Feel and experience Nara's culture! ~ Deer Monkey Fox building

Nara is situated close to both Osaka and Kyoto. Within walking distance of the station, in the corner of a residential area, lies Nara Town, the most popular area in Nara. It is located in a small alley in the area and is attracting attention as a place where people can experience and learn about Nara's culture and history.

▲The store faces a narrow alley, in a refined area. Source: Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten

Here you can try out linen weaving using the same tools as they used in the olden days, a traditional tea ceremony, and other valuable experiences giving you a taste of the culture and crafts of Nara. Also, items such as household utensils based on Japanese crafts, as well as craftworks from Nara are also available for purchase.

Let's have a look at the experience space inside the facility.

■「Nunogura」：Weaving experience

In the old warehouse where hemp-weaving tools and cloth are displayed, you can experience both hand spinning and linen weaving.

When you actually touch the looms and other old tools, you can imagine how people used to make linen, and you will feel like a weaver yourself.

▲The weaving experience is available by reservation only, takes about an hour and costs 3,850 yen. Linen weaving requires effort and time, but the experience will make you feel more attached to the things you use daily. You will not be able to take the linen home, but you will receive a pouch as a souvenir.

■「Saron」：Experience new ways to enjoy and learn the Japanese tea ceremony　 　　　

Here, you can enjoy a variety of experiences related to the tea ceremony, such as making your own tea and making a chashaku, a tool for scooping tea.

The wagashi (Japanese sweets) that come with the experience are made by Kashiya, a famous local store in Nara, and you can taste a variety of wagashi every season.

▲This is a great way to relax and learn from the staff in a setting that changes with the seasons. It takes about 30 minutes and costs 2,200 yen.

▲The Japanese sweets change with the seasons, and during the time of the interview, it was a Koubai-Kinton with a luxurious taste, inspired by spring.

■「Tokizou」：Learn about the history of crafts along with the 300-year history of Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten
On the wall of the warehouse, there are paulownia boxes that store materials for making things and tools that were actually used. Looking at these boxes, you can feel the desire of the people to learn from the past and make things for the future.

▲On display on the second floor, a deer made with traditional craft (right) and a deer made with modern 3D scanning technology (left).

　Next, from the approximately 3,000 household goods based on Japanese crafts sold at the store, here are some recommendations that can only be found at this facility!

■Deer Monkey Fox fortune teller

　 It is a ceramic doll with three animals together, and when you pull the red string at the bottom, a piece of paper with a fortune slip comes out. The paper is marked from Suekichi (uncertain fortune) to Daikichi (excellent fortune), and if it's marked Daikichi, something good is going to happen! It is also a great as a souvenir.

▲Deer monkey fox fortune teller 495 yen per piece

■2&9 socks (Nitokyuu) that are highly durable and can be worn for a long time

　Nara boasts a 60% share of the sock manufacturing market in Japan, and its socks are characterized by their high functionality and comfort. In particular, this brand offers socks that are easy to use and can be worn for a long time. The number of threads is changed depending on the part of the foot to increase durability, and the "Shimetsukunai Socks" are popular because they do not constrict the foot.

▲2&9 "non-constricting socks" are available in sizes from 21cm to 27cm, from 1,320 yen per pair

■Must buy！・・・Shikajika　Rice snack

　A snack shaped like a deer made from Nara rice. It represents the many deer in Nara Park, and is intended to bring back the memories of the park in its entirety. It is crunchy and delicious.

▲The package looks like a scene from Nara Park. 660 yen per box.　　 Source: Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten

■Message from the store

　We would be happy if this facility could be a starting point for people to become interested in Japanese craftsmanship through a wide range of experiences in Nara, since they can experience crafts from various angles.

　We also have staff who speak English and Chinese, so please feel free to ask them any questions you may have about Nara!

■Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten Nara Main Store Location・Nearest Station 　　　　

22 Ganriincho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture　　　　　　

Nearest station 　　　　　　　　

7 minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Line Kintetsu Nata Station

12 minute walk from JR Nara Line Nara Station 　　　　　

Contact number: 0742-25-2188

Business hours: 10: 00-19: 00

※Other tenants in the facility have different opening hours, so please be sure to inquire beforehand.　　

Regular holidays: None