CONTENTS
- A Quiet Breath of Nara’s Air: The Prologue of a Journey
- DAY 1 | From Hakata Station to Kyoto Station
- From Kyoto to Nara by Kintetsu Limited Express
- From Nara Station, by bus to the first destination
- Blending into the Quiet of a Machiya: “Chūgokusai Naramachi Kuko”
- Carrying the lingering flavors of lunch, we headed to the popular shaved ice shop “Houseki-bako.”
- A Scoop That Captivates at First Sight and Wins Over the Palate: “Pastel Fruits” at Houseki-bako
- A Moment of Rest Near JR Nara Station Before Dinner
- A Brief Stroll Through Nara’s Evening Scenery Before Dinner
- Quietly Closing the Night in Nara: “Oryori Hirooka”
- Carrying the Afterglow of Nara, Taking the Night Train to Yamato-Yagi
- Checking In at Candeo Hotels Kashihara, Then Heading to One More Nighttime Destination
- Taking a Taxi to “THE SAILING BAR”
- A Quiet Moment of Reflection at Journey’s End
- DAY 2 | Morning in Kashihara, Starting with a View of the Tiled Roof Townscape
- At the End of the Journey
A Quiet Breath of Nara’s Air: The Prologue of a Journey
The second chapter of a journey through the ancient city of Nara.
In “Destination NARA Vol.2,” we traced the crossroads of gourmet cuisine and culture that seamlessly blend into Nara’s serene atmosphere.
When you visit the ancient capital of Nara, the flow of time rooted in the land slowly becomes familiar to your skin.
There’s no flashiness here, but something quietly and surely speaks to you.
The culture and ingredients native to this land carry a definite “root” nurtured over more than a thousand years.
As the gateway to the continent, Nara was among the first places to embrace Buddhism and herbal medicine culture.
Their influence can still be felt in everyday life and on the dining table today.
On this trip, we listened carefully to Nara’s “quiet voice,” exploring places where local ingredients, craftsmanship, and spaces harmonize.
A modest yet strong self-expression.
It wasn’t a loud “assertion” but rather an “emerging individuality” that was unmistakably present in the cuisine and hospitality.
DAY 1 | From Hakata Station to Kyoto Station
The journey begins at Hakata Station.
Since there is no direct Shinkansen route to Nara, the first goal is to reach Kyoto Station.
On the train, quietly sipping coffee while watching the scenery shift from cityscape to mountains.
The approximately two-and-a-half-hour ride to Kyoto gently switches the journey into motion.
The usual route to the ancient city of Nara is via Kyoto or Osaka.
This time, we get off the Shinkansen at Kyoto Station and transition to accessing Nara from here.
Connecting these cities steeped in history, the feeling of gradually drawing closer to the destination adds a distinctive resonance to the Nara journey.
From Kyoto to Nara by Kintetsu Limited Express
After arriving at Kyoto Station by Shinkansen, transfer to Kintetsu Kyoto Station.
In front of the ticket gate for the Limited Express bound for Nara, large panels featuring the Great Buddha of Nara and various tourist posters line the area, quietly heightening the anticipation for the destination ahead.
The Kintetsu Limited Express we boarded was almost fully booked, likely because it was the weekend.
Many foreign tourists carrying suitcases were on board, a clear reminder that Nara is a travel destination open to the world.
Shortly after departure, Nintendo’s headquarters come into view on the left side of the train window.
This striking scene, where a symbol of modern culture rises within a corner of the ancient city of Kyoto, leaves a memorable impression.
About 35 minutes later, we arrive at Kintetsu Nara Station.
Inside the station, a life-sized statue of Nara Prefecture’s mascot, Sento-kun, welcomes visitors.
Right beside it, a poster titled “Route to Peace, NARA” features a Shugendo monk and the mountain ranges of Yoshino.
This greeting quietly evokes the profound spiritual culture of Nara that lies beneath its surface as a tourist destination.
From Nara Station, by bus to the first destination
After a brief greeting to the Sento-kun statue inside the station, head to the bus terminal.
Just outside the ticket gates, the rotary is neatly lined with clear signs for the “Nara Park Area Bus Stop,” designed to be easily understood by tourists.
The destination was the area around Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple.
To match the lunch reservation time, we boarded a convenient city loop bus.
Though bustling with travelers from both Japan and abroad, the atmosphere inside the bus remained calm.
