Nara’s Mochiidono Shopping Arcade

The City of Nara

Nara is globally recognised as a hub for Japanese culture. The city contains 8 properties that are registered as the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara” under the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Mochiidono Arcade

Where better to do some shopping than Mochiidono Arcade – one of Nara’s oldest shopping streets. It is believed that the name ‘Mochiidono’ originates from the 1,100 year old Orochi Taiji legend where priests slayed a giant serpent. According to the myth, the priests offered “mochi” (Japanese rice cakes) to locals who were affected during the serpent fight.

Modiidono Arcade has over 70 shops ranging from restaurants, cafes, and food stalls to Japanese craft items.

Japanese Sweets from Manmandou-Michinori

For those of you with a sweet tooth, stopping by Masanori Momodendo is an absolute must. This traditional sweet shop has been operating for 70 years and sells a diverse array of treats made from finely milled rice powder and millet powder. According to the shop attendants, the sweets were originally brought over to Nara from China during the Edo period (about 170 years ago!). I would highly recommend trying the Buto-Manju, which contains Japanese sweet red bean paste.

Get Your Hands on Some Local Crafts

Mochiidono Arcade has a number of fantastic stalls selling local crafted goods.

Nara Tenugui from Akemitori

Tenugui is a thin Japanese cotton hand towel with designs showcasing images of nature and historical cultural elements. Akemitori uses designs made by young artists who live in Nara who aim to depict the essence of Nara through their Tenugui art.

Kawamoto Pottery Shop

You can buy some beautiful small Japanese flowerpots from an 80-year-old pottery store at Kawamoto Pottery Shop. The shop offers other pottery items including bowls and tea-cups at affordable prices. They make great souvenirs!

Haruhino Handcrafted Leather Goods

Using traditional and artistic leather crafting techniques originating in Nara from 1300 years ago, Haruhino sells beautifully made handcrafted leather goods. You can purchase bags, purses and wallets made of deer leather that has been printed with Japanese lacquer.

Fujita Unkoutei Washi (Japanese Paper) Shop

If you are a stationery fanatic or simply appreciate the art of beautiful paper, Fujita Unkoutei Washi shop is a top recommendation. This shop has been running in Nara for over 340 years! They sell washi paper as well as notebooks, wrapping paper and cards.

Eat, Sing and Meet Some Locals at TaBaSa

If you’re interested in a meal with a twist, TaBaSa is a restaurant you want to check out. It is a restaurant and karaoke bar hybrid run by a super friendly Nara local. He cooks home-style Japanese food, as well as a hybrid of Japanese and western foods. The karaoke machine has songs in a range of languages including English, so feel free to take the stage and show off some of your vocal skills.

Okamoto Yuuhouken Tea Shop

Treat yourself to some of Nara’s Matcha from a 120-year-old teashop. You can also purchase a large range of other Japanese teas including Sencha (Japanese green tea) and Genmaicha (Japanese green tea combined with roasted brown rice). The locals who run the store are extremely friendly!

Nara Kimono Rental

Immerse yourself in Nara culture by dressing up in Nara’s traditional Kimono. ‘Shozoku Sanpo 710’ will dress you from head to toe (including hair and makeup) at an affordable price for adults as well as children. There’s no better way to walk the streets of Nara!

These are just a few of shops in the Mochiidono Shopping Arcade. You’re sure to find a handful of stores with unique and delicious goods! Happy Shopping!

Click here for the official Mochiidono Shopping Street Website. Although it is a Japanese website, there are maps and other useful pieces of information.

Click the following link to get some more information regarding Mochiidono Shopping street.

Click the following link for a map of Nara and a sightseeing guide.