Based in Sakurai City for over 50 years, Kippoan has been popular among many people over the years for its special Japanese confectionery. As a long-established Japanese confectionery shop, they are particular about red bean paste. Every piece is handmade and sold one by one. Many seasonal confectionaries are available all of which are produced under the concept represented in their name, “Yamatoji Yushinka.” The meaning is “Trace the Yamanobe-no Michi Trail (ancient trail passing through some of Nara’s most historic areas) from the village of Miwa in Nara while enjoying dreaming of Asuka.”

The name of the confectionery, "Iware", is the old name for the area which used to cover the central Sakurai and the southeastern Kashihara. This milky baked confectionery contains yellowish bean paste mixed with fresh cream inside of soft dough made with ample butter and milk.

Miwa region in Nara is known as the birthplace of somen noodles in Japan. Isamu Seimen is located at the foot of the majestic Mt. Miwa. They have continued to produce somen noodles using the traditional hand-stretch technique called “tenobe” for more than 90 years since its establishment. No food additives are used as they want their products to be "truly delicious and safe." Only products made 100% in-house are sold.

Shiratama Somen is a product of the noodle master's best efforts, produced using the hand-stretching technique called “tenobe”. White, shiny, firm and elastic somen noodles have a sticky texture.

Rose-no Kabin is a sweets shop specializing in German pastries, including cakes and baked goods. They have been loved by local people for many years. Each item representing four seasons of Japan is carefully made. A zestful eat-in space is on the second floor where you can enjoy relaxing moment.

Choose coffee or tea (tea options: black, with milk, lemon, strawberry, apple, Assam, Darjeeling, Earl Gray)

A popular restaurant with a pretty pink façade and a very large parking space. The rice and vegetables used in their dishes are grown on their own farm. Ingredients are fresh and safe and many of the meu items feature each season. They offer an extensive Western menu and also serves dishes featuring local items such as chilled somen noodles, nyu-men (somen noodles in warm soup) and soba noodles.

Aromatic original blend of coffee.

A log-cabin style cake shop whose building is made of wood imported from Finland. Inside of the shop is filled with the warmth of wood. Cakes that are made with the finest ingredients, like treasures, are displayed in the showcase. There is also a cafe space with a variety of menu items. Relax and enjoy your time.

Coffee is made from organically grown beans. Tea is an original blend of orange pekoe.

Hoendo is a long-established Japanese confectionery shop on the approach to Hasedera Temple. Their signature items, Kusa-mochi and Kusa Yaki-mochi (baked on both sides), contain mugwort which is known for its medicinal properties. Both items have a healthy and simple taste. They select raw materials carefully and experienced staffs put their heart and soul into every item. Another popular item at Hoendo is Sekihan Manju: steamed rice mixed with red beans is wrapped by the dough made from flour and yam, then, steamed to give soft texture.

The baked Kusa-mochi rice cake has crispy texture on the outside and oozy and sweet red bean paste inside.

A vacant house has been renovated and opened as a machiya (traditional townhouse) café. It is used as a community space for local residents, a place of relaxation for visitors and as a base for disseminating information on history and tourism. Lunch and light meals are served. Visitors are welcome to stop for a break. A selection of brochures on sightseeing spots around Sakurai and events in other parts of Nara is available.

Warabi-mochi is a Japanese confectionery made by mixing bracken (warabi) flour with water and sugar while heating, then cooling and hardening. Warabi-mochi is known as a specialty of Nara, as the area used to be famous for producing bracken flour.

A long-established shop specializing only in Kusa-mochi (sweet rice cake whose dough uses mugwort) for more than 60 years since its establishment. Their Kusa-mochi are made from locally grown, hand-kneaded natural mugwort (yomogi) which has a dark green color. There are two choices: unbaked or baked. The unbaked Kusa-mochi is soft and the baked one has crunchy texture. It will be fun to try both and compare the differences. They should be eaten on the same day as no additives are used.

The unbaked Kusa-mochi is made without sugar, thus, it retains natural flavor. Inside is filled with homemade sweet bean paste.

