Nara
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Nara was once the capital of Japan, but today is much smaller than in its past life. Although it is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kasusayama Forest, Gangoji Temple, Yakushiki Temple, Toshodaiji Temple, and the Heijokyo Ruins—many places of interest can be explored within a day or two due to the city’s compactness. Nara is definitely more historical with its numerous temples and shrines, which can be a tad boring if those sights are not your cup of tea. However, it’s a wonderful city for a day-trip to if you’re in Osaka or Kyoto.
Places of Interest
Nakatanidou: Along the main street leading to Nara Park is Nakatanidou. They are known for their high-speed art of mochi pounding, referred to as mochitsuki in Japanese. Nakatanidou is home to some of Japan’s fastest mochi pounders. It’s mesmerizing to watch them perform this daily task to produce delicious, fresh mochi. They usually perform mochitsuki every half hour or hour, so be sure to stop by and watch if you have the opportunity!
Nara Park: This beautiful park is home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. In Shinto belief deer are messengers of the gods, and Nara’s deer have been embraced as the symbol of the city. They are considered sacred and are allowed to freely roam as they please. People visit the park to see these deer, as some have learned to bow for food. They’re very tame, but can be a little aggressive when it comes to being fed. You can purchase packs of deer cookies throughout the park to feed the deer.
Naramachi: Literally translated to “Nara Town,” this is the former merchant district of Nara. Here you will find traditional residential buildings and warehouses, which have been preserved and are open to the public. In addition, there are a few different shops, cafes, restaurants, and small museums sprinkled throughout the area.
Travel tip: Depending on your desire to temple and shrine hop, Nara’s main sites can be completed in a day or two. Neighboring cities Osaka and Kyoto have much more to experience than Nara, but there is a lot of history and older Japanese culture in Nara.
Food
Yomogi mochi: Nakatanidou is famous for their yomogi mochi. Yomogi is a Japanese wild plant, also known as mugwort. This gives the mochi its vibrant green color. The yomogi mochi is stuffed with anko (red bean paste) and dusted with kinako (roasted soybean flour) to give it a wonderful flavor.
Soba, udon, & somen: As an ancient capital of Japan that is filled with history, the city offers ample amounts of traditional Japanese cuisine. After visiting Nara Park and walking through a couple temples, be sure to stop in one of the street markets for lunch. There are various restaurants that serve up traditional and tasty dishes such as soba, udon, somen, and tempura.
Manshoudou: This is one of the oldest Japanese sweets producers in Nara. They make dorayaki, known as mikasa in the Kansai area. At Manshoudou, you can order one that is 16 centimeters in diameter! It’s a quick walk from Kintetsu Nara Station and worth visiting to purchase some fantastic omiyage for family and friends.
Go here for more regional Nara specialties & follow this link for accommodation options in the city.