NaraExplorer

Special souvenirs of Nara to take home!

magazine

Nara Explorer is Nara's first and only English tourist magazine.

Our inaugual first issue will be published in June.

For further information,click here.

Fujita Unkou-tei: (Central Nara/Washi Japanese paper & paper crafts); Warmth of hand-made Washi paper crafts in an 80-year old Japanese house

<Overview>: Fujita Unkou-tei has been located at its present location since 1935. When the present shop manager, Ms. Fujita, married and moved here about 40 years ago, the family decided to renovate the shop and began to sell fine quality Japanese Washi paper and attractive paper crafts. Ms. Fujita’s recommended item is their original postcards which have the warm touch of hand painted scenes of Nara. There are many handmade, one-of-a-kind goods available, including deer clay bells and Washi paper accessories.

<Recommended Items>: Fujita Unkou-tei original Nara postcards (Set of 3 cards): 315 yen; Washi paper post cards: from 158 yen; Deer clay bells: 1,680 yen; Paper dolls: from 2,100 yen; Washi paper accessories: from 1,575 yen

<Shop Data>: Tel: 0742-22-2082; On the west side of Mochiidono Shopping Center Arcade, about 300 meters from the North entrance; Open: 11:00-18:00; Closed: Thurs; http://www.jin.ne.jp/unkoutei/

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new shop

Ku-ho: (Central Nara/Tombo-dama glasses, glass crafts, do-it-yourself glass making experience); Unlimited number of colorful handmade glass crafts

<Overview>: Kuho is a small shop and studio located in the Naramachi Kobo, an area where several shops and studios are gathered. The interior of Kuho is overflowing with colorful and delicate glass crafts. All of them are handmade by the owner, Ms. Masako Takahata, a glass craft artist. Every piece is a result of her sensitivity, masterful technique and coincidence. Therefore, no two same designs exist. Tombo-dama glass beads can be enjoyed as accessories and for decoration. Other popular goods are rings, glass wares and accessories. You can also try your hand at making your own original Tombo-dama glass beads with the aid of English instructions.

<Recommended Items>: Rings: from 3,000 yen; Hair accessories: from 2,300 yen; Glass wares: from 2,500 yen; Tombo-dama glass beads: from 3,000 yen; Tombo-dama making experience: 5,500 yen (two original Tombo-dama; the session lasts about 2 hours; reservation required by fax three days in advance)

<Shop Data>: Tel/Fax: 0742-26-0493; 1F of Naramachi Kobo, in Naramachi area, a-5min. walk to the southeast from Gango-ji Temple; Open: 10:00-18:00; Closed: Mon.

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new shop

Ezuya: (Central Nara / Nara character goods/souvenirs); A number of interesting and pretty Nara character goods

<Overview>: Ezuya, just opened last March, is a shop which sells a number of original or interesting “Nara character” goods: Sento-kun (official mascot of the 1,300th anniversary of Nara Heijo-kyo Capital), Manto-kun and other cute special Nara characters. Before celebrating the large celebration in 2010, Ezuya has already got much attention from all over Japan. Some goods are available only here. From original Sento-kun T-shirts, mini towels, postcards, fans to cookies, there are about 400 goods. Come to Ezuya and find your favorite Nara character!

<Shopping Recommendations>: Sento-kun/Manto-kun strap: from 315 yen; Sento-kun mascot pens: 525 yen; Sento-kun/Manto-kun T-shirts: from 2,300 yen; Sento-kun cookies: from 530 yen; Towels/handkerchiefs: from 380 yen

<Shop Data>: Tel: 0742-23-3131; On the west site of Mochiidono Center Arcade, about 150 meters from the north entrance; Open: 10:00-19:000; Closed: irregularly; http://www.ezuya.jp/

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new shop

Maruju Bussan: (Central Nara/Souvenirs); Take a traditional Japanese Kaki-shibu fan and get yourself cool down

<Overview>: One of Nara’s agricultural specialties is the persimmon (kaki). At Maruju Bussan, they produce a special Japanese folding fan (sensu) which is dyed by natural persimmon tannin (kaki-shibu). Persimmon tannin is effective for preventing rotting and water proof, so that a fan will last long. In addition, the longer you will use is, the more it will get an original effect as time goes. Summer in Japan is known for its humidity. Why not taking a fan from Maruju Bussan and cool down yourself as people in old Nara did?

<Recommended items>: Kakishibu (persimmon leaf dyed) fan: 3,780 yen

<Shop Data>: Tel: 0742-26-6337; At the foot of Mount Wakakusa, a 10-min. walk from Todai-ji Temple; Open: 9:00-18:00 open everyday

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Antique Kimono SAO: (Central Nara / old kimono, original accessories); Great value kimono and cute original accessories - find you favorite!

<Overview>: Only a few minutes walk from Sarusawa Pond, you will find a unique looking shop. This small, interesting shop is full of goods you can’t find anywhere else. You shouldn’t miss their great value old kimono selection (from only 500 yen!). Some are over 100 years old and some are quite new. The owner herself makes original accessories using old kimono fabric.

