Magical, Must-Visit Experience (Just Mind the Bucks!) ​Nara Park is an absolute gem, blending stunning natural beauty with ancient temples. Walking among the 1,200 free-roaming Sika deer is truly magical—they’ll even bow politely for a shika senbei (deer cracker)! Feeding and petting these gentle creatures is the highlight of any trip. ​A crucial tip: visit on a weekday to take advantage of significantly smaller crowds. This makes the whole experience more serene and enjoyable. Be aware, however, that the male deer (especially in autumn) can be aggressive; always observe warning signs and avoid teasing them with food. Most definately do not be a terrible tourist and let your children climb on deer, they are still wild animals. It's a magical place, let's do our part and keep it that way for many generations. There are plenty of delightful restaurants and street food vendors nearby for a refueling break. This is a five-star, unique Japanese adventure!

We visited in November- beautiful foliage. Feeding deer and watching the nature around was very satisfying. If you come with kids- make sure you hold them all the time. Wild animals can be dangerous- we saw some deer trying Tobit children with their front legs.

Nara Park is such a peaceful and magical place. The friendly deer wandering freely make it feel almost surreal. Walking among the temples and trees with them nearby was one of the sweetest memories of my trip.

It's a big park with deer that roam around, ponds, and museums littered about. There's a temple inside with the Great Buddha. The crackers you feed the deer with cost 200 yen and there's quite a few stalls selling them. Do watch out that the deer sometimes fight and can get some what aggressive if they want more food from you.

So many deer! They look adorable and friendly at first, but once you pull out a cracker, their true power shows. Expect a few gentle headbutts if you hesitate to feed them. Still, it’s a charming and hilarious experience.

I cannot speak too much to the park itself, only the deer, which are actually all over Nara, so I would encourage seeing them in the historical places. The park continues past what I saw and it seems much more beautiful in the forested area. As for the deer, arriving early helped to beat some crowds, otherwise the crowds get overwhelming. It is delightful to see, pet and feed the deer. Once they realize you have crackers, they get a little aggressive, but it is fantastic watching them bow.

For families, a very child friendly activity to visit. Great for people in relationships or dates too. Visiting as a tourist was an amazing experience. The deer here are more intelligent than you might think. They'll be much more cooperative for pictures and will bow for videos if presented food. The male deer tend to start growing their horns as early as fall. The museum too is elegant and a good place to visit.

An impressive construction of both the hall housing the great statue itself and the additional comparatively smaller artworks. The sheer scale of the architecture is impressive. Despite a constant flow of visiting school classes access is good and the crowding is manageable. Please stay respectful to preserve this site for the future and also allow others to see and capture the view for themselves.

Tōdai-ji Temple (東大寺) is an absolute must-see when visiting Nara, and it perfectly complements your visit to Nara Park. It is an incredibly beautiful, large, and awe-inspiring temple with an undeniable sense of majesty and sanctity. Despite the crowds, the size of the temple and the quiet corners of the surrounding grounds still manage to convey a deep sense of sacredness. One of the best things about Tōdai-ji is its convenient location. You can easily walk to the temple directly from Nara Park. The path leading up to the temple gate is part of the park, which means your journey will be accompanied by plenty of deer who are often wandering right up to the entrance. It makes the walk to this sacred site an adventurous and charming experience!

It was an awesome experience visiting this temple, home of the world's largest bronze Buddha statue. The surrounding park is huge, 🦌 deers everywhere, many school kids on day trips creating a pleasant vibe. I recommend to visit this place if you are in Nara.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Todai-ji Temple is simply breathtaking. It’s one of the most beautiful temples in Japan and holds great historical importance. Seeing the deer roaming around and the calm atmosphere touched by glowing autumn leaves made the experience feel truly magical.

Visited on sunday, early morning. Very quite, almost no crowd. I really soaked and enjoyed the tranquility. Inside you can see the magnificent statue with brief explanation and a little history. I recommend to visit this temple should you come to Nara. A few deer can be seen along the route to this temple and to outside of the temple. The deer add the authenticity of the ancient nara vibe.

Absolutely loved this temple. It is close to Kyoto so I had limited time and did it in half a day. We arrived at 12:30 and left at 4pm. There were cute deer I was able to pet one. The females seem cuter than the male deer and you could pet them. I found the statues of Buddha in Todaiji grand. Read the history if you are interested and you can learn about how Buddhism influenced Japan and ultimately is practiced alongside Shintoism.

Tōdai-ji Temple is home to one of Japan's most spectacular sights: the colossal Great Buddha (Daibutsu), housed inside the massive, world-renowned wooden Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden). The sheer size of this bronze statue and its architectural setting is truly awe-inspiring, embodying a profound sense of history and scale. The massive Nandaimon Gate, guarded by fierce Nio statues, and the famous wild deer of Nara Park complete this essential Japanese cultural experience. A Crucial Tip: To fully appreciate the majesty and serenity of this UNESCO World Heritage site, visit early in the morning on a weekday, or during the off-season (like winter). During peak tourist seasons, weekends, and midday hours, the Great Buddha Hall can become overwhelmingly crowded, diminishing the spiritual atmosphere and making it hard to take in the grandeur. Time your visit right, and Tōdai-ji will be an absolute highlight.

The ticket is 900Y for both hall. I only visited the Central Golden Hall which is 500Y. To be honest, there's not much to see here. There are Buddha statues inside, but that's pretty much it. Compared of other temples. So, I give a rate of 3 stars. The location is right next to everywhere else you are visiting in Nara which is a good thing. There's a train station nearby, Kintetsu-Nara station in case you're visiting directly from Kyoto or elsewhere.

I first visited this place in 2014. My friends and I enjoyed interacting with the deer. They’re tame and generally good natured. A cautionary note is posted for the visitors though-the deer is a wild animal so be vigilant especially during mating season (autumn, if I recall correctly) so the males are more aggressive. There are available deer biscuits for sale, which, is the only food they should be fed with. From my past experience, they’re likely to eat anything within their mouth’s reach so be careful! We didn’t visit the temple itself. Instead, we just “played” with the deer, fed them and posed with them. Overall a fun experience despite the foul poop smell. The park provides plastic covers for shoes to prevent “untoward accidents” of stepping on poop. There are also lots of snacks sold along the sidewalks in case one gets hungry. We had lunch in one of the restaurants just across the park which was really convenient.

Koguku Jin is a wonderful place to see and interact with many deer up close. It’s a unique experience, especially for families and kids, as the deer freely roam around and are generally friendly. Feeding them is a highlight, but be careful when buying the deer biscuits—the correct price is 200 yen per pack, not 2000 yen, so don’t get tricked into paying more. Once you have the biscuits, expect the deer to come to you quickly, which can be both exciting and a little overwhelming at first! Overall, it’s a fun and memorable stop, but do come prepared with small change for the biscuits and be cautious around vendors. The setting is relaxing, and it’s a great opportunity to take photos and enjoy some time with the animals.

Quite usual Japanese temple, nice but not really impressive. I wouldn’t say it’s something special-and tickets are quite expensive. Although, stuff is friendly.

Nice little temple complex with three different paid admission sites. Make sure you go to the east gate first and get the combo ticket, otherwise you'll pay more to visit each separately.

There are five to six structures in this temple complex All structure are historical and religious places The temple complex includes notable structures like the Five-Story Pagoda, the second tallest wooden pagoda in Japan, and the octagonal Northern and Southern Halls. The pagoda has been rebuilt multiple times due to fire damage, with the current structure dating back to the 15th cent Kofukuji was founded in 669 by Kagami-no-Ōkimi in Yamashina, Kyoto, as a chapel for her husband, Fujiwara no Kamatari. It was later moved to Fujiwara-kyō and then to its present location in Nara when the capital was relocated.

Magical!! Jus b careful, th deer can b overly aggressive. They surround u rt aft u purchase th crackers for them n they nipple at u to get fed. Once u pass them or when u run out of food they don't bother u. Th deers r throughout th park. Th rest of th park is beautiful, th temples n there's shops at th bottom of th hill..... there's even a Starbucks

This is an art museum that primarily displays Japanese Buddhist art. It was established in 1889, and retains its original building structure and is joined by a new wing that is connected to the original building by an underground passage. Both wings display the museum's permanent collection which includes Buddhist statues, paintings, scrolls and much more.

Saw the National Treasures exhibition. As per the advice of other reviewers I went late and queues weren’t too bad. Still busy inside. Buddhist sculpture hall is impressive.

I love visiting the museum today. There are many items from old Japan of interest there. It certainly expanded my knowledge of Japan. It's only roughly $7 Australian dollars to get in and if you are over 70 it's free. You'll need to provide proof!

