Mizuya Chaya

A Timeless Tea House

Hidden in a Forest

Tucked away along a quiet forest path in Nara Park, Mizuya Chaya is a traditional Japanese tea house that has welcomed travelers. This rustic retreat once served pilgrims and visitors walking between Kasuga Taisha Shrine and the temples of Nara, offering rest, refreshment, and simple comfort amid nature.

Unlike modern cafés, Mizuya Chaya preserves the charm of old Japan. Its thatched roof, wooden benches, and open-air seating create a peaceful atmosphere where time seems to slow. Guests can enjoy classic treats such as matcha tea, kuzumochi, and traditional sweets, often while deer wander quietly nearby—an experience unique to Nara.

Explore the Sights

See photos that bring Mizuya Chaya to life.

A deer standing on a gravel pathway in front of a traditional Japanese building with a thatched roof, surrounded by trees and several people sitting on benches or at tables.
People waiting in line and sitting outside a traditional Japanese thatched-roof building in a lush, green forest.