I found this little hidden gem on one of my recent trips to Nara. By now you’ve probably guessed that it’s one of my favorite places to visit. It’s only a train ride from my place and every time I go I find something new. Since there are many more little side streets, I’m sure that there’s still a lot to see.
The funny thing about this place though is that I’d been past it several times. I guess I’d always been too busy looking at other things to notice. It’s called Naramachi Nigiwai-no-ie and it’s an old merchant house. There’s no fee to enter, just remove your shoes.
Inside is beautiful and well laid out with many tatami rooms, which I suppose is natural for the time period. The house was built in 1917, so for being over one hundred years old, it’s been well taken care of.
Afterwards I went to another favourite place for a quick bite, which incidentally is also made from an old house. For a long time, it was part of my ritual that whenever I visited Nara I would visit Kanakana café. Recently though it’s become really popular so there’s usually a long line. Luckily on the day I went it wasn’t too busy so I was happy I didn’t have to wait. Although I banged my head on the low door frame when I was leaving, I still enjoyed my day.
I wonder what I’m going to find on my next trip.
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