The adorable deers in Nara are probably the first thing that comes to mind for most people, myself included! ๐
Their charm and presence make them an iconic symbol of the city which attracts visitors from all over the world. But Nara has so much more to offer, with its rich history, stunning temples, and peaceful landscapes.
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| Friendly deer roamed around Nara Park |
Temples and Parks
The city is also home to famous temples and shrines, such as Todaiji Temple, which has the world’s largest Buddha statue.
There are also beautiful gardens, parks, and plenty of shops and restaurants to explore. And when you’re in Nara, don’t miss Nara Park, a must-visit spot conveniently located just a short walk from Nara Station.
How to get to Naramachi?
From Ebisucho Station:
- Take the Sakaisuji Line (K17) towards Tengachaya.
- Get off at Tennoji Station (K19).
At Tennoji Station:
- Transfer to the JR Yamatoji Line (also known as the Kansai Main Line).
- Take the JR Yamatoji Line towards Nara.
- Get off at Nara Station.
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Tengachaya station |
Arrival at Nara Station
Arriving at Nara Station, I started by exploring Naramachi. The Nara City Tourist Information Center is a helpful spot for visitors.
They even have prayer rooms available here, making it convenient for those who need to pray during their travels. And no visit to Nara felt complete without a stop at Nakatanidou, which was known for its delicious Yomogi mochi.
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| Nara City Tourist Information Center |
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| Nara Park is located 2km from Nara station |
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| Nara machi |
Nakatanidou
As I approached Nakatanidou's shop, I could smell the enticing aroma of freshly pounded rice. A small crowd had already gathered outside the stall, so I had to wait about 30 to 40 minutes to watch the mochi pound.
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In front of Nakatanidou's shop
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With some time to spare, I decided to head to the nearest halal restaurant for breakfast before the mochi demonstration began.
Luckily, there was a halal restaurant just a short walk from the mochi shop. Finally, it was showtime. Watching the ojisan skillfully pound the rice dough with wooden mallets was entertaining.
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| Mochi-Pounding |
But don't expect much, the demonstration was just a quick 2-3 minutes, haha. After that, I decided to buy some Yomogi mochi and give it a try. The moment I took a bite, I was amazed. It was so soft, chewy, and packed with flavor.
I couldn’t believe how delicious it was and definitely the best mochi I had ever tasted! ๐ญ You really had to try it. It's a must!
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| Yomogi mochi |
Nara Park
As I made my way to Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple immediately caught my eye. It looked perfect with the peaceful park surroundings. The view was breathtaking.
Near to Todai-ji Temple, I spotted Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a significant spot for Shinto worshippers. It's famous for its ancient Torii gate, one of Japan's oldest.
I also noticed the ongoing renovations at the Five-story Pagoda, Kofukuji Temple, to preserve its heritage. They work hard to preserve these ancient buildings, showing how much they value their cultural heritage.
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| Kasuga Taisha Shrine |
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| The Pagoda, Kofukuji Temple |
As I strolled down the street, I stopped and took a moment to appreciate the beauty that surrounded me. The trees lining the street transformed into a beautiful mix of red, orange, and gold.
Friendly Deer
Soon after arriving at Nara Park, I was drawn to the cute little creatures roaming around the park. Some were chilling under the shade of the colorful trees, and others seemed unresponsive, haha. The curious ones cautiously came up to visitors with their adorable eyes begging for treats.
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| Nara Park |
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| The deer were patiently waiting for their treats |
I decided to buy some deer crackers, or Shika senbei (้นฟใใในใ), from the stalls around the park. These snacks are a special treat for the deer (but definitely don’t try them yourself! ๐). It’s such a fun and enjoyable way to interact with them.
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Grabbed some deer crackers in the park for ¥200 |
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| Kawaiii!!๐ |
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| Daifuku was crafted to represent the iconic deer of Nara |
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