Nara

Hidden Gems

Nara’s lesser-known corners feature specialized museums, traditional architecture, and unique culinary stops. Explore the Naramachi district to find the Mechanical Toy Museum’s collection of traditional playthings and the Koshi-no-Ie Residence, a preserved merchant house showcasing historical urban living. Local flavors include handmade wagashi at a century-old confectionery and regional okonomiyaki. For unusual landmarks, visit the wooden pillar at Todai-ji Temple containing a passage the size of the Great Buddha’s nostril, or interact with owls at a local animal cafe.

Owl Cafe Watawata

This animal cafe is quite special and as the title suggests here you can dine and enjoy your coffee with owls hanging out with you.

中西与三郎

Founded in the early 20th century, this confectionery specializes in handcrafted traditional Japanese sweets, or wagashi, made on-site.

Naramachi Mechanical Toy Museum

Opened in 2012, this museum invites all children to come and play with their collections of traditional Japanese toys.

Koshi-no-Ie Residence

An original Nara type of residence shows the way people had lived not such a long time ago.

Surugamachi no Okonomiyakiya

One of the best okonomiyakis - Japanese savory pancakes filled with various ingredients - in the area.

Buddha's Nostril

A hole through a wooden pillar in Todai-ji Temple's Daibutsuden hall, sized to match the nostril of the Great Buddha statue. Squeezing through the opening is traditionally believed to bring good luck.