We only saw the building during our visit to Nara Park. It is a landmark in the park that can't be missed. We didn't have time to enter the museum to have a look but the building looks pretty nice from outside.

Lots of national treasures and well preserved artifacts on display. Easily spend 1-2 hours looking over everything.

This place is huge and rich in history. Love the outside, full of deer and fountains, trees. You can feel the peace. There are not too many people around, most are walking in Nara Park.

The Nara National Museum, located in Nara, Japan, is a prominent cultural institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing Japanese art and Buddhist heritage. Established in 1889, the museum is situated in Nara Park, a historic area renowned for its ancient temples, friendly deer, and serene atmosphere. The museum plays a vital role in highlighting Nara’s significance as Japan’s first permanent capital and a cradle of Japanese culture. The museum’s collections are particularly rich in Buddhist art, reflecting the deep spiritual history of the region. Its holdings include statues, paintings, ritual objects, and sacred texts spanning various periods, from the Asuka and Nara periods (6th-8th centuries) to later eras. Among its most notable artifacts are the exquisite sculptures and ceremonial relics that offer a glimpse into the craftsmanship and religious devotion of early Japanese artisans. The Nara National Museum comprises two main buildings: the original Main Hall, a designated Important Cultural Property, and the East Wing, which features a more contemporary design. The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions alongside its permanent displays, drawing visitors from across the globe. A highlight of the museum’s calendar is its annual exhibition of treasures from Tōdai-ji Temple, showcasing priceless artifacts usually kept within the temple’s Great Buddha Hall. This exhibition underscores the museum’s mission to connect the public with the profound cultural and spiritual legacy of Japan. Visiting the Nara National Museum is a deeply enriching experience, offering insights into Japan’s artistic, historical, and spiritual traditions.

Enormous shrine and a beautiful one. Since I only had a few minutes because I had to go back to my hotel to check-out, I had to be rather quick and I regret not having visited the shrine the day before when I arrived at Nara with more time to spare because it totally deserves a more thorough visit. Also, very photogenic. This coming from a tourist with no particular knowledge about the shrine (again, I would have liked to have more free time here to learn about the place had I known it was this amazing).

Amazing shrine. Filled with lantern offerings me and old. The walk up is also filled with stone lanterns. The walk through the park is magical with the ancient forest surrounding the park, filled with deer and large overgrown lanterns is cooler than the broiled park below. When you stone at the shrine there is a lovely cooling spot as well as the usual offering places and offerings for prayers. On entry to the paid section you find many lanterns. Most be amazing when they light these for festivals. As with all Shinto temples is an amazing blend of ritual and offering. Was fairly quiet and could wander in peace apart from the room filled with Karen’s and mirrors which got a bit selfie crazed. Mostly bustling Europeans.

Feel the zen in the middle of the forest. All the rain, moss, trees and deer bring me more close to nature. The wwalk to the temple is amazing.

When I visited Kasuga-taisha Shrine in Nara, I was struck by the mysterious atmosphere, where the elegance of the nobility and the bustle of the common people merged in a single air. The corridors of the shrine are graceful... At the same time, the approaches to the shrine are decorated with lanterns, deer roam the area. Note: This is a sacred place, so be polite and quiet 🤫

The temple is a bit of a hike from the train station, up hill with a few steps as well. But it is very beautiful and worth it. I came during a rainy day, so I didn't travel deeper. Will come back again for sure.

It’s a little bit far to walk to Kasugataisha temple but it’s worth the to just walk through the amazing way surrounded by the religious symbols and all the deer 🦌 walking around and asking to feed them 😍👍❤️

A really beautiful shrine — another must-see in Nara. It’s a bit less crowded up there, and definitely worth going inside.

It is beautiful Japanese garden located in Nara, the old capital of Japan near Kyōto. It has been preserved since its creation in the Meiji era, and is the only walking garden in Nara. The gardens cover roughly 145,000 square feet (13,500 m2). In the central pond of the gardens, there are two islands with sculptures of a crane and tortoise. In Japanese culture these animals represent longevity. Beautiful place. Lots to see. Uneven terrain, lot of walking. Wear comfy shoes, take water, wear hat, sunscreen. Toilets available. Great place for photography.

It is a peaceful and well designed Japanese garden. Some parts of it are currently under constructions but you are still able to visit it. The entrance fee is 1200 yen per adult and it's totally worth it. Autumn has just begun so there wasn't a lot of red leaves, but still the mix of green/ yellow/ red leaves compose a pretty and peaceful picture. Recommended to make a stop before going to the temples.

Beautiful Japanese garden with a small adjoining museum. Really nice peaceful place to walk round away from the Nara crowds.

Beautiful gardens blending together water and land features. Quite pricey but we were offered a tour for free; our tour guide was super knowledgeable and friendly, talking about the history of the garden and Japanese garden structure, an experience I would definitely recommend if in the area.

A stunningly beautiful Japanese garden. Peaceful, relaxing, and as if time stood still. Simply wonderful.

The place is truly beautiful. The atmosphere made me calm. Just take a moment to sit and appreciate the nature

Calming place close to Nara park main gate with possibility of escape from overcrowded Nara area. The staff was soooooo nice in the restaurant so we were like to stay there forever 💗💗💗

The deer is very cute and not afraid of people. The entrance ticket to the mountain is very cheap, only 150 yen. The scenery at the top of the mountain is very beautiful, making it an excellent place to overlook Nara.

Mount Wakakusa – A Scenic and Refreshing Hike in Nara Park Mount Wakakusa is a highly recommended spot within Nara Park. The entire hill is covered with lush green grass, offering a serene and picturesque landscape. Although the mountain stands at 342 meters above sea level, my step-counting app showed an elevation gain equivalent to climbing 48 floors, which likely reflects the actual ascent from the base to the summit. There are two common hiking trails leading up the mountain. Both are well-maintained and easy to follow, with smooth paths and no major difficulty. For someone with moderate fitness, it takes about 40 to 60 minutes to reach the top without rushing. From the summit, you can enjoy a stunning bird’s-eye view of Nara City — definitely worth the effort! Mount Wakakusa is only about a 5–10 minute walk from Tōdai-ji Temple, making it very convenient to visit both in the same day.

Ticket is 150 yen per person. It's a very beautiful and calming place. We didn't go to the peak of the mountain and only stayed around the hill area, but the views are already very beautiful. Definitely much more worth visiting compared to the very crowded Nara Park. You can find deers around these areas too.

Nice place, it's much less tourists in here than in the park entrance. Deers are cute

We were just sitting in the lawn at the foothills, where we noticed people going up from the sideways. We decided to go upto the rest stop, but ended up climbing up this mini trek! Beautiful view point of Nara from up here. Some historical stone also seems to be kept up here.

Amazing views with the deer in the foreground. Quite a strenuous climb, that keeps on going. Limited drinks at top.

150 yen is nothing for a view like this. Of course you also need to do a climb of 25 mins but it is very doable and very rewarding at the end. Dont forget to get your food and drinks and make a picnic out of it.

A beautiful and historic temple with incredible ancient architecture, it’s amazing to see structures this old still standing. The grounds are peaceful and well-preserved. That said, the entrance fee is quite expensive compared to other temples, which might be a drawback for some. Still, it’s a special place worth seeing if you’re interested in history.

Horyu-ji Temple is one of the most important Buddhist sites in Japan and home to some of the oldest wooden buildings in the world. The history, architecture, and peaceful atmosphere make it a must-visit in Nara.

It was my university field trip. It was not enjoyable but also packed with historical knowledge experience. The pagoda and temples were built more than 1400 years ago. This history of this place dates back to when before Nara was the capital of Japan in the 6th century. Once you step foot into this historical place, you'd feel as if you've been transported into a different era in time. I wholeheartedly advise everyone to take your time and slowly pace through this place so that you can immerse, feel, and absorb the atmosphere.

Please take half day to this gorgeous temple! We been to Nara twice and visited this temple in our second trip to Nara, we were upset why we didn’t visit here earlier. Once stepping into the gate, we were speechless of how beautiful this temple is! Please don’t miss this place in your trip!

A real historical, well-maintained temple park. I visited quite a lot places in Nara and this one was one of my favorite!

GREAT anciant Buddhist temple in Japan!! Many Buddhist buildings, included oldest Buddhist building in Japan are very impressive. Gilt bronze Buddhist statue of "Sakyamuni Triad" and wooden statue of "Kudara Kannon" are very beautiful!