<Shopping Recommendations>: Old kimono: from 500 yen; Traditional Japanese dolls: from 500 yen; Original accessories: from 250 yen

<Shop Data>: Tel: 090-8576-0281; A 3-min. walk from Sarusawa Pond to the southeast, on the west side of the street; Open: 12:00-17:000; Closed: irregularly; http://www5f.biglobe.ne.jp/~mukashikimonosao/

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sisi: (Central Nara / original textile bags); Unique and colorful textile bags from Bali

<Overview>: The name of the shop, “sisi” means “standing close by” in Indonesian. The shop owner hopes that people will use their bags regularly in daily life. A wide range of colorful and original bags using Indonesian, Indian, and Japanese textiles will get your attention. Look for your favorite color, design, size or textile.

<Shopping Recommendations>: Indian block print textile bags: from 3,400 yen; Original textile mother’s bags: from 4,900 yen; Original textile porches: 2,100 yen

<Shop Data>: Tel: 0742-24-9555; A 5-min. walk to the south of Gango-ji Temple, on the right side; Open: 10:00-18:000; Closed: Wed. and irregularly seasonally; http://www.sisibag.com/

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Sikaya: (Central Nara/Souvenirs, Kimono, samurai & ninja goods); Come and have some fun with kimono & samurai goods!

<Overview>: Sikaya is located on the approach to Todai-ji Temple. In this spacious shop, you will find a great variety of souvenirs: Nara specialties, traditional Japanese dolls, kimono, and much more. Sikaya is recommended for their kimono, samurai and ninja goods. Get a set of kimono for your unforgettable Japanese experience. Shikaya offers a wide range of reasonable kimono (even for pregnant mothers!). What is more, they offer tax-free shopping (passport required).

<Recommended Menu>: Sword replicas, swords for iai martial art: 2,980-200,000 yen; Ninja suits: for children: 4,200 yen (with plastic toy swords); for adults: 10,500 yen

<Shop Data>: Tel: 0742-22-3181; On the west side of the approach to Todai-ji Temple; Open: 9:00-17:00 (changed seasonally); Closed irregularly; http://www.sikaya.co.jp/

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Houeido: (Yoshino area/ Local souvenirs); Fine quality kuzu sweets, local sake and all kind of Yoshino’s specialties come together here

<Overview>: Houeido has been a popular local souvenir shop in Yoshino for over 100 years. Located in the mountains of Yoshino, one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan and a World Heritage Site, Houeido offers best quality kuzu (arrowroot starch) foods, as well as local sake and handicrafts. The kuzu sweets look like works of art – they are delicately formed with a taste that is simple yet sophisticated. From this year, Houeido has started to serve original cake made with kuzu (cherry blossom, maccha green tea and plain flavors) which are very popular with visitors to the area.

<Recommended items>: Kuzu sweets (15 pieces): 700 yen; Kuzu cake: 230 yen/piece, 700 yen/3 pieces, 1,200 yen/5 pieces; *Kuzu cake is available only limited number.; A bottle of local sake: from 630 yen

<Shop Data>: Tel: 0746-32-3032; Across from Katte Shrine; 950 Yoshinoyama, Yoshino-cho, Yoshino-gun; Open: 8:00-20:00; Closed: irregularly; www.nara.yoshino.jp/houeido.htm; To get to Yoshino, see the access information on pg 12.

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Nara Nagomi-kan: (Central Nara/ Nara souvenir); Find best souvenir from Nara in Nara’s largest souvenir shop!

<Overview>: At Nara Nagomi-kan, you can find a vast array of Nara souvenirs: popular Nara sweets, locally brewed sake, specialty foods, pretty traditional Japanese crafts, authentic handicrafts by experienced craftsmen and more! Especially, Tombo-dama glass beads and Akahada-yaki ceramics are very popular. There is a café and restaurant next door to the shop. It is located right between Nara Park and Naramachi. Visit them for a satisfying shopping and dining experience!

<Recommended items>: Tombo-dama glass beads: from 2,310 yen; Akahada-yaki ceramics: from 8,400yen

<Shop Data>: Tel: 0742-21-7530; A 3-min. walk to the south of the Ichino Torii (first shrine gate) of the Kasuga Grand Shrine, on the left side; Open: 10:00-19:00; Closed: irregularly; http://www.worldheritage.co.jp/nagomi/index.html

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Asukabito no Yakata: (Asuka area/Local souvenirs and tourist information); Entrance to Asuka for everyone.

<Overview>: As a gateway to the Asuka area, the home of Japanese ancient history, Asukabito no Yakata is a good first stop for visitors. The interior design is based on the motifs of the Takamatsuzuka Ancient Tomb and four sacred Gods of the Kitora Ancient Tomb, and there is a variety of information on the area as well as a TV monitor showing Asuka’s attractions. Unique food and sweets using local ingredients, books and photo books of Asuka, as well as exquisite craft works and a wide range of souvenirs are on display. Pick up a memento of your visit to Asuka.

<Recommended items>: Asuka guide book (Japanese/English/Korean): Japanese: 300 yen, English or Korean: 400 yen; Takamatsuzuka Ancient Tomb postcard set: 320 yen

<Shop Data>: Tel: 0774-54-3624; 6 Asuka Murakoshi, Takaichi-gun In front of Kintetsu Asuka Sta., on the left side (A-a, pg 8 map); Open: 8:30-17:00; Closed: end and beginning of the year; www.asukabito.or.jp; To get to Asuka, see the access information on pg 12.

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SOUVENIRS