7 Best Shopping Experiences in Nara

Higashimuki is one of the most convenient and busiest shopping areas in Nara. This 250-meter-long covered shopping street extends east from Kintetsu Nara Station and Sanjo Dori Street. It’s a pleasant place to stroll, browsing shops and stores selling souvenirs, arts and crafts, clothes, kimonos, as well as traditional Japanese sweets and ornaments. Highlights of Higashimuki Shopping Arcade include the Okai Shop, which specializes in Nara’s traditional linen products, a 100-yen shop, and countless restaurants to select from.

Mochiidono Shopping Arcade lies to the south of Higashimuki Shopping Arcade. From here you can explore Nara’s old quarter, Naramachi, which was founded in the 8th century and still features traditional shops and houses from Edo period. If you’re looking for local art and fabrics, you won’t be disappointed with choices along Mochiidono. Interesting items include ceramics, pottery, Nara dolls (ittobori), ink and brushes for Japanese calligraphy, crafts made of deer antlers (tsunozaiku), fans (uchiwa), Japanese theatre masks and blankets, bags and handkerchiefs – all made from traditional Nara fabrics.

Sanjo Dori is considered Nara’s main street and features not only shopping outlets but also banks, entertainment venues, restaurants, and convenience stores. Many of the shops specialize in Nara’s traditional arts and crafts, making Sanjo Dori a great place to pick up traditional souvenirs like fans and traditional kimonos. Visitors will also find many antique stores. It’s easy to find Sanjo Dori, running east from JR Nara Station to Nara Park.

Nara Family mall, located in downtown Nara, has been open since the 1970s. It’s an accessible mall where you can find plenty of interesting things for sale such as clothes, toys, Japanese good luck charms, pottery and porcelain. Popular fashion brand Uni Qlo is a smart option if you need new clothes in a hurry.

Another reason to check out Nara Family is the food on offer. You can shop for fresh ingredients or ready-to-eat bento boxes, fresh fruit, traditional sweets like mochi, or head to a restaurant. Its central location next to Kintetsu Yamato Saidaiji station makes this a great all-weather shopping destination.

Hokuto Budougu Shop is devoted to the art of kendo (a Japanese sword-fighting martial art using a bamboo sword) and Japanese calligraphy. The result is shown on many of their products including bamboo swords, traditional folding fans and calligraphy art. You can find this esteemed boutique about a 10-minute walk north from JR Horyu-ji Station, on the way to Horyu-ji Temple

Utsuwa Matsumori is famous for Japanese lacquerware and ceramics and has been in the business since 1871. Check out many of the teacups and tableware with the images of Sento-kun (a boyish, Buddha-like character with antlers that is the symbol of Nara). Other popular items include Japanese wind chimes. Matsumori is a great source for fine souvenirs. Find this shop on the corner of Sanjo Dori and Mochiidono shopping street.