Outside the window, the arcade of Higashimuki Shopping Street, shops renovated from traditional townhouses, and the occasional deer came into view.
The gentle, peaceful pace of life unique to Nara seeped into the body with the sway of the bus.
Soon, the lunch spot—the day’s first destination—came into view.
This time, we chose a quiet establishment where we could savor Nara’s distinctive local ingredients and craftsmanship.
Blending into the Quiet of a Machiya: “Chūgokusai Naramachi Kuko”
We got off the bus at the “Kideramachi” stop and made our way through a residential neighborhood.
Just a few minutes’ walk from the Kideramachi bus stop, turning off the busy main road onto a narrow path, a quiet stillness unfolded.
At the end of a narrow alley dotted with traditional machiya houses with tiled roofs, today’s destination—“Chūgokusai Naramachi Kuko”—stood quietly.
With a modest nameplate and latticed wooden door, wrapped in lush greenery, it exuded a calm presence as if embodying the very air of Nara itself.
Though rooted in Chinese cuisine, the course was thoughtfully designed to harmonize with Nara’s culture, local ingredients, and the atmosphere of the land.
From the delicate cooking techniques and use of dashi broth to the storytelling behind each ingredient, every dish conveyed a sense of place.
Here, we encountered plates that can only be experienced in this very region.
Details about the dishes and the interior atmosphere are introduced in the article linked below.
- ADDRESS
913-2 Kidera-cho, Nara City, Nara 630-8306, Japan
~12-minute walk from JR Sakurai Line “Kyobate” Station
~16–20-minute walk from Kintetsu “Nara” Station
Bus: From JR/Kintetsu Nara Station to “Kidera-cho” stop, short walk from there
- OPEN
Tuesday to Saturday:
Lunch: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM (Start at 11:30 or 12:00)
Dinner: Start at 6:00 PM, close by 9:00 PM
Closed: Sunday, Monday, Public Holidays (plus occasional rest days)
- AWARD
1 Michelin Star + Green Star
Featured in Tabelog’s Top 100 Chinese Restaurants WEST (2023–2024), Silver 2025
- COMMENT
- Reservation only. Monthly bookings open at 9:00 PM on the 1st of each month (Feb: on the 2nd).
Shoes must be removed to enter.
No credit cards or e-money. PayPay accepted. A 10% service fee applies if no drink is ordered.
Carrying the lingering flavors of lunch, we headed to the popular shaved ice shop “Houseki-bako.”
After a quietly satisfying and deeply flavorful lunch tucked away in the backstreets of Naramachi, we walked to our next destination.
The reservation was at “Houseki-bako,” one of Nara’s most renowned shaved ice spots.
Through the glass of the quietly nestled shop inside the arcade,
a fabric banner dyed with the character for “氷” (ice) swayed gently, announcing the arrival of summer.
A Scoop That Captivates at First Sight and Wins Over the Palate: “Pastel Fruits” at Houseki-bako
Seated right on time for the reservation, guests choose their favorite item from the menu.
With a one-drink minimum, orders are carefully brought to the table after being placed.
Behind the counter, pure ice is shaved fluffy and light.
Using “Junpyo” pure ice frozen over 48 hours, the texture melts in the mouth like soft snow.
The choice of the day was the visually striking “Pastel Fruits.”
Fluffy shaved ice was layered with syrups such as butterfly pea, mango milk, mixed raspberry, and milk.
Topped with a light yogurt espuma, it was crafted in soft, gentle hues true to its name.
For aroma, yuzu syrup was added.
A kiwi sauce further tightened the flavor’s contours.
Overall, the dessert was light with restrained sweetness and a refreshing aftertaste.
What left the strongest impression was the hibiscus jelly on top.
Its springy, tender texture and mild, subtle sweetness perfectly harmonized with the ice and syrups,
creating an experience more like “eating a seasonal landscape” than simply tasting sweetness.
Each syrup layer and topping played a distinct role while maintaining a cohesive unity.
Though drawn by its charming appearance, the “Pastel Fruits” exceeded expectations in flavor.
With every bite revealing a new nuance, it firmly etched itself into memory as a perfect treat for Nara’s summer.
