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  Let’s go to shrines and temples in Kansai for New Year’s “Hatsumode”!

  The first visit to a shrine or temple in the year is called “Hatsumode(New Year’s visit)”. Avoid crowds by taking into consideration the period and time of your visit. Shrines and temples each have their own “benefits”. This article will introduce you to Hatsumode spots in Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara, according to their benefits. Dharma is popular as a good luck charm because it gets up after falling. Famous as a temple of luck, Katsuoji Temple has Dharma statues placed all over the temple grounds. Use the Dharma fortune to tell your fortune in various areas such as entrance exams, love, and sports. The shrine has been in existence since before 794, and is known as “Gion-san”. The headquarters of Yasaka Shrine and other shrines dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto throughout Japan. In addition to the main shrine, which is designated as a national treasure, there are many other deities enshrined within the precincts, including the Pestilence Shrine, which is dedicated to dispelling plague and evil. Shimogamo Shrine is known as a power spot for love knot. Here, you can draw a kimono-shaped fortune, called “Enmimusubi-mikuji. You will receive instructions on how to fall in love based on a waka poem from the Tale of Genji. The “Himemamori,” with its gorgeous chirimen fabric, is also gorgeous. If you want to be beautiful, go to Kawai Shrine! This is a small shrine inside Shimogamo Shrine, where the god who protects women is enshrined. Kawai Shrine offers a special ema (votive picture tablet) to pray for beauty. Use the cosmetics you normally use to apply beautiful makeup to your ema and make a wish. You will definitely become more beautiful, not only on the outside but also on the inside. Ikuta Shrine is located in the middle of the city of Kobe. The red and divine main shrine is fantastic, and the solemn atmosphere will cleanse your body and soul. Behind the main shrine is the Ikuta Forest, where you can do “water divination for marriage”. Also, the ema (votive tablet) at Ikuta Shrine is in the shape of a very cute heart. Say a prayer for a good match! Nishinomiya Shrine is the headquarters of all the Ebisu Shrines in Japan, which worship the god of good fortune, Ebisu-sama, and is known locally as “Ebessan of Nishinomiya. It is famous as the god of prosperity in business. The “Tai-mikuji”, which is given only during the New Year period, is very popular. In a long life, there are milestones at key points, and breaks due to various physical and social changes. In order to prepare for this milestone, the old people came up with the tradition of “bad luck years”. Yakujin Myoo is said to ward off all kinds of evil. Mondo Yakujin Tokoji Temple is one of the three Yakujin Myoo in Japan. Let’s pray for good luck to ward off bad luck so that we can have a peaceful new year. Nakayamadera Temple, the first Kannon sacred site in Japan, was founded by Prince Shotoku. Many pregnant women from all over Japan visit this temple, which is known as the “Temple of Safe Childbirth”. Nakayama Temple has an escalator so that pregnant women do not have to climb up the stone steps. This is a kind gesture that only a temple dedicated to praying for safe childbirth can make. Don’t miss the five-story pagoda, which was rebuilt in 2017 for the first time in about 400 years. The deep blue color is very impressive. Yakushiji Temple, a World Heritage Site, was built in 680 by Emperor Tenmu to pray for the healing of his empress’ illness. The main deity of the temple, Yakushiji Nyorai, is the Buddha of medicine. He removes people’s illnesses and misfortunes and gives them health and happiness. It is said to have the blessing of removing not only physical illnesses but also people’s grumbling hearts. Let’s visit a temple in ancient Nara and get power from it. I hope that the new year will be a good one for you.

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  〈2022〉Best 12 Places to See Autumn Leaves in Japan (Kyoto, Osaka and More)!

