Naramachi area

Walk Through the Living History of Old Nara

Just south of Nara Park, the atmospheric district of Naramachi invites visitors to step into a world where Edo-period charm meets modern creativity. Once the temple town of Gango-ji, one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples, Naramachi has evolved into a vibrant neighborhood filled with traditional machiya townhouses, narrow alleys, and a rich tapestry of local culture and craftsmanship.

Many of the preserved buildings now house artisan workshops, sake breweries, tea shops, and folk museums, offering immersive experiences that connect visitors with Nara’s heritage and everyday life. From handmade ceramics and textiles to seasonal wagashi sweets and karakuri toys, Naramachi is a treasure trove of authentic Japanese souvenirs and stories.

One of the district’s most iconic symbols is the Migawari-zaru, a red monkey charm believed to ward off misfortune, often seen hanging from eaves. Visitors can also explore restored homes like Naramachi Koshi no Ie and Naramachi Nigiwai no Ie, which showcase traditional architecture and lifestyle from centuries past.

Whether you're wandering on foot, joining a guided tour, or simply soaking in the nostalgic atmosphere, Naramachi offers a peaceful and culturally rich escape in the heart of Nara City.

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HIGHLIGHTS

  • Interior of a store displaying various bowls, plates, and ceramics on white tables, with shoppers browsing and examining items. Large windows in the background let in natural light.

    Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten Nara Main Store ｜中川政七商店 奈良本店

    Tour #7, 9

    Step into the heart of traditional Japan at Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten Nara Honten, a flagship store nestled in the historic city of Nara. Located within the beautifully designed Shikasarukitsune Building…

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  • Interior of a store with shelves of colorful fabrics, towels, and books, and customers browsing.

    Nawrap ｜ならっぷ

    Tour #7, 9

    Hidden in the charming streets of Naramachi, Nawrap is a unique textile shop that brings traditional Japanese mosquito net weaving (kaya-ori) into modern life. Founded by Maruyama Textile Industry…

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  • Indoor shop with shelves of fabric on the left, colorful fabric rolls on the right, and people browsing in the background.

    Yoshida Kaya｜吉田蚊帳

    Tour #7, 9

    Step into the timeless world of Yoshida Kaya, a family-run textile shop in Naramachi, Nara, that has been preserving the art of mosquito net weaving (kaya-ori) since 1921. As one of the oldest…

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  • Wooden sign with large Chinese characters and gold coins displayed above, mounted on a traditional tiled roof.

    Kobaien｜古梅園

    Tour #7, 9

    Founded in 1577, Kobaien is one of Japan’s oldest and most revered ink makers, located in the historic district of Naramachi, Nara. For over 440 years, this family-run workshop has been crafting sumi ink…

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  • Traditional Japanese building with dark wood slats, purple banner with white Japanese characters, and a wooden sign with gold Japanese characters, featuring a display window and small decorative red lanterns.

    Satouden Masuo-shoten｜砂糖傳増尾商店

    Tour #7, 9

    Founded in 1854, Satouden Masuo Shoten is a historic sugar merchant in the heart of Naramachi, Nara’s beautifully preserved old town. For over 170 years, this family-run shop has been crafting traditional…

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  • Interior view of a traditional Japanese room with tatami mats, sliding doors, and a small table with seating.

    Naramachi Koshi no Ie｜ならまち格子の家

    Tour #7, 9

    Nestled in the quiet streets of Naramachi, Naramachi Koshi no Ie is a beautifully reconstructed traditional machiya townhouse, offering visitors a rare glimpse into everyday life during…

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  • Traditional Japanese-style courtyard garden viewed from a covered wooden porch with plants, rocks, and a tree

    Naramachi Nigiwai no Ie｜奈良町にぎわいの家

    Tour #7, 9

    Located in the heart of Naramachi, Naramachi Nigiwai no Ie is a beautifully preserved traditional townhouse (machiya) built in 1917 during Japan’s Taisho era. Once the residence of a…

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  • Traditional Japanese building with a wooden signboard displaying Japanese characters in gold, white decorative elements, and a tiled roof, under a clear blue sky.

    Harushika｜春鹿

    Tour #7, 8, 9

    Founded in 1884, Harushika Sake Brewery—officially known as Imanishi Seibei Shoten—is one of Nara’s most iconic and internationally recognized sake producers. Nestled in the historic Naramachi district…

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  • Traditional Japanese building with wooden lattice and jars outside, vending machine nearby, street with power lines overhead, cloudy sky.

