The Luxury Collection, part of Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of 31 hotel brands, has announced the opening of Shisui, a Luxury Collection Hotel, in the Japanese city of Nara, reported Travel News Asia.

The hotel is situated on the western edge of Nara Park and brings together Japanese architecture and the greenery of a conventional Japanese temple garden, which is part of the hotel grounds.

The garden was formerly a part of the family temple of the Fujiwara clan, which was founded in 710 AD.

The hotel features 43 guestrooms and suites, with some rooms offering views of the nearby Mount Wakakusa.

It also includes deluxe rooms and suites which either offer private in-room hot springs or open-air baths.

The Luxury Collection vice-president and global brand leader Philipp Weghmann was quoted by the news outlet as saying: "Shisui is a rare and exceptional property that is intrinsically connected to Nara and its scenic natural beauty.

"Through its exquisite design, impeccable service and an array of luxurious amenities, the hotel defines the destination and transforms it into a truly exceptional experience for visitors."

The design and interiors of the hotel were created by Japanese architectural firm Kengo Kuma and Associates.

The hotel's reception lobby, restaurant and lounge are located in a wooden building originally erected in 1922 as the house of the governor of Nara.

The hotel has a classical Japanese roofed gate as its main entrance. It also features a spa offering volcanic hot springs in two private rooms, a bar, a fitness facility and two restaurants.

The property is situated in the Yoshikien area, surrounded by World Heritage sites such as the Kofukuji temple, the Kasuga Taisha shrine and the Todaiji temple.

It is a ten-minute walk from Kintetsu-Nara train station, providing access to Kyoto city within 35 minutes and Osaka city within 45 minutes, and 48km from Osaka Itami International Airport.