This temple shows the grand scale that temples were at the time. The current cost to get in is 2000 yen per person for the 3 areas

We recently stopped in Japan on one of our trips to Korea to visit my wife’s family. From Tokyo, we booked a tour to Osaka, Nara and Kyoto on the bullet train. One of the places we visited on the tour was the Todaiji Temple to see the giant Buddha. It was magnificent. Beautiful building . Well worth the visit to learn about the long history of the temple.

This was one of the most atmospheric spots I visited in Nara. The walk up was memorable in itself - a long, steep staircase lined with stones inscribed with kanji dedications from worshippers. At the top stood the beautiful Nigatsu-dō Hall, founded in 752 CE by the monk Sanetada. Despite its age, it has survived almost entirely intact, with only the Raido chapel added later in 1200. Across from the main hall, I stopped by a small building to get a goshuin. The rain had started coming down hard by then, and I was thankful for the shelter while waiting. Once it eased up, I took time to explore the wooden corridors, admire the rows of lanterns, and take in the view from the elevated platform overlooking the temple grounds and Nara’s lush greenery below. Even with the mist and clouds, it was a serene and unforgettable visit.

Fabulous temple surrounded by nature, with a great view over the city of Nara. There are many different buildings with paintings and sculptures. The path to the temple is a bit steep, but it’s worth the climb!

Great place to see sunset & view of Nara, I visited around 7PM during the summer and it’s free to enter. A must see especially on a clear day. Though, it’s a bit far from Todai-ji & the way there is kinda eerie near sunset

It's free of charge. It's worth visiting when you are visiting the Nara Park. It's not that busy here. It has a nice atmosphere with deers roaming around in the wild.

A temple further up a slope along a path towards the right of Todai-ji, offers a scenic view of the city.

October 13, 2025 No entrance fee. A great spot to just observe the city area below and how high you've actually climbed already from Todaiji.

My family were in a holiday and we chanced upon this place one afternoon:) This hole-in-the-wall restaurant became our most memorable lunch! We were greeted by a friendly and sincere elderly couple who probably owns the place. The menu was all in Japanese but they were very patient and did their best to take out orders and gave recommendations. The sashimi was soo fresh! It came in THICK slices and the meat had a great texture, and was so pleasantly sweet. The oden was SO TASTY we kept ordering more and more. The toufu and radish were our favourite. We also ordered the katsu, grilled meat, and hot sake! Everything we ordered was so good. The owners gifted us postcards of watercolour paintings of their restaurant when we left ❤️Will definitely return when I’m back at Nara.

Probably the best experience we have had so far in Japan! Delicious food, authentic atmosphere, and very welcoming owner and locals that made this experience something really special. The food was great, some incredibly fresh and meaty sashimis, and long-stewed onden (marinated ingredients in dashi, a Japanese bouillon made of fish). You need to accept to make a little effort on the language as it is an authentic Japanese place and not a tourist one ☺️ but if you do, you’ll be rewarded!

This cosy izakaya shows the love and dedication the chef puts to his craft. The food is AMAZING, the grilled fish were cooked simply but the delicate flavour of the fish shines through, the cold cooked beef salad was light, refreshing yet flavoursome at the same time; but the unpretentious mackerel kizuchi was one of our favourites of the evening. The service was excellent, thank you chef for this beautiful memory in Nara. We thoroughly enjoyed the Japanese hospitality in your homely restaurant!

What an incredible score! The lowly lady from the denim shop around the corner recommended it. When we fish arrived it was full but found a little sake shop nearby where we tasted a couple of premium sakes at an incredibly reasonable price. We returned and they had space for is and what an experience. The service was warm and welcoming, great sake and draft beer, and the food was incredible! Can’t wait to come back again.

Everything is so fresh and cooked perfectly. I believe whatever they serve will be delicious. We mostly order from the hand-written menu on the wall, the vinegar oyster and sashimi are incredible! There are also several sakes to choose from, mostly from Nara I think, not the most extensive drinks menu but enough. Nice izakaya vibe, we thoroughly enjoyed the dinner and look forward to another visit. Notably the owner speaks good English.

Very small restaurant, but excellent service from the owner. Limited menu but everything is fresh and delicious. The no rice mackerel sushi, slow cooked beef and grilled fish were absolutely gorgeous. If you're in Nara, do yourself a favour. Come early and maybe get lucky enough to experience this place.

This spot was recommended to us by a local. We arrived a bit before opening to secure a seat. The food and drinks were great, and the vibe was causally intimate.

Best food ever in the whole Japan. And I've been to different cities. Fresh, tasty and very quickly the food and serving. I definitely recommend.

Ended up eating here more because of the lack of options after looking around for some time. We thought the overall positive reviews and scores meant the food would be good. Instead, it was a dirty restaurant with some of the most tasteless okonomiyaki I’ve ever had. They were also very small. We all felt sick after eating here. I cannot recommend this place, even as a last resort.

Great food, amazing prices, and the service is super friendly. Highly recommend!

Delicious okonomiyaki delivered right to your table grill to keep warm. This restaurant is shoes off. Nice little place on the way to Nara park!

Great place for okonomiyaki for a reasonable price. Kameya offers the main dishes of okonomiyaki and teppanyaki already prepared so that when it reaches your table, you're just keeping it heated. This may be to your liking as some may consider the assembly part of the experience. The restaurant is fairly well ventilated and doesn't leave the smell of grease or smoke on your clothes which is usually common in places like this. The food is generally delicious and you can't go wrong with any of the choices

We were exploring Nara park until it was sunset, so we walked towards the train station area to find some place to sit down for dinner, and there weren't a lot of shops that were open at the time. We came by this place and saw the food displays and it seemed ok for us so we entered. There was a short queue of maybe two groups of people. So we didn't wait very long. The seats are also very good and spacious. There is a hot surface in the middle where you can cook the Okonomiyaki etc The food is nice to me, and you can also add condiments that they provide on the table. They have bonito flakes, nori flakes, and some Japanese soy sauce. These are already delicious on their own, when mixed together.

I came here three times and finally tried this okonomiyaki. Every time I came here it was a holiday, so I ordered everything I wanted to eat this time! 五目焼そば is fried noodles. It contains shrimp, squid, pork and so on. It tastes pretty good. 焼そばロール is fried noodles with egg buns. The ingredients are not as rich as the 五目焼そば, and the taste is average. カメヤ特製甲羅焼 is okay. It adds more scallops and prawns to the regular Okonomiyaki. とん平焼き is the cheapest but the most delicious! It is said to be the store's own signature, and it was written on the menu that it was highly praised, so I ordered it out of curiosity. There are pork and eggs on the batter, a layer of sweet sauce + a layer of mayonnaise, and I added a lot of seaweed powder and bonito flakes. It’s hard not to taste high-calorie food, and it suits my taste very well.

A great experience to try their fresh mochi. It's different than the ones you get in those food stands but definitely better. Tons of locals come in and as tourists we were treated nicely. Price is definitely on the higher side but it was good for an experience. Even the mochi itside was worth the trip to here. Mochi is about ¥1000 and set is about ¥3000 range.

This is a nice and relaxing small restaurant. It serves mainly traditional Japanese deserts Kudzu mochi. They have udon-noodle set and rice set. Interesting deserts. They offer English menu.

Came and tried their kudzu porridge and it was delicious! Especially the mountain yam with yuzu ones, aromatic and has a very clear rich flavor. The sesame tofu is the best that I have tasted so far, thick sticky and yet rich in sesame flavor. Absolutely delectable. The kudzu jelly has a refreshing taste with it while has a great spingy texture to it. Recommended to try!

The place is comfy and warm, i waited around 10 minutes until i got my seat for 4 people. I tried the mochi (660 yen), and the ice cream was also good here. Definitely worth to visit after you visit the temples & shrines around.

(Trip was made back then on 21 Nov 2019, 2 years before the Covid-19 Pandemic hit) This was one of the recommended places which specialises in Japanese sweets and tea. Had the Kuzu Mochi, another specialty of Nara’s, and it was really a treat. Love the soft silky smooth, almost mochi-like texture which almost melts in your mouth. If only they could dial down the sweetness of the brown sugar syrup, then it’d be perfect

The kudzumochi was some of the best mochi I've ever had. The kudzu udon was also really good.

Very good taste and service. Portions are good and flavors very natural. Good place to eat in Nara but a little expensive

Found this restaurant from the map at the Nara Park car park area. While waiting to be seated, we placed our order for food first as preparation time is 20-30 mins. Interesting meal that we have not tried before. There is even an instruction on how you should be eating the food (see picture). Will recommend to try but just be aware that there are very limited seats available, plus long food preparation time, the turnover of diners will be very slow.