A cafe and shop in a renovated old Japanese house located on the approach to Hasedera Temple. They reproduced an old dumpling called Meoto Manju (reservation required), which is said to have been made during the Edo period (1603-1868) around the time when many people visited Ise Jingu Shrine. The shop also sells ceramics, glassware, Japanese paper, brushes, accessories and other items made by artists from Nara.

A set of postcards of photographs that a monk at Hasedera Temple taken and posted on their Instagram.

Idaniya is a ryokan inn with a long history in the town in front of the Hasedera Temple gate for approx. 160 years since 1861. Each guest room has a different atmosphere, making it enjoyable no matter how many times you visit. The Hasedera Onsen (hot spring) is a rare natural hot spring in Nara, gushing out from 600-meter underground. The water is colorless, soft on the skin and has a high warming effect, making the skin smooth. Kaiseki cuisine that makes the most of seasonal ingredients and Nara's typical local dishes will be a delight, too.

Store-bought tea in a plastic bottle.

One of their popular items, “Kannon Pudding,” is Japanese-style caramel custard whose texture is smooth and taste is so rich. The package design features the Eleven-Headed Kannon (bodhisattva of compassion) of Hasedera Temple. Other items include an original T-shirt whose design was inspired by the Hasedera Temple’s lantern, sweets made from Yoshino kuzu (plant starch), tea and honey from Nara, and many others.

Jinki-do’s original item.

Inden is a dyed deerskin leather with patterns created using lacquer and stencils. This craft technique is said to have been introduced from India between the mid-16th and 17th centuries. The name, “Inden” is said to have been shortened from "Indo-denrai (coming from India)." Deerskin is soft and light, thus, it is an ideal material for bags and accessories. Various items such as wallets, card cases and drawstring bags are available.
https://kagura-hasedera.com/deerskin.html

Kagura’s original item.

Nakayama, established in 1953 on the approach to Hasedera Temple, sells a variety of clothing items including T-shirts, women's clothing, school uniforms, work clothes, office wear, underwear and socks. Not only locals but also tourists are welcome. Japanese Harusame (bean-starch vermicelli noodles), dried yuba (soy milk skin) and kuzukiri (plant starch noodles) are good choice for souvenirs.

Harusame noodles made from 100% starch of the Japanese potato and sweet potato starch.

Based in Sakurai City for over 50 years, Kippoan has been popular among many people over the years for its special Japanese confectionery. As a long-established Japanese confectionery shop, they are particular about red bean paste. Every piece is handmade and sold one by one. Many seasonal confectionaries are available all of which are produced under the concept represented in their name, “Yamatoji Yushinka.” The meaning is “Trace the Yamanobe-no Michi Trail (ancient trail passing through some of Nara’s most historic areas) from the village of Miwa in Nara while enjoying dreaming of Asuka.”

Savory pie baked crisply with well-matured soy sauce.

Located only 1-minute walk from the east exit of Kashihara Jingumae Station on the Kintetsu Railways, the hotel has good access and is conveniently located for sightseeing and historical walks in the Asuka, Kashihara and Sakurai areas as well as the Yoshino area which is famous for the cherry blossoms in spring. The hot spring "Kashihara-no Yu", which springs from the hotel grounds, is open until 1:00 a.m. The restaurant serves Japanese, Western and Chinese dishes using local Nara products during lunch and dinner time.

THE KASHIHARA’s original blend coffee or tea.

Enjoy a variety of freshly baked breads, including their premium bread. There is a wide range of colorful handmade sandwiches, prepared bread and sweet breads. Their Morning Set (breakfast) is a must-not-miss until 11:00 a.m.! Chef's signature dishes are popular during lunch hours which include all-you-can-eat of the premium bread.

“Yumiharihime” is the name of their premium bread which was named after Sakurai’s local folktale. Rusk is a pastry made of bread which is baked twice.

Panneterie sells bread in front of the ticket gates of Kintetsu Yamato Yagi Station. More than 20 varieties of breads are displayed in the showcase, ranging from sweet breads to savory breads and sandwiches. The shop is loved by commuters because of its convenient location.

