CONTENTS
Arrival at Kintetsu Nara Station
Stepping out of Kintetsu Nara Station, the first thing to catch the eye is Gyoki Plaza, where mendicant monks can often be seen chanting sutras as they collect alms.
It’s a quietly atmospheric spot, and a fitting way to begin a day steeped in Nara’s particular calm.
Nakatanidou
The first stop after arriving in Nara should be Nakatanidou.
A storied shop famous for its lightning-fast mochi pounding, tucked just past the Higashimuki shopping street, about a 3-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station.
Pounded at astonishing speed by hand, the fresh yomogi (mugwort) mochi comes out soft and wonderfully stretchy, pairing beautifully with its gently sweet red bean filling.
It’s the perfect first stop of the day — grab one fresh off the pounding block and enjoy it as you set off exploring the city.
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奈良県奈良市橋本町29
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10:00 - 19:00
定休日 不定休
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食べログ 和菓子・甘味処 WEST 百名店 2023 選出店
After enjoying the yomogi mochi at Nakatanidou, head back toward Kintetsu Nara Station on the way to the hotel.
Along the way, keep an eye out for one of Nara’s signature sights — deer crossing the street. Nara’s deer aren’t just famously friendly with visitors; they’re also known to stop obediently at red lights and amble across only once the light turns green, a quirk that never fails to delight tourists.
Taking in these distinctly Nara scenes along the way, continue on to the hotel for a stretch of refined downtime.
Check-In at the Hotel
Arrival at Shisui, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nara.
Step through the entrance, and a space unfolds that embodies the beauty of Japanese design at its finest — brought to life by architect Kengo Kuma.
A Walk Through Nara Park
After settling in at the hotel, head out to explore the sweeping nature and history of Nara Park — an easy 10-minute walk from the hotel.
Meeting the Deer
Pick up a pack of the famous shika senbei (deer crackers, ¥150) for a hands-on feeding experience.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Todai-ji’s Great Buddha Hall
One of Nara’s defining landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Buddha Hall stands as one of the largest wooden structures in the world.
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奈良県奈良市雑司町４０６−１
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4月〜10月 7：30～17：30
11月〜3月 8：00～17：00
Garden Delight at the Hotel
After taking in Todai-ji, head back to the hotel’s tea salon, Saze, for the “Garden Delight.”
A luxurious, unhurried moment spent gazing out over the lush garden in quiet stillness.
Dinner at akordu
After the Garden Delight, head just across the way to akordu for dinner.
One of Nara’s finest restaurants, akordu serves inventive gastronomy shaped by the region’s nature and culture — a singular tasting menu built on Spanish technique fused with Nara’s terroir and ingredients.
More details here.
World-Class Cocktails at LAMP BAR
After a memorable dinner, head out into Nara’s evening streets.
Tucked near Kintetsu Nara Station, LAMP BAR is run by Michito Kaneko, winner of the 2015 World Class global bartending competition — and one of Japan’s finest bars.
An adult hideaway where every cocktail is meticulously composed down to its beauty, aroma, and story.
More details here.
After savoring cocktails from a world-class bartender at LAMP BAR, carry that glow back to the hotel and unwind further in the in-room natural hot spring, Suzaku no Yu, on the open-air bath.
Soaking slowly in the warm spring water with the night air on your skin makes for the perfect close to the evening.
A Nara Journey Centered on akordu
For a trip that fully captures Nara’s history and culinary depth, akordu makes an ideal centerpiece.
akordu offers a singular gastronomy built on the fusion of Nara’s rich ingredients and Spanish technique. Each dish from chef Hiroshi Kawashima carries a delicate expression of Nara’s land, culture, and his own culinary philosophy.
Centered around dinner at akordu, this itinerary weaves through the historic landscapes of Nara Park and Todai-ji, with quiet moments and hot-spring soaks at Shisui, a Luxury Collection Hotel. It’s a journey designed to take in Nara’s charms with all five senses.
For anyone seeking fine food, history, and a genuinely calming space, akordu makes a compelling destination for a Nara getaway.
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