If you have never tried the pot rice Kamameshi, this is the place you should go. The preparation of the pot rice takes a bit of time, you will expect about 20-30 mins from placing the order to the food serves to your table. The crab meat pot rice is seasonal and have limited quantity each day, I feel like lucky to have it today. The crab meat is moist and the rice is full of the crab aroma with a touch of brunt rice . You can order a port of broth (order separately)to pour into the brunt rice after spooning out the rice for another way to finish the meal. I feel my stomach is very happy with this kind of rice cooking.

We had lunch here after visiting Nara Park, and it was fantastic. This local gem specializes in kamameshi, a unique rice dish cooked in individual pots. The rice itself was incredibly flavourful. We tried the chicken, vegetable, and Nara special kamameshi, and all three were absolutely delicious. A highlight was definitely the crispy, crunchy rice at the bottom of the pot – a perfect finish to a wonderful meal.

We had lunch here while visiting the museum. Got there about 10 minutes after opening and it was already full, so we waited close to an hour for the first tables to clear. Honestly, the rice bowl felt plain to me—too much rice, not enough toppings for the price. Tempura was good though. The miso soup and the rest were way too salty for my taste. Considering the wait time and the prices, I’d say it feels more like a tourist trap than a place worth going back to.

It was super hot out, so I ducked into this place for a meal—and I’m happy I did. The unagi was fresh and tasty, and the rice was perfect. Everything felt simple but was made with care. Honestly, it might be one of the best meals. The dish was so well done, with simple but high-quality ingredients❤️❤️❤️

I popped by Shizuka Kouen‑ten, the super‑long queue spot just a few minutes from Nara Park, around lunchtime and quickly understood what the fuss is about. This cozy, 60‑plus‑year‑old kamameshi restaurant (first opened in 1959) has become a Nara institution thanks to its simple yet thoughtful approach: they cook each individual pot of rice in a small iron “kama,” over an open flame, only after you order it . True to reputation, I queued for about 30 minutes before finally getting a seat. As I joined the line, I noticed it stretched alongside deer peacefully nibbling leaves—it’s the kind of tourist scene you just don’t see in Singapore. Inside, the restaurant was warm and inviting, with tatami sections and a compact dining area that quickly filled up. The staff were friendly and spoke a bit of English, even offering instructions on how to properly enjoy kamameshi: first scoop out the rice, re-cover the lid to steam a bit, and then dig down to the bottom to snag the precious “okoge”—the crispy, slightly charred rice that clings to the pot . I opted for their standard set topped with chicken, veggies, and mushrooms. While I appreciated the freshness and subtle broth-infused flavour, it felt a bit too plain for my taste—I’m more used to bold, salty dishes, so this was a gentler, more delicate style. The environment was peaceful and cosy, with low chatter and the sound of sizzling pots. Staff were attentive, friendly, and efficient—making the wait feel worthwhile. Heritage: Over 60 years serving kamameshi, and cooking each pot to order over an open flame . Authentic kamameshi experience: Includes crisp okoge at the bottom, with English instructions on how to savour it . Cosy vibe: Small, snug interior—great for a calming lunchtime escape. Friendly staff: A warm touch, even with limited English. Wait time was long (~30 min), and the space fills up fast—go early or be patient. The kamameshi was tasty but on the subtle side—might feel plain if you like bolder flavours. The dining method—steaming and scraping for okoge—is fun and unique, but expect a bit of a learning curve. Shizuka Kouen‑ten is a charming, traditional spot worth visiting for the authentic kamameshi experience and cultural heritage. For a Singaporean used to punchy, flavorful meals, it might come off as gentle and understated but that’s kind of the point. If you want something cozy, historic, and truly Nara, this place hits all the right notes… just perhaps not your flavor palate.

Unagi set meal was expensive at ¥3,300. Unagi taste good, rice was plentiful (too much for me though). Overall, food is a little bland to my liking. And it was expensive. But it is a new experience eating something like a claypot rice using metal pot. I recommend you can try, but just chose the most simple one.

Outstanding culinary craftsmanship by “owner-chef-couple” Hiroshi & Yuki Kawashima in a serene & elegant setting

Food and service were awesome. As a 2 star Michelin restaurant in Japan, that makes sense. What made it exceptional was the entire staff truly cared about our experience. From welcoming us by name, to spending a few minutes at the start to get to know us, to the chefs asking us if there was anything they could do better as we left.

The restaurant provides both high quality food and services. All dishes were inspiring and nicely presented.This place just made my journey in Nara so unforgettable. Michelin star well deserved.

Well deserving of its 2 Michelin stars, we had a fantastic dinner at akordu during a recent trip to Nara. The service was pleasant and accommodating despite us not knowing any Japanese. Our waitress did a fantastic job presenting each dish, describing the ingredients and the inspiration drawn by the chef. We were impressed by the artistry of the plating, especially the dishes designed to evoke landscapes and highlight the local seasonal scenery. The food itself was superb, showcasing the finest of the local Nara produce. We will fondly remember our meal at akordu for years to come.

We don’t need to go Spain. Why? You can understand if you come here. The meat is very soft, so you have to be careful not to swallow it. Your meat is precious. Glad to see you Yoko! Cage!

An unexpectedly fantastic dinner experience and a well-deserved Michelin 2 stars restaurant. We are on our honeymoon trip in Japan and visiting a few cities and many michelin restaurants, this one being the only non-pure-Japanese restaurant during the trip but out-competed other 2 stars we experienced. Impressive things come as follows: 1. The menu: each course is written on a small card and you are not allowed (I mean, you could, but it may spoil the surprise) until the next course, which adds some mystery of the entire meal and enhances the overall dining adventure. 2. The food: Crafted with locally sourced ingredients from Nara, each dish demonstrated heartfelt creativity and perfect harmony. Inspired by nature, the chef masterfully fuses Spanish and Japanese culinary traditions. To offer just a taste without giving too much away: the menu featured local seafood (like shrimp, seabass, and barnacles - a rare shellfish-like seafood) along with a variety of fresh Japanese vegetables, duck, Wagyu beef, dairy products, and fresh fruits. We were so enamored with each course that we left not a drop of sauce behind—which were, incidentally, my favorite part of the meal. 3. The price: At around $150 per person, which included service, tax, and two glasses of hand-squeezed, freshly sweet grape juice, Akordu offers an extraordinary experience at a surprisingly reasonable price, particularly when compared to other two-star restaurants in Tokyo or Osaka. 4. The service: Both the waitress and the manager displayed exemplary hospitality and professionalism. They enriched each course with stories and information about the ingredients. Attention to detail was evident in the quick change of utensils between courses, each specifically tailored to the dish served.The manager/server would help with the chair every time you sit down, from the beginning and middle when you leave table for restroom - when I was back from restroom in the middle of the course, I found he was waiting for me and the chair was already pulled out and slightly face outside, and at that time I knew he had prepared my seating. 5. The chef: After dinner, when we expressed the enjoyment of all the dishes and felt impressed by all the creation and combination of the food, the chef and his wife came out to thank us for coming and were very happy that we enjoyed the food. As a Japanese tradition, they bowed (90 degree angle) to us when we left and they bowed again/until we got on the taxi. Highly recommend this restaurant if you would like to experience a harmonious blend of Japanese and Spanish cuisines on your trip to Nara - Japan. A restaurant resides at the bottom of Mount. Wakakusa where you might see many deers hanging around nearby.

Exquisite cuisine, elegant settings, and flawless service. All six of us enjoyed our lunch immensely. Next time we go to Kyoto, we will make another trip to Nara just to go back again.

I went to Awa Naramachi due its high ratings on both Tabelog and Google. We had dinner and went with a multi course meal with Yamamoto beef. Long story short I was disappointed due to the lack of flavor. It was explained that the ingredients were sourced locally, however they all lacked flavor. I couldn’t tell them apart from what I could buy from the supermarket…. The service was overall friendly. The restaurant was too hot. One of the courses included grilling meat on a hot plate, which became overwhelming due to non-existent ventilation. I think the most disappointing course was the dessert. It was a strawberry and a cannelle. They were both very average and the cannelle was dry. It felt in-cohesive with the other dishes.

Amazing food, service and vibe. Very Japanese with a lot of vegetables from the local region and beef. Really really delcious food served impeccably. In a small old Japanese Inn. This was first class in every way. Highly recommended

Superb vibe and extraordinary service. I would like to specially thank Ms Konako and other staffs serve us. They did their best to serve us without being able to speak Japanese but try to understand all Japanese special vegetables and cooking techniques. Konako sang even gave us a sticky note to teach us the phrase we learnt from her. We are very thankful for the hospitality of Awa Naramachi.

we made a reservation via google chat 1 month+ in advance, and received a reply asking to confirm and notify them of the set meal we wanted. we promptly confirmed the reservation with the set meal we wanted. there was no mention of needing to call. when we went to the restaurant, the manager said that there was no reservation for us and we would have had to call. no apology given. when we asked if they had other recommendations, he said to go to the tourist information counter; he cannot help us. you be the judge of the quality of service and hospitality at this restaurant, and whether it gives tourists a good impression of japanese culture.