  Japan in autumn colors. Here are some of the best places in Kansai to see the autumn leaves, by area, from once-in-a-lifetime viewing spots to hidden gems. Please refer to the fall tourism in 2022. 【KYOTO】 〇Higashiyama Area Famous place：Eikando Little known good spot：Anrakuji 〇Arashiyama Area Famous place：Jojakko-ji Little known good spot：Takenotera-Jizoin 〇Other Area Famous place：Rurikoin Little known good spot：Komyo-ji 【OSAKA】 Famous place：Minoh Waterfall Little known good spot：Katsuo-ji 【KOBE】 Famous place：Sorakuen Little known good spot：Rokko-Arima Ropeway 【Other Area】 Himeji：KOKO-EN Nara：Hase temple Eikando is the best place in Higashiyama to view the autumn leaves. About 3,000 maple trees cover the entire precincts of the temple. The sight of the tallest pagoda, Dabotou, enveloped by the autumn leaves is a fantastic sight. Japanese maples are planted around the Housho Pond, and the reflection of the Japanese maples and the Gokuraku Bridge in the water is a must-see. Normally closed to the public, this special temple is open to the public only during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Within walking distance is the Philosopher’s Path, which is tinted in autumn, so a walk along this path is recommended. Highlights include the scattered autumn leaves that turn the stone steps of the temple gate bright red and the beautiful garden with Nyoigatake in the background. This temple is located on Mt. Ogura, known for the Ogura Hyakunin Isshitsu. In autumn, the approach from the entrance gate to the Niomon Gate is covered in autumn leaves, creating a tunnel of foliage. The autumn leaves surrounding the 12-meter tall Dabotou (pagoda), which is located at the top of the stone steps, is a must-see. The precincts of the temple and the area around the pagoda also offer a panoramic view of Kyoto City. It is a well-known autumn foliage viewing spot for those in the know. The trees change color later than other places in Kyoto, and the autumn leaves can be enjoyed until mid-December. Surrounded by lush bamboo groves, the contrast between the green of the bamboo and the changing colors of the autumn leaves is magnificent. The heart-shaped window, Inome-mado, in the Hojo is also open to the public. The autumn leaves cut by the window are breathtakingly beautiful. Ruriko-in Temple is a popular spot in Rakuhoku Yase, and the spectacular view of the autumn leaves reflecting on the lacquered desk on the second floor is a sight to behold. Anyone can take pictures of this spectacular view by holding up a camera at the desk. It is open to the public only twice a year, in spring and fall. Please enjoy the wide-open view of the autumn leaves as they spread across your field of vision. Sohonzan Komyoji Temple is located at the foot of Nishiyama in Nagaokakyo City. Visitors can see the rich expression of nature in each of the four seasons. Every year from mid-November to early December, a special entrance to the temple is held for the autumn foliage. The maple approach to the temple, with its impressive lineup of about 250 old maple trees, is a superb photo spot. Minoh Great Falls is one of the best places in Osaka to view the autumn leaves. The contrast between the waterfall and the autumn leaves in the vast Minoh Park is spectacular. You can enjoy the autumn leaves everywhere along the 2.6 km route from Hankyu Minoh Station to the falls. If you come to Minoh, you must try the famous “Momiji no Tempura” (maple leaf tempura). It is a slightly sweet and crunchy snack made by carefully frying real maple leaves one by one. You can buy it at a store on Takimichi. Known since ancient times as a temple of good fortune, the precincts of Minoh’s Katsuo-ji Temple are decorated with brilliant autumn leaves in November. The tunnel of autumn leaves covering the approach to the temple is especially spectacular. The contrast between the green mountains in the background and the autumn leaves is like a painting. Katsuo-ji Temple is also known as the temple of “Kachi-Dharma”. Small Dharma dolls are laid everywhere, including on the stairs and stone walls. Please enjoy the adorable Dharma and beautiful nature. Sorakuen Garden is the only Japanese garden in Kobe City’s urban parks. It is a kaiyu-style garden with a pond, with stepping stones and stone bridges across which visitors can view streams and waterfalls. The garden is famous for azaleas in spring, and in autumn the garden is decorated with autumn leaves. Important cultural properties such as the boathouse and the former Hassam residence, which were relocated for preservation, are also highlights. Why not enjoy an authentic Japanese garden and fall foliage viewing in the city of Kobe? The Rokko Arima Ropeway connects the top of Mt. Rokko and Arima Onsen in about 12 minutes. Visitors can enjoy the changing autumn leaves depending on the elevation. The view of the autumn foliage from the gondola’s large foot-high windows is spectacular. There are nine gardens of different styles with Himeji Castle, which is registered as a World Heritage site, in the background. Because of the atmosphere of the Edo period, the gardens are often used for filming movies and TV dramas. In the fall, the Autumn Foliage Festival is held from mid-November to early December. (November 18 – December 4, 2022) The best time to visit is during the “Momiji-kai” (autumn foliage viewing), when the leaves are illuminated for a fantastic view. You can enjoy a fantastic view that is different from that of daytime. Hasedera Temple, located in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, is known as the “Temple of Flowers”. The temple is open twice a year, in spring and fall, for a limited time for special visits. A must-see spot is the floor of the hall of worship. In autumn, visitors can enjoy the “Yuka-momiji” (floor maple leaves) that turn bright red. The view of the autumn leaves from the stage in front of the main hall is not to be missed. The five-story pagoda surrounded by autumn leaves is a magnificent sight. Be sure to visit Hasedera Temple, where the entire mountain is decorated with autumn leaves. Autumn in Japan is very vivid. There are so many places to see the autumn leaves that it is impossible to visit them all at once. Please find your favorite spot and enjoy the autumn foliage as you wish.

