The Best Landmarks and Local Flavors in Nara

Situated near the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kasuga Taisha Shrine, VILLA COMMUNICO’s position at the foot of Mount Wakakusa gives diners a front-row view of the traditional annual “mountain-burning” ceremony, where brushwood fires mark seasonal change.

The city of Gose flourished during the Edo period (1603-1867) as the heartland of the central-southern Nara Prefecture. This restaurant is located in Gose-machi, home to rows of historical buildings. It sits on the grounds of a former oil wholesaler turned sake brewery — an ideal setting for gaining a deeper appreciation of the local culture and charm.

valley, with vegetables, fish and game sourced from local farmers and hunters. Just five minutes away, Tenkawa Daibenzaiten Shrine, one of Japan’s Three Great Benzai Shrines, honors the deities of music and the arts. Sacred noh, a classical form of masked Japanese theater, is performed during its main festival.

Kashihara Shrine honors Emperor Jinmu, the traditional first emperor of Japan, and his empress. Legend has it that Kashihara itself is the place where Japan was founded, and its first capital was established. Known for blessings of good fortune and longevity, the shrine draws many visitors. Sushi Kawashima is within walking distance, serving nigiri sushi and gizzard shad sushi (preserved, vinegared style sushi) wrapped in persimmon leaves.

Kashihara’s Imaicho district, where the restaurant stands amid preserved buildings from the Edo period, was once so prosperous that people used to say, “A seventh portion of Yamato’s wealth is in Imai.” Visitors can enjoy a stroll through the atmospheric townscape along with traditional French cuisine.

The restaurant stands in a corner of the Nara-machi historic district, which is filled with traditional merchant houses. It’s a short walk from Kofukuji Temple, home to numerous Important Cultural Properties, and close to Sarusawa Pond, a beloved place of rest and repose for Nara residents.

Mount Ikoma, on which YAMAOKA PIZZA is located, is surrounded by nature that changes beautifully with the seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, hydrangeas in summer and red and gold leaves in autumn. The Shigiikoma Skyline, running north to south across the mountain, offers a scenic drive with stunning views year-round.

The Yamanobe-no-Michi trail, just a short walk from One-MICHELIN-Star Ajinokaze Nishimura, is one of Japan’s oldest paths, appearing in ancient texts like the Kojiki, Nihon Shoki and Manyoshu. Visitors can immerse themselves in the romance of ancient Japan by wandering around the first home of Buddhism in Japan, and the various temples and shrines here. Enjoy an omakase experience in Japanese cuisine as you steep yourself in Nara’s culture.

Located within the former precinct of Gangoji Temple, one of Nara’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, Naramachi Sushi Hanako is surrounded by camellia trees that serve as a firebreak protecting the temple. These trees reach full bloom in spring, adding vibrant color to the historic grounds. With advance reservations, guests can also experience zazen, a form of seated meditation central to Zen Buddhism that emphasizes stillness, breath and mindfulness. The session takes place in a Zen hall designated as a National Treasure.

This soba restaurant in Ikaruga, open only for lunch, is perfect for visitors exploring the area around Horyuji Temple, known for its many historic buildings. Nearby sites like the Fujinoki Tumulus offer insights into the Asuka Period (538–710), closely linked to Prince Shotoku (574–622). It’s a great spot to enjoy local flavors while soaking up rich history.