Excellent dining experience in Nara, the menus are made with local ingredients made in different ways. They take the time to explain the ingredients and provenance of each dish.

Delicious traditional Nara Kaiseki meal with many courses. Each dish was beautifully presented and unique. Every flavour was rich, subtle and delightful.

Tasty conveyor belt sushi. You can also order fresh. Not much English spoken but there is an English menu and you can point to pictures. Cute little tea bar at the table too.

Fantastic restaurant. If you are looking for authentic, local and well-cooked meals, this is the place. Everything was awesome, the staff is super kind. A must stop in Nara!

Reserved lunch through hotel at Tsukumo. I think it's quite enjoyable and the staff can speak English better than staff in some restaurants in Osaka and Kyoto. For the price tag it's quite worth it. The service is pretty good and the dining environment is not too serious.

Delicious food where able to look how the chief prepare each element to the table, with warm services and environment:) Highly recommended if you are around the area:) 5 Star lunch!

An absolute treasure of a restaurant. A more authentic Japanese experience will be hard to find. Art, history, creativity, culture, and incredible tastes. If you’re lucky enough to get a reservation you are in for a treat.

What a treat! Absolutely delicious and everything’s beautifully presented.

Best kaiseki restaurant in the earth !

Great experience in Nara!

(Translated by Google) You can enjoy a curry course!!! The lunch price changes depending on whether you include the main dish or not! The photo shows the main dish included!! The price is 4,400 yen including tax. As an appetizer, you will receive curry gratin, followed by tandoori dishes as the main dish, curry, naan, and rice.Finally, dessert and drink!!!!!!For curry, choose one dish from today's dish.You can also choose dessert and drink. All the dishes are elaborate and have a slight hint of spice!!!I think it's better to order a main dish for the quantity!!!!!!!!If you don't add it, it will be a bit small. Reservations are a must!The location is a little inconvenient if you don't have a car.The course meal was very delicious!!!!!! (Original) カレ―のコ−ス料理が頂けます!!! ランチはメイン料理を付けるか付けないで値段が変わります!写真はメイン料理付けました!!価格は税込4400円です ます前菜として八寸がきます次にカレ―グラタン、メイン料理にタンドリー料理、カレ―とナンと御飯　最後にデザ−トとドリンクです!!!!!!カレ―は本日の料理から一品選びますデザ−トとドリンクも選べます どの料理も手が込んでいてスパイスがほんのり効いています!!!量はメイン料理頼んだほうがいいと思います!!!!!!!!付けないと少なめかな 予約は必須です!!!!立地は車がないと少々不便かな　　とても美味しいコ−ス料理でした!!!!!!

(Translated by Google) I had a course with a main dish. It was a Japanese-style spiced kaiseki meal, and the dishes, taste, and atmosphere were all unique and enjoyable. It's inconvenient if you don't have a car, and you have to make a reservation by the day before, which is a bit of a challenge. (Original) メイン料理付きのコースをいただきました。和風スパイス懐石料理という感じで器や味、雰囲気全て個性的で楽しめました。車が無いと不便な場所ですし前日までに予約必須というのが敷居が高いところです。

(Translated by Google) You can enjoy dishes that can only be tasted here. It's not suitable for people who don't like spices or seasonings, but it's definitely recommended for those looking for something different! The interior is also lovely. Reservations are required. Carpooling is required. (Original) ここでしか味わえないお料理がいただけます。スパイスや香辛料が苦手な人には向いてませんが、いつもと違う味を求めている方には是非！店内も素敵です。要予約。車は乗り合わせて。

(Translated by Google) We went from Osaka for my son's birthday. Kintetsu Nara direction, once an hour from Tomio Station, Apparently there are city buses that run every 45 minutes, and the price increases depending on the distance. We couldn't make it in time, so I took a taxi to the store. It took about 10 minutes and cost just under ¥1000. As soon as I entered the store, the woman at the store greeted me and took care of me. It was a lunch course, but the main course was 3800 yen and everything was delicious and delicious. It seems like they use spices to bring out the best in each dish, so no matter which one you try, you won't be disappointed. The atmosphere of the shop was nice, and the staff were very nice to me, and even though they were busy, they took the time to chat with me, which made it even more fun. I truly had a wonderful time here. The soft drinks also seem to be made with carefully selected ingredients, with many being 100%, making them very easy to drink and delicious. My son found this place on social media and wanted to try it, so we came here for the first time and it was a big hit. The two hours I was there was truly a dream-like experience. thank you very much. By the way, there are lunch courses for around 2,800 yen without a main course, so you will need to choose two courses and make a reservation. (Original) 息子のお誕生日に大阪から行きました。 近鉄奈良方面､富雄駅から1時間に1本､ お値段が距離で上がっていく市バスみたいなのが､45分毎に出ているそうですが、 私たちはその時間に間に合わなかったので､ お店までタクシーで行きました。 約10分ぐらいで￥1000弱でした。 お店に入ってすぐ、お店の女性の方が迎えてくれて気遣って下いました。 ランチのコースでしたが、メインあり3800円全て美味しくこだわっていて最高でした。お料理ごとにスパイスを引き立てる使い方をしているようで､どれを食べてもハズレなし。お店の雰囲気も良く、お店の方もとても良くして下さり、忙しい中、ちょこっとお話もしてくださって、それがまた楽しくて、 本っ当にここは、おかげで素敵な良い時間を過ごせました。 ソフトドリンクも素材にごだわっているようで100％のが多く､とても飲みやすく美味しかったです。息子がSNSで見つけて行ってみたいということで、はじめて来店しましたが大当たりでした。 お席の2時間本当､夢のような時間になりました。ありがとうございました。 ちなみにランチはメインなしの2800円ぐらいのコースもあり、どちらか2種類のコースを選んでの予約必須になります。

(Translated by Google) It's difficult to get to and the seats are limited, so it's difficult to go there on the day of your visit, but if you want to eat delicious spiced food, you'll want to go there. It's not extremely sweet or spicy like the curry restaurants around town that cater to Nepalese and Indian people. Maybe it's adapted to Japanese tastes, but you can enjoy the harmonious combination of spices. Even though it's curry, it's a course meal? However, since you can enjoy the combination of various ingredients and spices from the appetizer, you can continue eating without getting bored. The old folk house and spices are also stylish and nice. It would be even better if access and reservation ease were a little better ◯ (Original) アクセスは悪いし客席が限られているので当日思い立って行くことは難しいが、おいしいスパイス料理が食べたくなったら行きたくなる。街中にあるネパール人の方やインド人の方がされてるカレー屋さんのように極端に甘かったり辛かったりしない。もしかしたら日本人に合わせられているのかもしれないが、とにかく香辛料の調和を楽しめる。カレーなのにコース料理？と思ったけど、前菜からいろんな食材とスパイスの掛け合わせを楽しめるので、飽きずに食べ進められる。古民家とスパイスとうのもオシャレで良き。アクセスと予約の取りやすさがもう少し良ければさらに◯

(Translated by Google) Lunch is 3,300 yen and 4,400 yen. The difference is whether you get a main course or not, but I recommend the latter because the main course is very delicious. All the dishes are spicy, delicious and delicate. I chose the Yamato pork and spinach curry, which was very delicious. (Original) ランチは３３００円と４４００円。メインがあるかないかの差ですがメイン料理がとても美味しいので後者をオススメします。 お料理はどれもスパイシーで美味しくて繊細。ヤマトポークとほうれん草のカレーをチョイスしましたがとても美味しかったです。

