foothold in Japan with the launch of Caption by Hyatt Namba Osaka.