Nara City Tourism Association

Naramachi is located in the center of Nara, near Gangoji Temple. It is within walking distance of Kintetsu and JR Nara Station. It is adjacent to Nara Park, making it a great place to stop on your way to the area's sightseeing. Naramachi was part of Heijo-kyo, the state capital of the Nara period (710-794). It started as a religious and cultural center and later became the area's commercial center. Houses and temples built from the Edo period to the postwar period are preserved. Some traditional homes have been renovated into modern, stylish cafes and shops, making Naramachi a popular tourist spot.

Naramachi's charm lies in its quaint streetscape lined with machiya (traditional townhouses). First, take a leisurely stroll. Numerous photogenic spots exist, such as those machiya from which monkey-shaped talismans hang. The area also offers attractive local cuisine, so you can enjoy dining around. We recommend relaxing at cafes and restaurants in traditional houses for a break. Also, you can find many stylish local products at variety stores.

First, you can just head to Gangoji Temple. The temple is registered as a World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Great Temples found and protected by the state in the 8th century. Its precursor was Hokoji Temple (Asuka-dera), Japan's oldest Buddhist temple originally located in the Asuka area, then relocated to the Heijo-kyo capital in Nara. Temple's Gokurakudo Hall is designated a national treasure, and it retains the original roof tiles, which were from before the relocation and are still in use. The five-story pagoda, also a national treasure housed in the treasure hall, is a must-see. The numerous stone Buddha statues create a solemn atmosphere. There is an old map depicting the Naramachi of the year from around when Gangoji Temple was flourishing, so it would be fun to take a stroll and compare the past and present townscapes. The map is issued by Nara City Tourism Assn.

There are numerous temples, shrines, and important cultural properties in Naramachi. Visiting these places can bring you peace of mind within the tranquil environment.

*The photograph shows Naramachi Yuho, a local summer event in August. The lanterns are only lit during that event.

One way to enjoy Naramachi is to eat your way around. Mochiidono Shopping Street, which leads to Naramachi, is said to be the oldest shopping street still in operation. The bustling street is lined with many eateries. For those unsure what to try, this section features some of the recommended delicacies around the Naramachi area, focusing on Mochiidono Shopping Street.

Many stylish cafes and restaurants in Naramachi have been refurbished from traditional houses, so you can enjoy your lunch while soaking up the nostalgia. Have your fill of cuisine that can only be found here, such as healthy dishes made with Yamato vegetables (traditionally cultivated in Nara), cha-gayu (rice stewed in tea), and kaki-no-ha-zushi (pressed sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves).

After satiating your appetite, it is time to hunt for souvenirs and gifts. 

In addition to Nara's specialty products, you will find many other unique items in Naramachi. One way to enjoy them is to walk into shops that catch your eye casually. This section looks at some highly recommended shops.

Walking down the narrow alleyways, you will find a contemporary, stylish building: The Shika Saru Kitsune (Dear-Monkey-Fox) Building. It adjoins the birthplace of Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten, which has more than 300 years of history.

The shops and galleries in the refurbished kura (traditional warehouse) are filled with attractive Nara products. Restaurants and cafes are on-site, so you can have a good time even on rainy days.

About 15-minute walk from Kintetsu-Nara Station, or about 20-minute walk from JR Nara Station to Gangoji Temple in the heart of Naramachi