(Translated by Google) I wondered what the curry course was like, but since it had high reviews, I made a reservation and visited. Madame was very popular. From the appetizers, there were a variety of dishes that used just the right amount of spices. Each dish was small, but I felt that it was elaborate. I selected a variety of curries. I chose the recommended curry for summer. I was impressed by the light yet rich curry. I also chose a dessert and a drink (coffee or chai). I chose chai flavored ice cream and chai. I thought it would be too much, but it wasn't at all, and both were delicious. The chai ice cream in particular was so delicious that I wish it was sold commercially! Apparently, the wife is in charge of customer service and the husband is in charge of cooking. The wife is a friendly person, so she taught me various things just by talking to me a little, which made the atmosphere more relaxed. When I told her that it was delicious, she said that she was happy to hear that, and that she wanted to tell her husband directly, but she felt a little sorry for him because she was the only one in front. She replied with a mischievous smile. This shop is run by a lovely couple. I hope it lasts a long time. I would like to use it again on special occasions. (Original) カレー料理のコースとは？と思いつつ高評価なので予約をして訪問。 マダムのご利用率が高かったです。 前菜から、スパイスを程よく使用した料理が並びます。どれも、少量ずつですが手が込んでいるのを感じました。 カレーは数種類からセレクト。夏のおすすめカレーを選びました。サッパリとしてでもコクのあるカレーに感激です。 デザートと飲み物（珈琲かチャイ）も選びました。私はチャイ味のアイスとチャイを、選択。くどいか？と思いましたが全くそんなことは無く、どちらもそれぞれ美味しかったです。特にチャイアイスは市販して貰いたいくらいの美味しさ！ 接客は奥様、料理は旦那様が担当されているとのこと。奥様は飾らない気さくな方なので、少し話しかけるだけで色んなことを教えて下さるので場が和みました。 美味しかったとお伝えすると、そう言ってもらえると嬉しい、主人にも直接聞かせてあげたいけど、前に出てる私ばかりが聞かせて貰ってて主人はちょっと可哀想とイタズラっぽい笑顔で返答されてました。 素敵なご夫婦のお店。長続きして欲しいですね。また特別な時に利用したいと思います。

Best meal we’ve had in Japan so far! Amazing food and excellent service. We had a great time!

Staff were extremely friendly and accommodating. Owner was the chef as well which added a warm personal touch.

This is was such a special place and definitely highlight of Kyoto/Nara area. We wanted to try the kaiseki experience and chef Okada-san and his team definitely delivered. The team was very attentive and food was delicious. Chef is very humble, eventhough they hold michelin star for 3 years already, you wont see any signs about anywhere in restaurant. Definitely recommended, if you have an occassion to celebrate or want to spoil yourself.

Okada is a kaiseki restaurant in Nara, not too far from Nara Park. Reservations are required at this restaurant as the restaurant accepts 8-9 guests per evening, allowing for a personalized dining experience with the chef. Every dish is artfully created and features the best seasonal and regional ingredients. Service is very good. Prices are reasonable.

Absolutely impeccable food, presentation, service, everything. I managed to get a same-day dinner reservation and it was the best meal of my entire Japan trip. Every course was absolutely delicious and the staff went above and beyond to translate each dish into English for me (bringing out books with photos of various ingredients and pointing at the relevant ones). Couldn't recommend it more highly.

First time trying kaiseiki cuisine. Definitely amazing!

Edit: After going to other kaiseki restaurants like Hassun in Kyoto, I've grown to appreciate this place more. The chef doesn't give favoritism to Japanese clients (especially regulars) which I appreciate. There's so many more courses despite being significantly cheaper than many other kaiseki places too, and more attention to detail. One of the best meals of my life and a truly fantastic kaiseki experience! I really appreciated how the chef was willing to experiment with slightly non-traditional ingredients like the Turkish kadayıf and even cream cheese with (what I took to be) lemongrass. The service was outstanding and everyone tried really hard to explain to us each dish despite the considerable language barrier. We really hope to come back the next time we're at Nara.

(Translated by Google) Mr. Shimizu trained at Kikusuirou and Gion Nishikawa and opened the store in 2016. The store's name is a Zen word that means ``cherishing the present moment.'' Matsuba crab chawanmushi with crab miso paste Jigu Manju, white sweet sea bream, and fried shiitake mushrooms Himi Noburi, Akashi squid, sea bream mackerel sushi Fried chicken wings between kobmozuku, red bean liver marinated in miso, kelp with herring roe Seko crab roe sauce, fried tiger prawns, kadaif, taro kids, mukago yam and egg yolk Saikyo grilled Pomfret with mizuna sesame dressing and lotus root Milt, spinach, shrimp sweet potato, Karasumi, Shimonita green onion Nara Tomio white rice Yamato beef Hobayaki Jako Kasujiru Kotoka's jelly Chestnut Monaka Matcha All the dishes are carefully prepared and delicious. I really like the mackerel sushi because the seaweed is crispy and it's greasy but not greasy. Hassun has a cute appearance and is rich in variety. Surinagashi feels quite rare. The combination was interesting. Accompanying the rice is Yamato beef grilled with Hoba. Even the meat came out and it was very satisfying. The dessert Kotoka is exquisite. With this, the 20,000 yen course has a good CP and I am very satisfied. (Original) 清水氏は菊水楼、祇園にしかわで修業を積み2016年に同店をオープン。店名は「今この瞬間を大事にする」という意味の禅の言葉だそう。 松葉蟹の茶碗蒸し　蟹味噌餡 慈姑饅頭　白甘鯛　原木椎茸挟み揚げ 氷見のぶり　明石のハリイカ　鯛 鯖寿司 手羽先唐揚げ　こぶともずくの間　あん肝味噌漬け　ニシン子持ち昆布 セコガニ内子ソース　車海老カダイフ揚げ　里芋の子供　むかご芋と卵黄 マナガツオの西京焼き　水菜胡麻和え　蓮根 白子　ほうれん草　海老芋　からすみ　下仁田ネギのすりながし 奈良　富雄　白ごはん　大和牛朴葉焼　じゃこ　粕汁 古都華のゼリー寄せ 栗最中 抹茶 料理はどれも丁寧に作られており美味しい。鯖寿司が海苔がぱりぱりで脂はあるがくどくなくとても好み。八寸は見た目も可愛らしくバラエティに富んでいる。すりながしは中々珍しい感じ。組み合わせが面白かった。ご飯のお供は大和牛の朴葉焼。お肉まで出てきて満足度が高い。デザートの古都華は絶品。これでコース20000円はCPよく大満足。

(Translated by Google) "Memo" A short walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, we visited the Japanese restaurant "Nikon", one of the most famous restaurants in Nara! ✨ It's a wonderful restaurant where you can spend a happy time being fascinated from start to finish by the dishes that are simple and traditional 🥰🥰 Chef Shimizu's food is truly delicious 😋😋 And of course it was delicious this time too 😋 Thank you for the meal ✨ I can't wait for the next time 😊 (Original) 『備忘録』 近鉄奈良駅から少し歩いたところに、奈良においては名店中の名店！日本料理の『而今（にこん）』さんに伺いました✨ 気を衒うことなく王道を突き詰めているお料理の数々に、終始魅了されながら幸せな時間を過ごすことができる素晴らしいお店です🥰🥰 清水大将のお料理は本当に美味いに尽きます😋😋 そして、今回ももちろん美味しかったですー😋 ごちそうさまでした✨ 次回が待ち遠しいです😊

(Translated by Google) If you want to eat something special in Nara, we recommend "Nikon" 🌷 It's about a 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station. It's a Japanese restaurant with a hidden feel, located at the back of a quiet alley. The atmosphere is already great from the entrance. The first dish gets you excited 🍅 The first dish that came out was cold tofu with sea urchin, tomato, and shiso flowers. You take a bite and say out loud, "What is this... Delicious!". The combination of ingredients and the presentation were perfect, and I was captivated right from the start! In the middle of the course, a sweetfish was served in a glass bowl, with "Today's fish." I was a little surprised, but the sweetfish was properly grilled and came out with crispy skin and fluffy meat. I thought sweetfish was so delicious... The hassun is like a miniature festival The Tanabata-themed presentation is just so cute♡ It is decorated with bamboo leaves and paper strips, and it is fun to look at. There are various small dishes lined up, and it makes you want to drink alcohol (I ordered it). The stewed winter melon has a comforting taste. The dessert was amazing! To finish, we had sudachi sorbet and tomato jelly. It was not too sweet, and it felt like my body was reset. It was the perfect way to end the summer. Every dish at "Nikon" is delicious, and the food is sure to put your mind at ease. I recommend it to those who want to spend a "quiet and fulfilling night" in Nara. 📍Nara Nikon 5 minutes walk from Kintetsu Nara Station / Reservation required Kaiseki course only (around 20,000 to 30,000 yen) (Original) 奈良で特別なごはんが食べたいときにおすすめなのが、「而今（にこん）」🌷 近鉄奈良駅から徒歩5分くらい。静かな路地の奥にある、隠れ家っぽい和食屋さんです。 入り口からすでに雰囲気たっぷり はじまりの一皿からテンション上がる🍅 最初に出てきたのは、冷たい豆腐に雲丹、トマト、紫蘇の花。 ひとくち食べて「え、なにこれ…美味しい」って思わず声に出るやつ。 素材の組み合わせも、盛り付けも完璧で、しょっぱなから心を掴まれました！ コースの途中で「今日のお魚です」と、ガラス鉢に入った鮎が登場。 ちょっとびっくりしたけど、ちゃんと焼かれて出てきた鮎は、皮パリッと、身はふわっと。 鮎ってこんなに美味しいんだ…って思った。 八寸がもう、まるでミニチュアのお祭り 七夕にちなんだ盛り付けがとにかく可愛い♡ 笹と短冊が添えられてて、見た目から楽しい。 いろんな小鉢が少しずつ並んでて、お酒飲みたくなるやつ（頼みました）。 冬瓜の煮物、ほっとする味。 デザート素晴らしかった！ 最後は、すだちのシャーベットとトマトのジュレ。 甘さ控えめで、すーっと体がリセットされる感じ。 夏にぴったりな締めでした。 「而今」はどの皿もちゃんと美味しくて、気持ちが整うごはん。 奈良で“静かに満たされる夜”を過ごしたい人におすすめです。 📍奈良 而今（にこん） 近鉄奈良駅から徒歩5分／完全予約制 懐石コースのみ（2〜3万円くらい）

