Naramachi Odori Street: A Stroll Through Nara's Merchant Past
Explore Nara's Naramachi Odori: A historic merchant district with Edo-era architecture, local crafts, and culinary delights along charming cobblestone streets.
Naramachi Odori Street offers a captivating journey into Nara's history as a merchant district. Wander along narrow cobblestone streets lined with preserved Edo-era wooden merchant houses (machiya), now home to craft shops, cafes, and museums, and experience the charm of old Japan.
A brief summary to Naramachi Odori St
- Nara, Nara, JP
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
- Explore the side streets, as hidden gems often lie just off the main path.
- Look for local festivals or events that may be happening during your visit for a deeper cultural experience.
Getting There
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Walking
Naramachi Odori Street is easily accessible on foot from both Kintetsu Nara Station and JR Nara Station. From Kintetsu Nara Station, walk south for about 10-15 minutes. From JR Nara Station, walk east along Sanjo Dori, then turn right onto Mochiidono Shopping Street; continue into Naramachi. The street is located south of Kofuku-ji Temple.
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Public Transport
Nara Kotsu buses, especially the loop buses (lines 1 and 2), serve Kintetsu Nara Station and JR Nara Station. These buses run along the southern border of Naramachi. A single bus ride costs ¥250. Consider a Nara Bus Pass for unlimited rides within specified zones: a 1-Day Pass (¥600) covers central Nara , while a 2-Day Pass (¥1650) covers almost all Nara attractions accessible by bus.
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Taxi
Taxis are available at both Kintetsu Nara Station and JR Nara Station. A taxi from either station to Naramachi will cost approximately ¥1100. The base fare for a small taxi in Nara is ¥660 for the first 1.5 kilometers, with an additional ¥90 every 307 meters. Note that fares increase by 20% between 10 PM and 5 AM.
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Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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NARANICLE
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Unmissable attractions to see
Naramachi
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Naramachi Karakuri Toy Museum
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Shofukutei
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Naramachi Shiryo-kan Museum
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Naramachi Nigiwai-no-le
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Naramachi Historic District
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Gango-ji
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Imanishi Honten
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Sarusawa-ike Pond
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Uneme Shrine
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NARA Visitor Center & Inn
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Kofuku-ji Sanjunoto (Three Story Pagoda)
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Naramachi Koshi-no-Ie (Lattice House)
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Essential places to dine
Ashibinosato
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Shimomikado Shopping Street
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Ezuya
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