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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.
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Getting There

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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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Discover more about Naramachi Odori St

Naramachi Odori Street, located in the heart of Nara, provides a delightful glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage. This well-preserved district showcases traditional wooden merchant houses, some dating back to the Edo period, reflecting the architectural style of that era. As you explore the narrow, winding streets, you'll be immersed in a charming atmosphere. The area is filled with the sounds of artisans and the enticing aromas of local delicacies. Many of Naramachi's buildings were machiya, long, narrow townhouses that served as both shops and residences for local merchants. The storefronts were often narrow to minimize taxes, which were based on street access. Today, Naramachi is home to boutiques, shops, cafes, restaurants, and museums. You can find unique handicrafts, traditional textiles, and local snacks. Don't miss the chance to try regional specialties like Kakinoha-zushi (sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves). You'll also find small museums and galleries offering insights into Nara's history and culture. One tradition is the placement of Migawari-zaru (red monkey charms) at house entrances to ward off evil spirits. Naramachi developed around Gangoji Temple, a World Heritage Site and one of Nara's Seven Great Temples. The temple was moved to Nara in 718 and became one of the region's most important temples. While much of the temple was lost to fires, some structures remain.

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