- ADDRESS
47 Mochiidono-cho, Nara City, Nara 630–8222, Japan
Approx. 8‑minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, 15 minutes from JR Nara Station
No private parking; use local coin parking
- OPEN
Mon–Wed, Fri–Sun: 10:00–12:50 / 14:00–17:00 (Weekends last order at 17:30)
Closed Thursdays
There is a break from 13:00–14:00; please arrive 10 minutes before session starts
- COMMENT
- Online reservation required; booking opens 21:00 the day before
Walk-in tickets may be available if slots remain
A Moment of Rest Near JR Nara Station Before Dinner
After fully enjoying daytime Naramachi, there was a gap before the evening dinner, so we took a short break in Nara city.
That night’s accommodation was a hotel in Kashihara City.
Timing the transfer carefully, we stopped by the internet café “Comic Buster” near JR Nara Station.
In this calm space, we opened our laptops to organize travel notes and get some light work done.
Away from the bustle of tourist spots, such places are a welcome refuge to quietly reclaim personal time.
After a brief pause, it was time to head out into Nara by night.
Next, we made our way to the stage set for the dinner to come.
- ADDRESS
Tomikawa Building 5F, 497‑1 Sanjo-cho, Nara City, Nara, Japan
2 minutes walk from JR Nara Station East Exit
Located on Sanjo Street, very close to the station
- OPEN
Open 24 hours / 7 days a week
- COMMENT
- Free soft drinks & unlimited manga
Shower rooms available
All seats non-smoking (separate smoking room available)
Variety of seating: private booths, reclining chairs, pair seats
Free Wi-Fi and power outlets
Credit card and QR code payment supported
A Brief Stroll Through Nara’s Evening Scenery Before Dinner
After wrapping up some light work at “Comic Buster” near JR Nara Station, we stepped outside once again.
With just a little time before dinner, we took a short walk around Sarusawa Pond.
Here and there around the pond, a few deer could be seen wandering.
Under the watchful gaze of Kofuku-ji’s five-story pagoda, the gradually darkening sky and the tranquil surface of the pond created a strikingly serene scene.
Though at the heart of a bustling tourist area, this spot carries a calm atmosphere that naturally invites deep breaths with every step.
Such quiet moments of pause are a comforting way to close the day.
And now, it’s time to head toward the dinner that will cap off this day’s journey.
Quietly Closing the Night in Nara: “Oryori Hirooka”
After strolling around Sarusawa Pond, we headed to “Oryori Hirooka,” a quietly tucked-away restaurant in a corner of town.
The entrance showcases a traditional tiled roof and warm wooden textures, softly lit by a lantern at foot level, with a pot of elegant Phalaenopsis orchids blooming proudly at the doorway.
A small plaque beside it reads “Michelin-Starred.”
Without flashy decoration or ostentation, the restaurant quietly conveys the weight of its well-earned acclaim.
This evening offered a special moment within that serene and refined space.
For details about the cuisine, please refer to the article linked here.
- ADDRESS
15 Genrin’in-cho, Nara City, Nara 630‑8221, Japan (≈5 min walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, 403 m)
- OPEN
Mon/Tue/Fri/Sat/Sun:
Lunch starts at 12:00 PM (ends by 3:00 PM)
Dinner starts at 6:30 PM (ends by 9:00 PM)
Thu: Dinner only (6:30–9:00 PM)
Closed: All day Wednesday and lunch on the 1st of each month
- AWARD
Michelin one-star Japanese cuisine
Carrying the Afterglow of Nara, Taking the Night Train to Yamato-Yagi
After dining at “Oryori Hirooka,” we boarded a train from Kintetsu Nara Station heading to Kashihara City, where our accommodation awaited.
Our stop: Yamato-Yagi Station.
The platform, quiet as if the daytime bustle had never existed, held only the lingering sense of the journey and the pleasant fatigue that follows a satisfying meal.
Kashihara is the site of the ancient capital Fujiwara-kyō, enveloped in a historical atmosphere distinct from Nara’s own.
Checking In at Candeo Hotels Kashihara, Then Heading to One More Nighttime Destination
From Kintetsu Nara Station, we took the train to Yamato-Yagi Station.
We checked in at our final base for the day, Candeo Hotels Kashihara.
The sophisticated star emblem on the sign softly illuminated by the night lights created a calm, welcoming atmosphere—perfect for wrapping up the day.
Yet, even with that feeling, the night wasn’t quite ready to end.
