Nara trip Day 2
The highlight of the day was the Wakakusa Yamayaki Festival, which began around 6:00 p.m.. Since the event started in the evening, we had plenty of time to enjoy other activities beforehand.
Experienced beautiful breakfast in Kasuga Hotel!
The day began with a beautifully prepared breakfast at Kasuga Hotel—an experience that was deeply satisfying. Each dish was crafted with care, using a wide variety of seasonal ingredients, and every plate felt exceptional. The highlight was their signature Yamato no Chagayu, a traditional rice porridge made with tea instead of water. Its flavor was noticeably deeper and more nuanced than standard water porridge, offering a comforting richness.
Another standout was the tofu dish, gently heated over a small flame at the table. The tofu was incredibly soft, with a subtle sweetness and silky texture that set it apart from any tofu I’ve had before. If you’re familiar with tofu, you’ll immediately notice the difference—this one was truly special.
If you’re planning a stay at Kasuga Hotel, I highly recommend including breakfast in your reservation.
Heijo Palace Site Historical Place & Heijokyu Izanai-kan（Guidance Center）
Kasuga Hotel offers complimentary rental bicycles for guests, with non-electric bikes available free of charge and electric bikes priced at ¥1,000 (as of January 2024). Although the number of bicycles is limited, we were fortunate to secure a pair and set off on a ride to the Heijo Palace Site Historical Park.
The route from the hotel to the palace was pleasantly downhill, making for an easy and enjoyable ride. Along the way, we explored several Kofun—ancient burial mounds—scattered near the palace grounds. The area features dedicated cycling paths that wind around the Kofun and nearby lakes, offering a peaceful experience.If you’re staying near Kintetsu-Nara Station and the weather is kind, I highly recommend cycling to Heijo Palace. It’s a wonderful way to discover hidden corners of Nara.
The guidance centre within the Heijo Palace grounds was a pleasant surprise—far more engaging than we expected. Rather than simply reading static descriptions, visitors can interact with several hands-on exhibits that bring the ancient history of the palace and its residents to life. We thoroughly enjoyed learning about the daily lives of those who once lived here, and the thoughtful presentation made the experience both educational and immersive.
Many of the displays include English explanations, and interactive elements makes the centre accessible even for those who don’t speak Japanese. If you’re exploring the palace area, this guidance centre is absolutely worth a visit—it adds depth and context to the historical site in a way that’s both fun and informative.
Amazing South Indian curry for lunch
If you’re craving a break from Japanese cuisine during your trip, I highly recommend trying Toi Inshokuten, an Indian curry restaurant in Nara. Recognised as a Bib Gourmand selection by the Michelin Guide, this popular spot often draws long lines—we waited about 90 minutes, but it was absolutely worth it.
Each dish on the curry plate was thoughtfully prepared, with distinct flavors and textures. We chose the mutton pepper fry curry, and its bold, spicy richness was incredibly addictive. The balance of heat and depth made it one of the most memorable dishes of our trip!
Toi inshoku-ten: Goolge map, https://guide.michelin.com/jp/ja/nara-region/nara/restaurant/toi-inshokuten
Walking in the Nara park and visiting Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Nara park is famous for deer, we can see them all over the place. Kasuga Taisha is a beautiful shrine.
Wakakusa Yamayaki festival
Wakakusa Yamayaki Festival began at 6:00 p.m. with a spectacular fireworks display that lit up the winter sky. We arrived at the foot of Mount Wakakusa around 5:30 p.m., and the area was already bustling with people. The road was packed with crowds, many hoping to secure a good view of the flames up close.
If you prefer to experience the festival from the foot of the mountain, I highly recommend reserving seats at a nearby restaurant or joining a guided tour with designated viewing spots – this would be less stressful. Standing spot near the bottom of Mount Wakakusa is extremely limited, and the area quickly becomes congested as visitors gather to watch the fire climb the hillside.
At the end of the festival, as we headed toward our hotel, we were able to admire the burning mountain nearby the Nara Kasugano International Forum Iraka. The view from there was unexpectedly stunning, offering a quieter point. How you choose to view the fire depends on your preference—if you seek the intensity of the flames up close, viewing from the foot of the mountain is your spot. if you prefer panoramic experience from afar, there is no need to climb the mountain. It offers amazing fire lines on the mountain.
Incredible burger for dinner – kind owner
The only mistake we made on this trip was not booking a restaurant after the festival. Most places around Kintetsu-Nara Station were either fully booked or had long queues. After a full day of walking, we didn’t feel like lining up—we just wanted a warm meal.
After wandering for about 20 minutes, we stumbled upon a hamburger restaurant run by a generous owner. Luckily, there was one seat available, and we were able to take it. The chef, working solo, kindly asked if we could wait 30 minutes for the burgers to be ready. We were more than happy to wait, sipping hot tea in the cozy space. It turned out to be the perfect ending to a long day.
To be continued…
Nara trip Day1 – https://moonlitjapan.com/nara-trip-day-1/