Nara Trip Day 3
After breakfast and packing up, we left our luggage at the hotel counter and set off for a morning walk through Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, and the charming streets of Naramachi.
Amazing Breakfast in Kasuga Hotel
On the second morning, the hotel surprised us with a completely different breakfast menu from the day before. It’s always such a delight to discover variety like this! The meal was just as delicious as the first, and with its generous portions, we were fully recharged and ready to take on the day’s activities.
Feeding deer senbei at Nara park – a highlight of any visit
If you visit Nara, feeding the sacred deer with senbei (deer crackers) is an experience you simply can’t miss. These deer are considered messengers of the gods, and locals treat them with gentle respect. Despite their divine status, they’re not shy—some will even nudge or head-bump you impatiently for a treat!
I absolutely love this playful ritual. The moment I bought a pack of senbei, five deer immediately began chasing me down for their breakfast. It was still early in the morning, and they must have been hungry—eager for their first snack of the day.
You’ll find deer and senbei vendors easily throughout Nara Park. A bundle of crackers typically costs around ¥200, making it a small price for such a memorable encounter.
Returning to Todai-ji to see the Great Buddha
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve visited Todai-ji Temple to see the Daibutsu (Great Buddha), but each time I’m in Nara, I feel drawn to return. There’s something awe-inspiring about standing before this colossal figure—both in its scale and in the craftsmanship of ancient hands that shaped it. What moves me most is the quiet reverence of those who come to pray for peace. Over time, this statue has become more than a sacred icon; it’s a symbol of collective hope and harmony.
Near the temple’s exit, there’s a small souvenir shop I always stop by. My favorite item is their original herbal bath blend—a thoughtful gift unique to Todai-ji. Made from a mix of traditional herbs, it carries a deeply authentic scent, reminiscent of Chinese medicine. The aroma fills the bath like a healing ritual and warming the body. I personally love that earthy, medicinal fragrance—it feels like a quiet embrace after a long day.
Beautifully crafted Narazuke in Naramachi
Before heading back to Tokyo, we had one final mission: to pick up Narazuke in Naramachi. As one of Nara’s signature delicacies, Narazuke holds a special place in our meals. There are several excellent shops in the area, I bought Narazuke at Ashibiya Honpo this time.What I love most is the balance—the sweetness of the sake kasu wrapping perfectly complements the salty crunch of the pickled vegetables. Narazuke is hard to find in Tokyo, so whenever we visit Nara, my relatives and I make sure to stock up.
Since it was winter, the cool weather made it easy to carry them home with ice packs. But in warmer seasons, delivery might be the safer option to preserve their delicate flavor.
Ashibiya Honpo: https://www.ashibiyahonpo.com
Amazing sweets and historical building in Nakanishi Yosaburo
I honestly want to return to Nara just to have sweets at this café again. The atmosphere was simply too good to forget. We arrived at the perfect moment—most people were out having lunch, and the café was completely empty. In that quiet, tucked inside a beautifully preserved historical building, we enjoyed exquisite sweets. The Japanese garden outside was immaculately maintained, and sitting there with a plate of sweets while gazing at its beauty felt like pure luxury.
I’ve always liked kuzu-mochi, but this visit turned me into a true fan. I’ve had many before, but the ones here were so fresh and delicate!
Nakanishi Yosaburo: https://www.instagram.com/yosaburo_nakanishi/
Heading towards Tokyo with Kakinoha-sushi box in Shinkansen
After the generous breakfast at Kasuga Hotel, we didn’t feel the need for a heavy lunch. Instead, we picked up a box of Kakinoha-sushi near Kintetsu-Nara Station. Kakinoha-sushi is one of Nara’s signature delicacies—perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Each piece of sushi is carefully wrapped in a Kakino-ha ( persimmon leaf), which helps preserve freshness and adds a subtle fragrance. Just a note: the leaves aren’t meant to be eaten!
There’s always a sadness at the end of a trip, but enjoying Kakinoha-sushi on the Shinkansen felt like the perfect way to wrap up our journey.
