A Different Nara — Embark on a Delicious and Scenic Discovery Journey

If you ask me where to travel in the Kansai region during spring and summer, Nara would be my top recommendation. Not only is it easily accessible, but the climate is also very pleasant. Interacting endlessly with the deer, surrounded by vibrant greenery, a trip here is sure to help you forget many worries and lift your spirits.

However, many who aren’t familiar with Nara think visiting means just seeing the deer. In fact, there are many other worthwhile and delightful spots to explore. Today, follow us as we uncover the unique charm of Nara.

Taking beautiful photos in this season of blooming flowers and singing birds is surely a dream for many lovely ladies. First, I’d like to recommend a kimono shop — arguably the only one among so many I’ve visited that has its own photography studio, and at such a high standard.

This Kyoto Romanson (Kimono+) is very easy to find, just a five-minute walk from JR Nara Station, with a highly visible storefront.

The interior decor shows the owner’s attention to detail in many ways, with a small stone path leading all the way into the depths of the shop. The photo backdrops prepared here are simply stunning, with rich, vibrant colors perfectly recreating scenes straight out of Japanese films — it feels like you can already see the fleeting glimpse of a geisha. There’s an entire wall of sakura-patterned Japanese doors, and I think no one could resist taking a few photos here. You can also book paid themed scenes, ensuring you’ll get at least one set of photos you love.

The variety of kimonos in the shop is dazzling, ranging from elegant and gorgeous to uniquely refined — if you can imagine it, they probably have it. I finally chose a super traditional black-and-red kimono. After selecting, the staff will help you try it on to ensure the fit is just right. The kimono-dressing assistants are incredibly professional, paying attention to every tiny detail.

After getting dressed, let’s take a little selfie moment, haha. Then comes the beautiful hairstyle. Even with such short hair, they can style it into an adorable updo, paired with cute little flowers — instant transformation into the cutest girl on the street.

This season, many high school students come to Nara Park for school trips. Kimonos, deer, and students create a very harmonious scene. Just holding some deer crackers will attract plenty of them. Above the Nara Park bus stop, there’s a super spacious terrace with views of temples like Tōfuku-ji. It’s also very cool in the summer. There’s also a super stylish Starbucks here — grab a latte, enjoy the breeze on the terrace, and you’ve got the most relaxing holiday imaginable.

Walk past Starbucks and through a particularly photogenic corridor, and you’ll find another branch of the kimono shop right ahead. They also offer free photo backdrops here, and unlike many cramped kimono experience studios, both branches are bright and spacious, filling you with happiness from the moment you start choosing outfits. For group guests, kimonos rented at the main store can even be returned at the branch — how thoughtful is that?

After playing for half the morning, it’s time to eat. My friend and I visited Nara’s super popular kakinoha sushi (persimmon leaf sushi) veteran shop — “Kakinoha Sushi Honpo Tanaka” — for a light bite. This shop is also very easy to find, located in the shopping street right next to Nara Kintetsu Station.

Right at the entrance, there’s a sample of their signature kakinoha sushi — just looking at it makes you want to eat it right away. Aside from the signature item, the shop also offers many other delicious-looking choices.

Before long, our orders arrived — I went for the signature kakinoha sushi, which included mackerel and salmon. The moment you unwrap the sushi from its tightly wrapped persimmon leaf, a rich aroma wafts out. The mackerel, salmon, and rice form a perfect balance.So delicious, I couldn’t stop eating.

Because it was just that good, I asked the shop for another serving with sea bream kakinoha sushi, enjoying yet another amazing flavor. I couldn’t help but think — this is truly a representative delicacy of Nara.

Full and happy, let’s keep exploring. Walk to the end of the shopping street, cross the road, and you’ll see Owl WataWata Café right ahead.

This shop is like a little forest. There are tons of owl plush toys and sculptures, and real owls quietly perched among them — sometimes it’s hard to tell which is which. Cute elements fill the entire space. If you’re looking for healing, this is definitely the place. First, buy an entry ticket, and the friendly staff will guide you to your seat and explain the rules, like how to pet the owls.After having your hands sprayed with disinfectant, you can start petting the owls.

Remember to gently stroke the owl’s head with your fingers like this. Aside from petting, the shop also offers many fun activities. Parents with kids can let their children unleash their creativity. There’s coloring, and stamps featuring the shop’s owls — taking home a personalized memento after interacting with the owls is sure to be a precious memory.