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  6 Best Fall Flower Spots in Japan｜Dalia, Cosmos And Kochia

  From the end of the hot summer to the beginning of the fall foliage, pretty flowers bloom beautifully under the fresh blue sky. There are many colorful and beautiful sights unique to this season. In addition to introducing typical autumn flowers and plants, we will also introduce autumn flower spots in the Kansai region. The best time to see the flowers is only a guide, so please check the web before you go. 【Dahlia】 Best time to visit: early October to early November （HYOGO・TAKARAZUKA）Takarazuka Dahlia Garden （HYOGO・KAWANISHI）Kurokawa Dariya Garden 【Cosmos】 Best time to visit: early October to early November （NARA）HANNYAJI （HYOGO・AMAGASAKI）Mukogawa Hige no watashi cosmos garden 【Kochia】 Best time to visit: Early October to late October （OSAKA）Expo ’70 Commemorative Park （SHIGA）Biwako Hakodateyama Dahlias have great presence and power! Their large, bright flowers make their surroundings pop with color. They are popular not only for bouquets and arrangements, but also for gardening. The flowers come in a great variety of blooming styles, colors, and shapes. At Takarazuka Dahlia Garden, about 20,000 dahlias of 50 varieties are grown, and visitors can appreciate the colorful red, yellow, pink, and other flowers. The northern part of Takarazuka City is one of the largest dahlia bulb-producing areas in Japan, and the dahlia has been recognized as Takarazuka’s city flower. Dahlias bloom twice a year, in summer and fall. Takarazuka Dahlia Garden will be open for a limited time from mid-July to early August in summer and from early October to early November in fall. (Scheduled for October 1 – November 3, 2022. No closed days during the period) You can also enjoy picking dahlia flowers so you can take home gorgeous dahlias. (Paid). Kurokawa, Kawanishi City is located in the northernmost part of Kawanishi City and has been selected as one of the “100 best Nihon-no-sato” areas. The Kurokawa Dariya Garden is located at the foot of a nature-rich satoyama. It is operated by a local farmer. The Dariya Garden is adjacent to the Chimei Lake Campground. Approximately 1,000 dahlias of about 300 varieties are planted near the campground. The cool morning and evening temperatures make the flowers even more beautiful. Why don’t you come and see the gorgeous flowers blooming in the peaceful satoyama? The cosmos is a typical Japanese autumnal flower. Blooming in the autumn sky, swaying gently in the wind, cosmos make a magnificent sight when planted in clusters. They come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, white, and yellow. Hannya-ji Temple is known as a temple where flowers bloom from season to season. It is especially famous for its cosmos in autumn and is nicknamed “Cosmos Temple”. About 150,000 cosmos trees of 30 different varieties are planted, and when they are in full bloom, the cosmos flowers look as if they are enveloping the old hall and stone Buddha, creating a charming atmosphere. Glittering glass cubes of cosmos are placed here and there in the precincts of the temple. These glass squares are decorated with cosmos flowers floating in water, looking like jewels. The Mukogawa Hige no watashi cosmos garden was established in 2003. The riverbed, which was once in disrepair, has been transformed into a magnificent cosmos garden through the efforts of local residents. It has now become a well-known cosmos garden, attracting many visitors every year. From mid-October to mid-November, when the cosmos are in full bloom, a carpet of approximately 5.5 million brightly colored cosmos will spread over the riverbed. The park is scheduled to open on October 15, 2022. Kochia is a unique and lovely plant with a fluffy appearance that multiplies very well. At first it is green, but in autumn its leaves turn red, a very vivid and beautiful red. The kochia at the National Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki Prefecture is a popular sightseeing spot in autumn. The kochia trees growing in clusters over a large area are a spectacular sight. Since 2022, about 4,000 kochia plants have been planted in Osaka’s Expo ’70 Commemorative Park on the hill of flowers, and as of the end of September, they are gradually changing color. This fall, the “Cosmos Kochia Festa” will be held from October 1 to October 30, where visitors can enjoy autumn flowers. We are looking forward to seeing the kochia that have grown so well over the summer turn bright red when autumn arrives. There are three cute little brothers and sisters hiding among the kochia in Expo ’70 Commemorative Park. The largest kochia field in the Kansai region is sure to become a new landmark! Biwako Hakodateyama in Shiga can be enjoyed as a ski resort in winter. In summer and fall, numerous seasonal flowers delight visitors. Hakodateyama Kochia Park has 6,000 kochia trees planted along its slopes. Not only kochia but also colorful flowers are in full bloom and the park is filled with flowers. Hakodateyama is reached by gondola with a view of Lake Biwa. From the terrace with chairs on the observation deck, where a large panorama spreads out, you can see Lake Biwa and the flower garden below. How was it? Autumn in Japan is the season of colored leaves, but there are many other places where you can enjoy autumn flowers and plants. Autumn is the perfect season to go out. Enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery that can only be seen at this time of year!

