Azekura (JW Marriott Hotel Nara)

Offering three distinct dining styles in a single restaurant is a far-flung dream for most chefs, but Chef Nobukazu Yoshida is able to pull it off with an air of effortlessness that puts guests at ease. After spending over 10 years as the head chef at the Osaka Ritz Carlton, Chef Yoshida took up the reins at Azekura in 2020 to great critical acclaim. For both lunch and dinner, diners at Azekura can choose from kaiseki inspired by historic forms of ceremonial dining, sushi courses that feature the freshest seafood available, or sizzling teppanyaki. Conveniently located within the JW Marriott Hotel Nara, this venue offers all of the amenities expected by international visitors in a spacious, contemporary dining room. High ceilings, traditional Japanese motifs, and elegant craftsmanship complete the scene. Azekura is worth a visit not just for the impeccable quality of its cuisine, but also for the flawless elegance of its interior.