    Kyokan Nakai Saketen｜京勘中井酒店

    Tour #7, 8, 9

    Tucked away in a quiet street near Naramachi, Kyokannakai Liquor Store is a small but well-curated shop specializing in local Japanese sake (nihonshu). While not as widely known as major breweries…

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  • Nara Izumi Yusai: Traditional Japanese liquor store, storefront with wooden framing and white walls, featuring a hanging spherical ornament, a display window with a dragon sculpture, and signs in Japanese.

    Nara Izumi Yusai｜奈良酒専門店 なら泉勇斎

    Tour #7, 8, 9

    Located just a short walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, Nara Izumi Yusai is a hidden gem for sake enthusiasts seeking an authentic taste of Nara’s rich brewing tradition. This specialty shop…

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  • Japanese storefront with outdoor seating, advertising signs, and menu boards displaying prices in Japanese yen, and various beverages and snacks on display.

    Ogawa Matabei｜小川又兵衛商店

    Tour #7, 8, 9

    Founded in 1877, Ogawa Matabei Shoten is one of Nara’s most enduring traditional craft shops, celebrated for its exquisite selection of Nara’s signature hand-carved Itto-bori wooden figures and artisanal household goods.

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  • A wooden building with vertical slats and a modern design, featuring a staircase leading inside. In front, there is a dark sign with white Japanese characters, the logo for Nara Beer, and a small blackboard on a stand.

    Naramachi Brewery/ Craft Beer｜なら麦酒ならまち醸造所

    Tour #7, 9

    Founded in 2017, Naramachi Brewery - known locally as Nara Mugishu - is one of Nara’s pioneering craft beer producers, brewing small-batch ales and lagers right in the heart of the historic Naramachi district.

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  • Traditional Japanese room with tatami mats, low wooden tables, and sliding shoji doors. Two people are seated on the floor at one table, engaging in an activity. There are papers on the tables, and a decorative display with wooden figures is visible.

    Naramachi Karakuri Toy Museum｜奈良町からくりおもちゃ館

    Tour #7, 9

    Step into a world of wonder at the Naramachi Karakuri Toy Museum, a hands-on cultural space located in a restored Edo-period townhouse in the heart of Naramachi, Nara. Opened in 2012 by the

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  • Entrance to a Japanese restaurant with a dark blue noren curtain featuring a yellow symbol, and white Japanese characters on the left side.

    Tamura Seiho-en Tea Stall｜田村青芳園茶舗

    Tour #7, 9

    Nestled in the historic streets of Naramachi, Tamuraseihoen Tea Stall is a charming tea shop housed in a building dating back to the late Edo period. For generations, this family-run store has specialized in…

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  • Interior of a traditional Japanese room with wooden accents, shoji sliding doors, a folding screen with calligraphy, a large pottery vase, and a potted plant.

    Imanishi Shoin｜今西家書院

    Tour #7, 9

    Tucked away in the peaceful streets of Naramachi, Imanishike Shoin is a rare architectural treasure that offers a glimpse into the refined lifestyle of Japan’s Muromachi period (14th–16th century). Originally…

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  • Interior of a pottery shop displaying shelves and tables filled with various ceramic bowls, plates, and vases in different sizes and designs.

    Neya Factory｜寧屋工房

    Tour #7, 9

    Located in a beautifully restored 130-year-old townhouse in Naramachi, Neya Factory is a ceramic studio and gallery dedicated to the timeless art of Akahada-yaki, a traditional pottery style rooted in…

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  • Interior of a store displaying various ceramic and pottery items, with shelves on the left and right, and a wooden table in the center showcasing bowls, pots, and accessories. A heart-shaped window and traditional Japanese hanging scroll are visible in the background.

    Midoriya｜みどりや

    Tour #7, 9

    Located in a charming machiya townhouse in the heart of Naramachi, Midoriya is a cozy shop specializing in Japanese ceramics and traditional lifestyle goods. Opened in 2017 by a seasoned…

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  • Exterior of a Japanese shrine or temple decorated with red lanterns and a large paper lantern, with a wooden sign in Japanese characters and hanging lanterns.

    Naramachi Shiryokan Museum｜奈良町資料館

    Tour #7, 9

    Founded in 1984 as a private museum, the Naramachi Shiryokan Museum is a heartfelt tribute to the folk traditions and daily life of old Nara. Located in a quiet corner of Naramachi, this small but…

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Let the past guide you toward moments of stillness and wonder.