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  9 Best Kakigori in Kansai! The Best Summer Sweets in Japan!

  In the hot summer, what we miss is cold food, shaved ice. Japan has been experiencing a shaved ice boom for the past several years. In proportion to this boom, more and more stores are offering unique shaved ice, not only the simple ones with syrup, but also those with fruit on top, or flavors of ice itself. In this issue, we will introduce you to some of the best places to enjoy delicious shaved ice in the Kansai region. Try to find your favorite!   １．Specializing in sweet potatoes Ranran, specializing in ice and sweet potatoes, Ibaraki (Osaka) ２．Shaved ice like a Western-style pastry Yamato Kori, Minoh (Osaka) ３．The birthplace of mixed juice SENNARIYA COFFEE, Umeda (Osaka) ４．Matcha shaved ice at a teahouse Kyuemon Ito Gion Shijo Store Sabo, Kawaramachi (Kyoto) ５．Chocolat specialty store BEL AMER Kyoto-bettei Sanjo store, Karasuma (Kyoto) ６．Individualistic shaved ice Un berger manquant, Takarazuka (Hyogo) ７．Inherit traditional architecture ROKKOSAN SILENCE RESORT, Rokko (Kobe) ８．Long-established brand hospitality Salon Naramachi Store (Nara) ９．Japan’s first beauty shaved ice onna wa utsuwa (Nara) A popular store in Ibaraki, Osaka is “Ice and Sweet Potato Specialty Shop Ranran”. In a space renovated from a 50-year-old old house, customers can enjoy fluffy shaved ice and sweet potato sweets made from special sweet potatoes. Originally an ice wholesaler, the shaved ice made by ice professionals is highly reputed. Our recommendation is the “Imozukushi,” which is a perfect combination of sweet potato and ice. The fluffy ice is filled with sticky sweet potato paste. It is served with sweet potato skin caramel sauce and salt for a change of flavor. Enjoy the rich shaved ice until the very end. Opened in August 2021, “Yamato Kori” is a shaved ice and Mont Blanc specialty restaurant produced by the popular western-style confectionery store Chez Nakatsuka. Its popular Western-style shaved ice combines shades of flavor and volume with the melt-in-your-mouth and refreshing taste that only shaved ice can offer. The ice is carefully shaved with the surface temperature as close to 0°C as possible, and is combined with homemade syrups and toppings. From left to right: “Two kinds of strawberry syrup and homemade condensed milk sauce,” “Raspberry sauce and Italian pistachio sauce,” and “Uji-Wazuka-cho green tea and homemade brown sugar straw rice cake. These three are standard menu items. New for summer 2022, the “Honey Kiwi and Yogurt” combines yogurt ice cream in ice with refreshing yogurt syrup and fresh kiwi syrup. It is topped with a gorgeous butterfly pea jelly that evokes the coolness of summer.   A popular restaurant where you must wait in line. Try Yamato Kori’s shaved ice, which feels like a sweet even though it is shaved ice! “Sennariya Coffee” was established in 1948 as the birthplace of mixed juice, and in May 2022, the grand opening of Senjya Coffee Umeda took place. In the old-fashioned atmosphere of a junsha-style cafe, you can fully enjoy the retro Showa-era, photo-worthy menu. The very popular “Mixed Juice Frappe,” which is shaved ice with Sennariya Coffee’s signature mixed juice, is a milky, fruity concoction of homemade mixed juice sauce and milk ice. “Retro Pudding Frappe” is a sweet and rich dish of Sennariya Coffee’s retro pudding snuck into a bowl of shaved ice and topped with a generous dollop of homemade pudding cream.   There is also a “Sennariya Stand” on the first floor where you can take out coffee. Please enjoy Senariya Coffee as a souvenir or a snack! In addition to more than 100 types of Uji matcha sweets, Ito Kyuemon, which has been pursuing the possibilities of Uji matcha by combining Uji matcha with various ingredients, will offer Uji matcha shaved ice. The “Uji green tea parfait ice” is made with a base of flavored ice mixed with green tea and milk, and topped with shiratama (white rice balls), anko (red bean paste), ice cream, green tea jelly, etc. The taste of the ingredients is very strong. The classic “Uji Kintoki” is made with different types of ice depending on the store. At the Gion Shijo Branch Sabou, you can enjoy Uji Kintoki with melt-in-your-mouth, fluffy ice.   