(Translated by Google) Enjoy Japanese cuisine in Nara! ♪ Come for a fun dinner! ^ ^ [Access] About a 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station! [Menu] Chef's Choice Course ♪ Nara Jikin is located a short walk from Nara Station! The clean and tidy interior features a counter and even private rooms. The counter has a lively atmosphere, and the private rooms are spacious! The dishes express the changing of the seasons. The seasonings, which utilize the natural flavors of the ingredients rather than the flashy presentation, make you feel like you could eat forever. The menu is well-balanced, satisfying with vegetables, fish, and meat dishes. Even the dessert is fantastic. A wonderful restaurant that makes you want to visit every season. It was delicious. [Occasion] Dates ◯ Friends ◯ Business ◯ Family ◯ [Seating] Counter, private room [Reservations] Advance reservations required ◯ [Portion] Plenty of portions, absolutely delicious ^ _ ^ Is the price worth it? I thought! Amazing food at this price... I'm so happy! And it's hard to get a reservation, lol. I'd love to come back again! ♪ Thanks for the meal ^_^ (Original) 奈良で味わえる日本料理♪楽しみなディナーへご訪問^ ^ 【アクセス】近鉄奈良駅から徒歩5分ほど！ 【メニュー】お任せコース♪ 奈良駅から少し歩いた先にある奈良而今さん！ 清潔感があり綺麗な店内はカウンターと、個室まで◯ ライブ感のあるカウンターに個室はゆったりと！ お料理は季節の移ろいを表現されるようなお品。 派手な盛り付けではなく素材そのものを活かされた味付けはいくらでも食べれそうな気持ちに。 お野菜、お魚、肉料理などバランスよく満たしてくださる。最後のデザートまで素晴らしい。 四季ごとにお伺いしてみたくなる素晴らしいお店。美味しかったな。 【用途】 デート◯ ご友人◯ お仕事◯ ご家族◯ 【座席】カウンター、個室 【ご予約】事前ご予約必須◯ 【ボリューム】しっかりボリュームあり最高です^_^ お値段あってますか？となりました！ 素晴らしいお料理がこのお値段で、、 嬉しい限り！そしてそれは予約なかなか勝ち取れないですよね笑 またお伺いしてみたいな♪ ご馳走様でした^_^

(Translated by Google) Nara's Ikinomi ✨ A gourmet friend recommended this Michelin-starred restaurant. It was amazing! 🥰 Seasonal ingredients are carefully prepared. A wonderful restaurant where you can feel the seasons in every creative dish. ✨ Awaji Island Conger Eel with Kudzu Swordfish, Sea Urchin, Bluefin Tuna, Lean Meat, and Grilled Grunt Fish. ✨ Maizuru Cockle and Liver. Served with a jelly made from tomato juice and Junsai. 🥰 The hassun (appetizer) was also amazing. ✨ Dynamic sweetfish on a fan plate. Shrimp jelly in a manganji (roasted rice cake). Katsuragi duck loin. Mackerel sushi, and more. 🥰 Sweet snapper served with raw dried mullet roe pickled in miso. ♡ Conger eel stew. Every grain of rice was delicious. ✨ Dessert and watermelon and mango jelly. 🫶 I loved it!! ✨ It's difficult to make a reservation, but it's a restaurant I'd definitely like to visit again! (Original) 奈良の而今さん✨ グルメな方に教えていただいた ミシュランにも選出されているお店 すごかった🥰 旬の食材をひとつひとつ丁寧に。 創意工夫された一皿一皿に 季節を感じる素敵なお店✨ 淡路島の鱧の葛たたき 剣先イカ、雲丹、本鮪中トロ、赤身、いさきの焼き霜✨ 舞鶴のとり貝と肝は トマトの水分だけを抽出して作られたゼリーと じゅん菜と一緒に🥰 八寸も素晴らしかった✨ うちわのお皿に躍動感のある鮎 万願寺の中には海老しんじょう かつらぎ鴨の鴨ロース 鯖すしなど🥰 甘鯛には生カラスミの味噌漬けが添えられて♡ 穴子の焚き合わせ ご飯も一粒一粒まで美味しかった✨ デザートと西瓜とマンゴーのゼリー🫶 大好きだった！！✨ 予約困難だけど是非また伺いたいお店でした✨

(Translated by Google) The persimmon pickles served in Yoshino persimmon bowls, the warm bowl of conger eel with chrysanthemum matsutake mushrooms, and the moist chestnut dessert were particularly memorable and elaborately prepared. The inside of the bowl lid was decorated with a design of autumn leaves and deer, giving a sense of autumn, even though the leaves on the outside hadn't yet turned red. The dishes were beautifully presented and the presentation was exquisite, a delight to the eye and delicious to eat, resulting in a very satisfying meal. The sweetness was exquisite when I put each dish in my mouth, followed by a lingering sweetness. The careful explanations given to each dish were a delight to listen to. I made a reservation for the weekend, but they seem to be difficult to get. It was a 20-minute walk from the JR line, and on the way back I took the Kintetsu line, which was only a five-minute walk away. The restaurant was beautiful, with a lovely entrance and counter. Hot roasted green tea and cold water were available without the need to ask. (Original) 吉野の柿を器にした柿なます 菊花マツタケ鱧の温かいお椀 しっとりとした栗のデザートが 特に記憶に残る手のこんだご馳走でした。お椀の蓋の内側が紅葉と鹿の絵柄で、外はまだ紅葉していないものの秋を感じられました。 器も盛り付けも美しく全て逸品のお料理で、目でみて楽しく、食べて美味しく、大満足のお食事です。口にふくんだ時の甘さが上品で、あとからじんわり甘味が感じられます。手間ひまかけて、一皿ずつ運ばれてきて、丁寧に説明してもらえるのも、きいて楽しいひとときでした。 週末に予約してきましたが、なかなか予約はとれないそうです。JRから来ると歩いて20分はかかり、帰りは徒歩5分ほどの近鉄を利用しました。店舗も綺麗で入り口もカウンターも素敵でした。 温かいほうじ茶も冷たいお水も、お頼みしなくてもいただけます。

