Nara, a beautiful location in the Kansai region of Japan, is on the western side of the island of Honshu. Nara is well known for its famous ‘friendly’ bowing deer, who roam freely in Nara Park and surrounding areas, but there is so much more to the destination that you’ll find when you arrive in this incredible hub of delicious food, handcraft shops, and the most incredible culture. But yes, the deer are cute too, so don’t forget to grab some rice cakes sold near the park by locals and feed the deer a snack or two!
1. The Infamous Bean Mochi
On one of the main streets of Nara, is a small stall like shop absolutely rammed with people waiting on this one specific food. You struggle to get close enough to see what it actually is, and the staff are making them fresh and spitting them out quicker than you can say ‘one bean mochi please’. Before you know it, you’ll have this warm, slightly unusual looking food in your hand. Everyone goes mad for them, so trying them is a must! Bean Mochi is an acquired taste, but getting stuck into the real traditional food of Japan is what it’s all about.
2. Hidden Restaurants
It’s no secret that all the streets of Japan have the most incredible restaurants, and in Nara you won’t be stuck for choice. Walking along the local streets will give you enough choice, from Katsu, to Ramen, and all things delicious. But don’t miss the back streets, because this is where you’ll find even more hidden gems. Walk down the back streets that might not look lively to you but are buzzing with pocket sized restaurants that might only fit a handful of people yet serve the most incredible authentic food. You probably won’t be able to read the menu, or even get a menu, but you know the food is going to be out of this world.
3. Deer Themed Dessert
After experiencing yet another delicious Japanese restaurant hidden in a corner alley of this amazing destination, as you wonder down the main street you should spot a strawberry looking dessert stand, called daibutsu-ichigo. You NEED to try these gooey little dessert mochi’s filled with a type of cream filling. They have flavours like chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, matcha and more. There are also fresh punnets of strawberries, and ice cream on offer. But don’t miss the special Deer mochi, which is a larger sized one with the cutest little deer biscuit in the top. Outrageously good!
4. Murou Art Forest
A creative open-air museum featuring a collection of art installations located in the heart of Murou village. Based on a concept originally designed by a local sculptor, it features some of the most incredible art pieces across the park with designs from sculptors around the world. If you pick a good day, and the sun is shining, there is a wonderful spot to stop and have a picnic and relax.
5. Soni Kogen Highland
If you’ve got a spare day, and fancy a little venture out, Soni Kogen Highland is a must do daytrip. Soni Highland is an ideal day trip from Nara City, with easy hiking trails and simply breathtaking views. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Murou, and there are bus routes available too.
The best place to start exploring is at Soni Kogen Farm Garden, where the buses drop off. The complex comprises a restaurant, fresh produce shop, public facilities and a craft brewery. There is also a very popular bakery, ‘Soni Kogen Okome-no-Yakata’, which uses rice flour to create light breads and cakes to take on your hike. At the end of your walk/hike/stroll (whatever you choose the views are all amazing and so worth it) there is even Okame-no-yu Onsen if you fancied an extra relaxing afternoon before heading home.
Image credit: Murou Art Forest