Enjoy the summer in Kyoto with “Uji green tea x shaved ice,” which only a tea shop can offer. ” BEL AMER Kyoto-bettei Sanjo store ” brings you chocolates from Kyoto, connecting Japan and the world. The showcases and shelves are lined with a variety of chocolates and confections. At the “Chocolat Bar” on the second floor, you can enjoy chocolat sweets and drinks that only a specialty store can offer in a quaint machiya-style townhouse. This chocolat specialty store has a shaved ice menu available only during the summer. This shaved ice combines ingredients such as chocolate, green tea, and peaches, and combines them with fluffy shaved ice. The “Shaved Ice Peach x White Chocolate” is gorgeous, topped with flowers and peaches. Peach compote, vanilla ice cream, white peach ice cream, and custard cream are sprinkled with fluffy shaved shaved ice. A fusion of Japanese and Western flavors, the “Shaved Ice Green Tea x Bitter Chocolate” is a shaved ice with an adult atmosphere tinted with deep green tea.   Please try the special shaved ice only available in summer, along with the chocolatey sweets that only a specialty store can offer. “Un berger manquant” is located in a building just a short walk from Hankyu Sakasegawa Station. This adult café serves baked goods and sherry, but it is also attracting attention from shaved ice lovers all over Japan as a place where shaved ice can be enjoyed all year round. The shaved ice menu changes every three weeks, which is surprising. There are always 3-5 varieties offered. The menu at this restaurant is full of strange combinations of ingredients. Pictured is the “Salted Caramel Rare Cheese Shaved Ice”. In the past, the shaved ice menu has included tomato cream with basil sauce and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, garnished with lemon jus and fresh small tomatoes! Check out our Instagram for details on menu offerings! The former Rokkosan Hotel, recognized as a national Heritage of Industrial Modernization in 2007, was reborn as the “ROKKOSAN SILENCE RESORT” in 2019. You can enjoy the best views and gastronomic delights in a warm and true Italian architecture that blends in with the surrounding deep greenery. The cafeteria in the old building, which serves sweets and snacks, offers shaved ice only during the summer months. The “Honey Lemon” is a refreshing shaved ice with a sauce made from Awaji Island lemons down to the peel and plenty of home-made raw honey from Silence Resort’s apiary. The “Mixed Fruits” is a luxurious shaved ice made with plenty of seasonal fruits. The aroma of fresh mint, the rich sweetness of dried fruits, and the refreshing original yogurt cream create an exquisite harmony.   How about refreshing and rich shaved ice on Mt. Rokko, where the temperature is -5 degrees Celsius compared to the city even in the hot summer? The “Salon” is the tea ceremony brand of Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten, a long-established brand in Nara that has been in business for over 300 years. We offer original products for enjoying tea at home, as well as delicious seasonal sweets and selected teas. Centered around Himuro Shrine, which enshrines a guardian deity of ice, Nara is home to a variety of shaved ice every year. For a limited time only, “Salon Naramachi” will offer “White Shaved Ice with Dark Green Tea Topping,” a shaved ice that can be changed to your own taste by pouring thick green tea on it. Enjoy the contrast between the pure white snow and the dark green of the shaved ice. The “onna wa utsuwa”, a shaved ice store that makes you feel more beautiful the more you eat, was established in Ikoma City, Nara. It offers shaved ice with a completely original menu created by a beautician. Fluffy shaved ice made with ice from Hinode Ice in Nara City is filled with rich, flavorful, and plentiful strawberries, blueberries, and pistachio sauce. In addition, the gentle sweetness of the milk syrup is added to the ice, ensuring that you will never get tired of eating it until the very end. All syrups and sauces are handmade. There is also a beauty ice menu that allows you to eat and become beautiful, such as “Blueberry x Placenta Beauty Ice,” which is shaved ice made with plenty of blueberries produced in Uda, Nara Prefecture, and a placenta extract drink.   Eat our stylish original shaved ice and become beautiful! *Reservations required; please reserve in advance via Instagram. How was it? All of the stores offer a variety of ice and syrups that make the most of the season. Let’s get through the summer with some cool and delicious shaved ice!