“Yumiharihime” is the name of their premium break which was named after Sakurai’s local folktale. Rusk is a pastry made with bread which is baked twice.

Panneterie, located in the Mahoroba Kitchen Kashihara branch, specializes in bread. Visitors can buy delicious bread while they enjoy shopping for locally produced vegetables and other goods. Cafe menu items featuring bread and hand-drip coffee are particularly popular.
The Mahoroba Kitchen Kashihara branch is one of Japan’s largest-scale farmer’s market which also accommodates a restaurant and a food court.

“Yumiharihime” is the name of their premium break which was named after Sakurai’s local folktale. Rusk is a pastry made with bread which is baked twice.

Kani-no Ie is a restaurant in Nara specialized in dishes using crabs. Every dish is served with a variety of arrangements to suit everyone from adults to children, while making the most of the flavors of the ingredients themselves. It is a good choice for gatherings with your family and friends.

Store-bought tea in a plastic bottle.

Hashimotoya is a traditional ryokan inn established in 1871. Enjoy hearty and healthy dishes using wild mountain plants and natural ingredients from ancient Japan in a tranquil setting with a view of the vermilion Taiko Bridge in front of the Muroji Temple gate. The inn accepts not only overnight stays but also for lunch and rest after visiting Muroji Temple.

The candy has a crunchy texture and the taste of soybean powder spreads gently.

The inn accepts only four groups per day. It is located on the road leading to the Murou Art Forest. The Okuno-in temple hall of Muroji Temple can be seen from the east side of the inn. Enjoy the leisurely flow of time and the serene atmosphere. They serve exceptional meals which makes the most of Muro's natural bounty, including seasonal wild plants. A selection of recommended local sake is a must-check. Reservations are required for lunch.

A rubber band with handmade mizuhiki (decorative paper cord). Perfect for fastening booklets such as goshuin-cho (a booklet for collecting stamps provided at temples and shrines).

Eikichi has been serving Kaitenyaki with mugwort (yomogi) in front of the Muroji Temple gate for 50 years! The dough is made from simple ingredients - no eggs, only wheat flour, baking powder and water - yet it has an exquisite, chunky texture. The mugwort is a natural product picked from the surrounding mountains. Each piece is baked by their female owner who always gives smiles on her face. Kaitenyaki is a disc-shaped Japanese confectionery made by sandwiching sweet red bean paste between wheat flour dough.
http://voicecream.jp/en/see/eikichi/

Store-bought drink.

Nakamuraya is a casual eatery whose signature products are dishes using wild plants, somen noodles and simmered sweetened amago (a kind of mackerel). One of the popular items is warm somen noodle. The noodles are the locally-famous Miwa Somen stretched by hand which are thin but have firm texture. Adding chili pepper flavored with yuzu citrus to the broth is recommended. The view from the window seats is very picturesque.

A handmade fabric item made by their female owner. Choose one from the masks, mask cases, corsages, and more.

Noguchi Shoten is a small souvenir shop located in front of the Muroji Temple gate. They offer souvenirs of Nara and simple yet tasty local products such as handmade konnyaku and simmered sansho pepper corn. They cherish every encounter with people who visit Muro. Their simmered konnyaku handmade by their grandmother is a must try.

Konnyaku cooked slowly over time in soup stock and soy sauce.

Founded in 1932, Morimoto has maintained a history of more than 90 years. Each one of yomogi-mochi (rice cake using mugwort) is handmade using locally grown fresh mugwort. The sweet red bean paste and the aroma of the mugwort are a perfect combination. You can buy it from one piece. There are two types of bean paste: koshi-an (silky paste) and tsubu-an (with texture of beans).

Sweet red bean paste is wrapped with rice cake mixed with yomogi mugwort.

Darumaya Shoten is specialized in Daranisuke, an ancient traditional Japanese medicine. Daranisuke is a gastrointestinal medicine with a history of 1,300 years. It is said that the founder of Shugendo, Enno Gyoja, taught the method of its production. It has been loved and used since ancient times as a natural herbal medicine with no side effects. Nara's local sake is also available in the shop.