(Translated by Google) [Nara Jikon] ~ A collaboration project with the famous sake Jikon Hello, this is the chairman. Nara Jikon is about a 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station. The name is written as 'Jikon' but pronounced as 'Nikkon'. So this time we have a special project. It's a collaboration project with the famous sake "Jikon" from Kiyamasa Brewery in Nabari, Mie Prefecture. What is Jikon? Don't be trapped by the past. Don't be trapped by the future. Just live in the present to the fullest. Nihonshu Jikon lineup 1. Jikon Special Junmaishu 2. Jikon Junmai Ginjo Omachi 3. Jikon Junmai Ginjo Hattan Nishiki 4. Jikon Junmai Ginjo Senbon Nishiki 5. Jikon Junmai Daiginjo Hakutsuru Nishiki 6. Jikon Junmai Daiginjo Nabari 7. Takasago Junmai Daiginsan This time it's a special kaiseki course Appetizer) Minazuki sesame tofu, red beans, wasabi Wan-mori) Pike conger, white melon, sea cucumber ovaries Sashimi) Sea urchin, swordfish, Niigata bluefin tuna, swordfish Palate cleanser) Maizuru cockle, Nara tomato, tomato jelly, Hiroshima watercress Hassun) Sweetfish, Yao edamame, Manganji chili pepper, Shrimp Shinjo, Deep-fried corn, Mackerel sushi, Shimane black mozuku seaweed, Ome plum, Firefly squid Grilled dish) Tokishirazu Yuan-yaki, dried mullet roe, bitter melon Stir-fried dish) Green pepper, round eggplant, white radish, winter melon, conger eel, myoga Final dish) Rice, pickles, small sardines, plum, miso Dish) Watermelon and mango jelly Matcha, brown sugar syrup, kinako vanilla ice cream The marriage of delicate cuisine and the flavors is overwhelming. Thank you for the meal (=´∀｀)人(´∀｀=) (Original) 【奈良而今】〜銘酒而今とのコラボ企画 こんにちは 会長です。 近鉄奈良駅から歩いて5分くらいのところに 奈良而今さんがあります。 而今と書いてにこんと読みます。 そこで今回はスペシャルな企画。 三重県名張蔵元木屋正酒造の銘酒「而今」とのコラボ企画です。 而今とは… 過去に囚われず 未来に囚われず 今をただ精一杯生きる 日本酒而今のラインナップ 一. 而今 特別純米酒 二. 而今 純米吟釀 雄町 三. 而今 純米吟釀 八反錦 四. 而今 純米吟釀 千本錦 五. 而今 純米大吟釀 白鶴錦 六. 而今純米大吟醸名張 七. 高砂 純米大吟酸 今回は特別懐石コース 先付け) 水無月胡麻豆腐　あずき　山葵 椀盛) 鱧　白瓜　海鼠の卵巣 造り) 雲丹　剣先烏賊　新潟本鮪　太刀魚 口直し) 舞鶴鳥貝　奈良トマト　トマトジュレ　広島蓴菜 八寸) 鮎　八尾枝豆　万願寺唐辛子　海老信条　とうもろこし揚げ　鯖寿司　島根黒モズク　青梅　蛍烏賊 焼き物)ときしらず幽庵焼き　カラスミ　ゴーヤ 焚き合わせ) ピーマン　丸茄子　白ずいき　冬瓜穴子　茗荷 〆) ご飯　香の物　じゃこ　梅　味噌 水物)西瓜とマンゴーのゼリー お抹茶　黒蜜きな粉バニラアイス 繊細な料理と而今のマリアージュは圧巻。 ごちそう様でした(=´∀｀)人(´∀｀=)

Check in and baggage drop-off was a breeze. It is empty. Security was really fast with no line ups. Lots of food options and seating. Washrooms very clean. Faculties for kids and babies.

Convenient for the north side of Osaka, compact, clean, efficient. In fun facts, although the airport retains the “international” in its name, it serves only domestic routes. And Itami is of course in Hyogo rather than Osaka; the airport is on the border and has land in both jurisdictions. Competes with the bullet train.

It is one of the safest and cleanest domestic airports in Japan. Although it may have physical limitations and selected food and souvenir items, its restaurants and restrooms are good enough to ease the burdens of long travel. We look forward to flying in more domestic flights in the future.

We fly from Itami airport to Narita airport. The check in and luggage process were smooth and good, JAL counters were in North gate. There are some shops and restaurants before and after the security check. Very convenient and not so crowded. Plenty of sitting area to have some snacks from vending machines and souvenir shops. Access to Itami airport is quite easy and convenient. We use Midosuji subway to Senri-Chuo and change to Osaka Monorail. Hassle-free and all within 1000 yen.

This is what a 21st Century Airport should look like. Comfortable seats, clean, nice decor, and excellent food options!

One of the easiest airports i have ever navigated. The airport security is lightning fast less than 5 minutes for me. Make sure you check out their observatory.

Amazing beautiful and most importantly it's very neat and clean. Thank you japan for having us here ! You guy's are great 11 out of 10 😄

Arrived at Terminal 2 for the first time in early July recently by budget Peach airline. The plane was parked out in the tarmac and had to walk with no shade to the terminal building. It was also quite a bit of walk to the immigration section. There were a few kiosks to register first and then join the long queue for the immigration counters. To get to the city by train, must first get on a free shuttle bus to Terminal 1 which is where the train station is The shuttle was efficient and it was just a short ride. Overall it was not so bad, just a process to go through like most airports.

Check-in crew was professional and quick, security check was smooth and fast as well. It was my first time in KIX airport (departure) and I wasn’t aware there’s an additional shuttle ride required to get to my gate; thinking it’s just right around the corner while I casually shopped around for more souvenirs and a meal for in-flight. When I come to realize that a shuttle was required, I was worried I’d be late. I usually leave sufficient time if not more for boarding but that was a different story. Ofc, it was partially my fault too for not familiarizing with a foreign new airport. They have limited restaurants around the area I was going before the shuttle and a particular Japanese restaurant felt very hostile. The gift shop was very packed and was rather small with limited choices. The queue took forever which ended up wasting around 10-15mins for me and they weren’t very professional either. Had to walk quite a distance (two vending machines away) from my gate to a different vending machine to find some cola. Apparently Coca Cola isn’t that popular so it’s not available in all vending machines. Luckily I had plenty of time left to get a soda to cool off.

KIX recently had a renovation. The terminal looks newer, more shops and restaurant comparing with the past. It is also a very clean airport . Custom and security check were fast and efficient .staff were nice too. Luggage collection was also fast and smooth. Easy access to public transport. But KIX has one thing not as good as the other major airport in Japan . Usually it is overcrowd during the mooring. Especially the international departure . Maybe the space is limited , sometimes morning flights are really a nightmare . Anyway , I appreciate the Japanese hospitality and they are always great , clean , fast and efficient .

For Muslim Travellers, there is a Halal Certified Food Stall on 2F call Kiko Magimaru inside "Tasty Street" outlet. There are Muslim Prayer rooms for Muslimin and Muslimah on the 3F. Another Prayer Rooms are found inside Departure Hall. Praying mats are available. Muslimah is advised to bring their own telekong. Shuttle Bus to Rinku Premium Outlet is located at berth 12 at 1st Floor. Fare ¥300 only. Good if you have big luggage. Train Fare cost ¥370 and could be crowded.

Nice airport with interesting duty free area where you can find cool japanese snacks as gifts and souvenirs. Obviously, leaving country was difficult so had to find 7Eleven again and get more onigiris before departure. I loved it!

Very modern and clean with clear English signs. Many seats and toilet. However, the seats with plug are not enough. Many food stalls are provided but most of them are quite expensive. The souvenir ahop and duty free provide lots of stuff that something cheaper than in town shopping😆 but close very early. At 9.30pm, many shops were already closed including the lounge!!!! About the immigration is quite slow, take long time waiting. You can get in town with many ways for example airport limousine bus, train.

The airport is situated far outside Osaka in the ocean. The train ride to the airport is scenic. Easily accessible through JR. Can get ICOCA (travel pass) at the station right outside the terminal. Neatly maintained and helpful staff.

Convenient, clean, functional, no hassle airport. East to access with the Portliner from downtown Kobe

It is small with one store inside after security. Ana and solaseed are to the left in arrival at terminal one. Bathrooms are ok with one squat unit. Other toolsets are modern but it’s a roulette wheel with the doors. There is many cafes and shops before check-in and security. Portliner train took 17 minutes from the city. Lovely city airport, I liked it. Domestic flights board ten minutes before departure and check in plus security closes 20 Minutes before which is good but stressful for the European and American 30 minutes before boarding time and 60 minutes before check in time.

First time using this airport from Kobe to Tokyo. It was small airport with everything that a passenger might need. -Shops (Family mart, Lawson etc.) - souvenir shops - restaurants - cafes - the best observation deck with small museum. The security are really fast and efficient the first airport that all in all didn’t took me long with all the process. 😊

Convenient train station located inside the departure. Small airport but has everything works well.

Very convenient airport. Quiet and very quick to get through check-in and security. There is very little to do here though. So do your best to minimize any expected waiting time. There are a few restaurants and a cafe, the choice is exceptionally limited however. Once through security though there is nothing! Be warned. It is however very clean and efficient, which is always pleasant when travelling! Plus the staff are incredibly helpful and courteous which makes everything feel smooth and easy.

The airport was built on an artificial island, connected to the city via train, and to Osaka Kansai by speed boat. It was clean. Check in and security screening was fast. AirDo staff at Kobe was funniest and friendliest ones ever. They were holding teddy bear, dancing and waving to passengers while were boarding the plane.

This was not just an airport, felt more like a lounge/shopping mall with an observation deck, play area where travellers could come and play piano, multiple restaurants, convenience stores and some very interesting art. Very diff vibe from other busy airports at Japan. Loved every minute of my wait here :)