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  Enjoy the Great Buddha of Nara, the pride of Japan’s World Heritage and power spot

  In this issue, we will introduce you to the “Great Buddha of Nara,” a statue we have all heard of at least once! If you get to know the Great Buddha of Nara again, you may discover a different way of feeling. So let’s get going! What exactly is the Great Buddha? The word “Daibutsu” means “large Buddha statue” in Chinese characters. According to one theory, a standing statue of 4.85 meters or more applies to this great Buddha. The reason for this is not certain, although there are various theories, such as the theory that the Buddha was about that tall, or the height of the Buddha when he appeared in this world. And this Great Buddha is enshrined in “Todaiji Temple”. Todaiji Temple was built about 1,300 years ago, when Japan was then in the “Nara Period”. Emperor Shomu was a deep believer in Buddhism. At that time, social unrest such as epidemics and disasters were widespread, and people were exhausted. In order to save them with the power of Buddhism, Emperor Shomu built Todaiji Temple. Some say that as many as 2.6 million people, about half of the population at the time, cooperated, so there is no doubt that this was a major undertaking that had considerable power and appeal. Let’s head for “Namdaemun” with deer relaxing here and there by your side. It is a whopping 25 meters high! Take a deep breath and pass through the impressive gate. On either side of Nandaimon, the “Kongorikishi Statue” completed by Unkei, Kaikei and other great Buddhist sculptors proudly shows off its appearance. It is one of the largest wooden statues in Japan, measuring approximately 8 meters. It is also a must-see. After the ticket center is the shutter point. This is the Daibutsuden, where the Great Buddha resides! When you finally enter the Daibutsuden, the Great Buddha is seated right in front of you. The Great Buddha of Nara is officially called “Rushanabutsu,” or Rushanabutsu, and is about 15 meters high, or 18 meters including the pedestal. The Great Buddha is facing forward with his right hand. This means “do not be afraid,” and his left hand means “I will grant people’s wishes. Japan at that time was suffering from plague and disasters. The Daibutsu-sama represents Emperor Shomu’s kind prayer for relief from such suffering. Please join hands and pray to this Great Buddha of Nara. You will surely have a peaceful moment, detached from everyday life! After a leisurely visit to the Great Buddha, buy some souvenirs and spend some time playing with the deer. Be prepared from the moment you buy the deer crackers to give to the deer. The deer will come up to you and ask for them. If you are hungry, try Someya Shoten’s gentle dashimaki set meal. You will be impressed by the dashimaki, which is very fluffy and soaked in the most delicious dashi broth. The dashimaki can be ordered separately, and egg sandwiches, omelettes, and other egg-loving delicacies are also available. If you have come all the way to Nara, you may want to take a trip all about deer. How about some delicious cakes and tea at a café with a deer motif that has been converted from an old private house? The deer-shaped cookies are very cute. It is about a 15-minute walk from Todaiji Temple. There is a craft beer brewery, “Naramachi Brewery of Nara Beer”, which is again a must for beer lovers. I recommend it because you can enjoy Nara’s exclusive beers brewed right here at the store! There’s even a to-go version that would make a great souvenir! How was it? Nara is a great city for strolling through history, exploring nature, eating and drinking. Come and visit us!   Reference: Tabicoffret https://tabicoffret.com/ （Japanese only）