In fact, there was one more place we absolutely wanted to visit while in Nara.
- ADDRESS
Address: 1‑1‑50 Naizencho, Kashihara City, Nara 634‑0804 (Front desk on 9th floor, Miglance building)
Access: Approx. 3 min walk from Kintetsu Yamato-Yagi Station
- OPEN
Check-in: 3:00 PM–12:00 AM
Check-out: by 11:00 AM
- COMMENT
- Skyspa on rooftop: open-air bath & sauna with panoramic city/mountain views
139 non-smoking rooms • free Wi‑Fi • public bath • sauna • laundry & vending machines
24‑hour front desk • luggage storage • on‑site restaurant serving breakfast • massage services
Taking a Taxi to “THE SAILING BAR”
After checking in at Candeo Hotels Kashihara and dropping off our bags,
we headed to a place we absolutely wanted to visit.
We took a taxi to a quiet street, arriving at a building where we took the elevator up to the 5th floor.
Beyond the door lay “THE SAILING BAR.”
Once a members-only hidden retreat, it has now become a special place open to all.
Renowned as one of Asia’s “50 Best Bars,” it combines top-tier craftsmanship with a relaxed atmosphere and warm hospitality from the bartenders—making it a truly inviting spot.
In this serene, otherworldly space, a spacious counter with beautifully grained wood and private rooms create a relaxing ambiance.
The shelves, arranged like a “library of spirits,” showcase a carefully curated selection of fine liquors from around the world, enveloping the space in a feeling where time gently slows down.
There is no menu at this bar.
Guided by the philosophy that “cocktails are born from conversation,” the bartender crafts each drink inspired by your mood and stories from your journey that day.
First Drink: Nara Craft Gin “KIKKA GIN” Gin and Tonic
When I mentioned I was a traveler, the bartender suggested a gin and tonic made with the local Nara craft gin, “KIKKA GIN,” to give me a true taste of the region.
The delicate aroma of botanicals gently rises first, drawing you in, and upon tasting, a crisp clarity with rich depth unfolds on the palate.
This well-balanced drink, from scent to flavor to finish, offered a memorable experience that seemed to capture even the very air of the place.
Second Drink: IPA Gin and Tonic
Next, the bartender recommended a gin and tonic inspired by craft beer IPA.
By infusing hops into the gin, it faithfully captures the characteristic bitterness and aroma of an IPA, while the tonic water keeps the finish light and refreshing.
As a finishing touch, a pineapple comb is placed on top, mimicking the frothy head of beer.
Visually, it looks just like a beer, but when sipped, it reveals itself as a gin and tonic—a playful and skillful creation.
The tropical sweetness harmonizes beautifully with the distinctive hop character, bringing a fresh breeze to this classic cocktail.
Under the concept of “a port to stop by during a voyage,” spending time in this tranquil, elegant space was truly a moment to center the mind.
THE SAILING BAR is more than just a place to drink; it’s a special bar where each cocktail is woven through conversation and experience.
Leading the bar is Master Yoshioka, who honed his skills in Tokyo and Osaka.
His gentle tone and every deliberate movement reflect a deep sense of aesthetics and experience.
Another memorable presence is a young bartender.
His service is sincere and attentive, yet natural and unpretentious. He keenly reads your preferences and conversation, offering remarkably precise cocktail recommendations in response.
The drinks he crafts are of high caliber in flavor, aroma, and presentation, showcasing a talent that promises a bright future.
The dynamic between the master and the young bartender creates an atmosphere not of tension, but of soft trust and professionalism—contributing greatly to the bar’s comfortable ambiance.
If you visit Nara, this is a place you should definitely stop by to close out your journey.
Quiet, assured, and deeply memorable—a truly special spot.
- ADDRESS
5th Floor, SHR Building, 564‑3 Kibi, Sakurai City, Nara 633‑0065
About 1‑minute taxi ride from Sakurai Station (Kintetsu/JR); 14‑minute walk from Daifuku Station
- OPEN
Daily from 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM (last order around 12:30 AM)
Closed Sundays and during New Year holidays
- AWARD
Ranked among Asia’s top 50 bars; acclaimed for blending “rural charm with global flair”
- COMMENT
- Led by Takumi Watanabe, who placed 9th in the “World Class 2010” global bartender competition
His “Takumi’s Aviation” cocktail featured in international books
Light dishes and Italian-style courses are available through their sister restaurant
Course menus available: 4‑course ¥4,400 / 6‑course ¥6,600 / 8‑course ¥8,800
A Quiet Moment of Reflection at Journey’s End
After leaving the bar, we returned to the hotel,
where in a softly dimmed room, we took time to reflect on the day’s experiences.