Besides owls, there are also many super cute parrots. I’m especially fond of this bird that looks just like Pikachu. Each group of customers here can also enjoy the free experience of having the same owl perch on their arm. To help guests understand owls more intuitively, the shop provides bilingual brochures. Finally, each guest gets a chance to receive a small owl keychain or handkerchief as a gift — warmth fills every moment from entering to leaving. They also offer service in English, so no need to worry if you don’t speak Japanese. Reservations are very convenient here, so I highly recommend booking ahead.

After playing all afternoon, we got hungry again. I headed back to the shopping street to try the widely acclaimed Fūjin (Wind God). Come experience this restaurant’s chazuke (rice soaked in tea) made with luxurious ingredients.

I ordered the eel chazuke, and just looking at the glistening eel made my mouth water. My friend ordered the three kinds of wagyu deluxe shining chazuke set — who would’ve thought these were all variations of chazuke?

We also added a dish of Nara wagyu chicken sukiyaki, enjoying the sizzle of the beef as it released its juices — I could eat this for life and never get tired of it. The table was filled with such a lavish spread, and I was ready to dig in with full energy.

First, I tried a piece of grilled beef, dipped in egg yolk — the flavor burst in my mouth instantly.

The wood ear mushrooms in the sukiyaki really opened up a new world for me. Their crispy texture combined with a rich aroma. I could probably eat a whole pot of just the mushrooms.

Finally, the shop’s special sauce is poured over the rich array of ingredients, and the most luxurious and delicious chazuke is complete. Without exaggeration, this is truly the best chazuke I’ve ever had — all the flavors are perfectly balanced.I really recommend friends to come and check this place out.

Lastly, following the advice of a Japanese friend, I visited Minara, a spot that young people in Nara are definitely checking out, for a dreamy goldfish journey.

Even before entering, you can feel the atmosphere of summer festivals from the entrance.

Start with a ninja adventure—put on a ninja outfit and suddenly feel like you've transformed into a Johnny's idol. You’ll even receive a ninja training workbook. Play games to earn points. A friend of mine tried it all and was completely exhausted—turns out being a ninja might not be for everyone, haha.

Then head to the Goldfish Museum for some healing. It’s a paradise of colors where culture and nature blend into something truly beautiful.

Every spot is incredibly photogenic—I highly, highly recommend it.

Even the walls here interact with visitors; touch them and they come alive with the sound of water droplets and a brighter glow.

Of course, besides the uniquely wonderful venues mentioned above, Minara also has plenty of other great spots for photos. Sugi Pharmacy has an extensive selection of cosmetics and health products, Aiden King (愛電王) offers all the popular electronics, there’s the gaming paradise ROUND ONE that’s hugely popular with Japan’s youth, and the high-end Centurion Inn Nara Heijokyo where you can enjoy views of Heijokyo.It’s practically an all-in-one destination for eating, staying, playing, and traveling.

Lastly, I have to recommend this hidden gem: Hotel Pola-so, located near Kintetsu Furuichi Station. Just climb a short slope and you’ll find it tucked away in a dense forest.

The beauty here must be experienced firsthand—the lush woods hide several traditional Japanese dining rooms. It feels like stepping into the backyard of Tao Yuanming’s idyllic retreat.

This time, I went with the staff’s recommendation and chose the 15,000-yen (tax excluded) kaiseki course. The fresh seafood, like abalone, was so fresh you could actually taste its sweetness. The Nara beef hot pot was melt-in-your-mouth tender, and every dish featured the freshest seasonal ingredients. The staff told me that in bamboo shoot season, the bamboo used is apparently picked right from the grove in the inn’s own garden. The Japanese culinary concept of “shun” (seasonality) is embodied here in the most exquisite way. In spring, there are cherry blossoms; in autumn, maple leaves—and as the seasons change, the scenery transforms completely. Photos can only capture a fraction of its charm. You really have to be there, surrounded by the seasonal beauty of the courtyard, to savor the flavors and colors of each season, and to experience the luxury of tasting the freshest seasonal ingredients amidst a bamboo grove.

That’s my list of the top must-visit spots in Nara. For those who think Nara is only about deer, take a moment to slow down and truly appreciate the charm of this city.