One of the main raw materials of Daranisuke is the bark of amur cork tree, known as asphellodendron. The plant is boiled down to a water extract and dried with geranium herb and curcuma rhizome.

Omoya is the closest and most convenient car park to the entrance to the Muroji Temple gate. There is also a shop at the toll booth where they sell bath agent called “Asuka Yakushito” and “Tenshin” both made from herbal medicines from Japan that are popular with women. Feel free to drop by.

Choose either handmade juice made from aka-shiso (red herb) from Nara or an accessory.

Ichiyado displays and sells wood carvings of Buddhist statues and other objects. The carving techniques found on each work are extremely detailed and delicate. Itto-bori is the name of an ancient Japanese wood carving technique, and at the same time refers to carvings or engravings made with a single knife.

Original design is engraved by laser on chopsticks made of Japanese cedar wood. Comes in a chopstick bag with a set of three chopsticks.

The building has a quaint appearance as it was a former sake brewery and the inside emanates a nostalgic atmosphere. The Kotodama Lunch which includes ample of local vegetables is very popular. Their sweets are characterized by the abundant use of colorful fruit. Specialties of Asuka and other local produce, from accessories to lacquerware, are also available.

Special cookies in the shape of Nyoirin Kannon (bodhisattva of compassion), the principle image of Okadera Temple. As Okadera Temple is famous as a place which expels bad luck, the cookies dough is blended with azuki bean powder.

Located on the first floor of Nara Prefecture Complex of Man’yo Culture, this restaurant offers curry and sweets with a view of the rich natural beauty of Asuka. Dishes using vegetables and fruits grown in the village are tasty and visually appealing, too.
The name "CURRYON" is a combination of the words "carry on" and "curry.” It expresses the wish that the town and its people will be connected through curry, and make further development from the village of Asuka into the future.

100% orange juice.

The specialty of this shop is Yaki-mochi.  Yaki-mochi is a grilled rice cake whose inside is filled with homemade sweet red bean paste made from the beans from Hokkaido.  The beans are cooked with coarse sugar slowly. It tastes not too sweet but achieves perfect balance of sweetness.  The rice cake doesn’t harden even after a while, thus, it’s an ideal souvenir to take home.  Freshly baked Mitarashi Dango (dumplings with sweetened thick soy sauce) is also available in the store as well as seasonal products. 

Two different kinds of Yaki-mochi: one is plain and the other contains yomogi (mugwort) in the dough.

Bunkamura Nigiwai Market in Nara Prefecture Historical and Artistic Culture Complex
Bunkamura Nigiwai Market in the Nara Prefecture Historical and Artistic Culture Complex. A variety of products from Nara are available at a shop selling traditional crafts and a farmer’s market where visitors can purchase agricultural product. In addition to freshly harvested vegetables and other agricultural products, a wide range of food products from local manufacturers and locally brewed sake are also available. It is an ideal place to discover souvenirs of Nara.

Bathing ticket of the Natural Hot Spring Kamokimi-no Yu, located in the southern part of Gose City, at the foot of Mt. Kongo and Mt. Katsuragi. The coupons have an expiry date. It is valid for three months from the date of receipt. *Note that the ticket expiry date is not the same as the expiry date of the Omotenashi service for this event. https://kamokiminoyu.net/

The wing is a part of Nara Prefecture Historical and Artistic Culture Complex. It provides information such as traffic information as well as information about historical and cultural resources and sightseeing throughout Nara. A concierge will provide sightseeing and facility information.

One original sticker of Nara Prefecture Historical and Artistic Culture Complex will be presented.

Marukatsu is a popular Tonkatsu (Japanese port cutlet) restaurant located in the Koryu Nigiwai Wing of Nara Prefecture Historical and Artistic Culture Complex. It functions both as a cafe and a restaurant. Take-out menu items are also available.

The Matukatsu Croquette is tasty as it uses ample butter. The Sweet Potato Croquette has smooth texture and sweet taste of sweet potato.