That night’s accommodation was at Candeo Hotels Kashihara.
The simple yet comfortable interior and pristine cleanliness offered a reassuring sense of ease fitting for the final leg of the journey.
Another delight awaited on the rooftop sky spa.
Exclusive to guests, this spa stays open late into the night, offering a special place to soak while gazing up at the Nara sky.
Beyond the steam, the moon floated gently.
At the day’s end, there was a soothing sensation of mind and body slowly coming into harmony.
Wrapped in silence and warmth, this moment brought the perfect lingering note to the journey’s climax.
DAY 2 | Morning in Kashihara, Starting with a View of the Tiled Roof Townscape
The second day began with a view of Kashihara’s townscape from the hotel window.
Distant mountain ranges stretch across the horizon, while orderly rows of traditional tiled-roof houses spread out below.
The scene evokes a sense of nostalgic warmth and familiarity.
Despite the early hour, a Kintetsu train leisurely makes its way along the tracks.
As I quietly watch this gentle start to the day, still wrapped in the afterglow of the spa,
I’m reminded that today is yet another special chapter in this journey.
Lunch at “#Niku To Ieba Matsuda”: A Short Course Experience
On the second day of the journey, we visited the popular restaurant “#Niku To Ieba Matsuda,” located on the second floor of a building near Yamato-Yagi Station.
True to its name, which translates roughly as “When It Comes to Meat, Matsuda,” the place already exudes a special atmosphere right from the entrance.
On this day, we experienced the lunch-only short course.
Though reasonably priced, it offered a deeply satisfying opportunity to fully enjoy the appeal of meat.
Contrary to its casual impression, each dish revealed delicate care in cooking techniques and composition,
giving the meal a depth that went beyond “just meat dishes.”
Details of the short course will be introduced in a separate article.
Please be sure to check it out to discover the diverse expressions of meat and the unique value of enjoying it in Nara.
- ADDRESS
FACE Building 2F, 5-2-40 Naizencho, Kashihara City, Nara 634‑0804
1-minute walk (≈91 m) from Kintetsu Yamato‑Yagi Station
- OPEN
Weekdays (Wed–Fri): Dinner from 7:00 PM
Sat/Sun/Holidays: Lunch from 12:00 PM, Dinner in two seatings (5:00 PM & 8:00 PM)
Closed: Mondays & Tuesdays (open on national holidays)
- AWARD
Named in Michelin Guide Nara 2022–2024; Tabelog Award Bronze 2024–2025
- COMMENT
- Fully reservation-based. Call 0744‑24‑0029 to reserve. Cancellation fees apply
Lunch-only short course: ¥6,600 (counter seat)
A Hard-to-Book Eatery in Kyoto’s Kiyamachi to Savor the Journey’s Afterglow
Wrapping up the mini Nara trip, we took the Kintetsu and Keihan lines to return to Kyoto.
For dinner, we visited the popular restaurant “Shokudo Miyazaki” on Kiyamachi Street,
turning the evening into a time to fully immerse ourselves in the lingering memories of the past two days.
- ADDRESS
2-min walk from Gion-Shijō Station (Keihan), also close to Kawaramachi Station in downtown Kyoto
- OPEN
Dinner: 5:00 – 9:30 PM (two seatings, last order at 9:30 PM)
Closed: Every Wednesday & last Tuesday of the month
- COMMENT
- Cash only (no credit cards or e-money)
At the End of the Journey
A journey isn’t just about the sights or the food—it’s also about feeling the “air” that flows through a place.
Nara possesses a gentle power to slow down the flow of time just a little.
Buildings that don’t speak loudly, cuisine that’s modest yet deeply rooted, and warmth in the quiet presence of people.
None of these make bold claims, yet they quietly linger in the heart.
It’s not the surface-level glamour, but the stories beneath that invite you to listen.
There’s a sense of touching the very “roots” of this place at every turn.
Sometimes, it’s by pausing that you truly see.
This journey was a gentle reminder of that truth.
Check Out More Journeys to Nara
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