【奈良旅行vlog】今行きたい、はじまりの地 “奈良” で日本の美しさを再発見する大人の休日 中川政七商店/紫翠/玄/春日大社/東大寺

【奈良旅行vlog】今行きたい、はじまりの地 “奈良” で日本の美しさを再発見する大人の休日 中川政七商店/紫翠/玄/春日大社/東大寺

This time, I went to Nara with a friend for a three-day, two-night trip. We took the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto, then transferred to Nara. It took about 45-50 minutes from Kyoto Station to either the JR or Kintetsu lines. This time, we took the JR line on the way there and the Kintetsu line on the way back. Nara is the birthplace of Japan. It’s also popular with international tourists, and we wanted to immerse ourselves in its charm. We headed straight from the station for dinner. We found a famous restaurant on a side street that’s inaccessible by car. Our driver kindly showed us the way. Tucked away in a narrow alley is the soba restaurant “Gen,” a popular restaurant awarded one Michelin star. It’s housed in a charming old-fashioned house. Because numbers are limited, it’s recommended to make a reservation in advance. There are two types of soba noodles, “Seiro” and “Inaka,” and you can enjoy them in a variety of ways, such as with plum and water, or with mountain yam and grated daikon radish. These ultra-thin 100% buckwheat noodles are made from carefully selected domestically grown whole buckwheat, stored in a low-temperature warehouse, and hand-ground and hand-formed using a stone mill, just the amount needed for that day. I ordered one Seiro and one Inaka, and the Seiro was brought out first. They were so beautiful. They were so thin, even without any fillers. Apparently, they only needed about five seconds in the hot water. Water, salt, and plum. First, I dipped the soba in water to enjoy its natural flavor. It was a new experience, different from the soba I’d had before. Just as I finished the Seiro, the Inaka was brought out. This Inaka soba, ground with the husks, was also surprisingly thin. Its dark color enhanced the flavor. I enjoyed it with grated daikon radish and grated yam. I was impressed by the smoothness of the grated yam. Finally, I finished with soba soup. It was a delicious and surprising experience that overturned my previous notions. Now, I headed to the hotel that would serve as my base for this trip. Seeing the many deer, I realized I was in Nara. The hotel where I’ll be staying this time is located on the western edge of Nara Park, close to Todaiji Temple and Kofukuji Temple. Its stately presence promises to be a wonderful stay. Opening in the summer of 2023, the Marriott Group’s “SHISUI HOTEL NARA” is a renovated version of the Nara Prefectural Governor’s Official Residence, originally built during the Taisho era. For a more detailed look at the hotel, please see our separate video. After checking in, I headed to my room, which is located in a separate building across the path, a newly constructed building. The rooms are beautiful. They exude style and feature large, floor-to-ceiling windows, a welcome touch. The space is filled with Nara-esque touches. The baths are equipped with hot springs. On my first day, I decided to relax at the hotel and enjoy dinner at the hotel. The food culture of the ancient capital of Nara, nurtured by trade along the Silk Road, is innovative, sublimating its traditions and the passage of time into a modern setting. I was also pleased with the pairings, which included local Nara sake. The dishes were amazing, one after the other, and it was a fun, delicious experience. With such a wonderful hotel, it would be a shame to just make it a day trip from Kyoto. I’ll rest tonight and enjoy Nara to the fullest starting tomorrow. Well, good night . Good morning. It’s the morning of the second day. I’ll have breakfast at the hotel. A Japanese breakfast full of Nara flavor, including “chagayu,” a local dish created to enhance the taste of rice. The forecast calls for intermittent rain today. I head outside once the rain clears. Just outside the hotel is the tourist center. This is Nara Park, a World Heritage Site covering approximately 660 hectares and including Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. I take a walk to my destination. There are many wild deer in this area. There are said to be about 1,300 of them. Deer are highly valued because legend has it that a god descended to Nara on a white deer. In this area, you can buy “deer crackers” and feed them to the deer. Because they are protected as natural monuments, deer have priority over cars and rickshaws. It was the time of year when baby deer could be seen everywhere, and we could hear their adorable cries. Kofuku- ji Temple came into view. This ancient temple, located in a corner of Nara Park, is one of the World Heritage Sites, designated “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.” Its wooden five-story pagoda, the second tallest in Japan and a symbol of Nara, is currently undergoing renovation. The beautiful octagonal Buddhist temple, the Nanen-do Hall, built in 813, is located next to Sarusawa Pond. We walked along a typical Nara walking path, offering views of the deer, pond, and hall. A stylish building nestled in an alleyway beside Sarusawa Pond. Our first destination was the “Shikasarukitsune Building,” which opened in spring 2021. It is a new gathering place based on the concept of “Wandering the alleys, encountering, touching, learning, and savoring Nara.” The store features a wide selection of Japanese crafts, including Nakagawa Seishichi Shoten, a specialty coffee shop called Sarutahiko Coffee, and the sukiyaki restaurant Kitsune. First, we head to the second floor, home to the flagship store of Nakagawa Shoshichi Shoten, a nationwide chain. Founded in Nara in 1716, Nakagawa Shoshichi Shoten has been selling hand-spun and hand-woven linen fabrics since its founding. Currently, the store collaborates with producers across the country to revitalize Japanese crafts. We were fortunate enough to be given a tour, so let’s enjoy a moment of experiencing Japan’s beautiful handicrafts together. First, we head to the corner for Nakagawa Shoshichi Shoten’s signature dishcloths. These adorable patterns, inspired by classic picture books , are made from kaya weave, a Nara craft. They are thin, coarse, and highly absorbent. There are many adorable patterns, including many exclusive items available at the Nara flagship store. This flower dishcloth is larger and thinner than the previous one. I personally use these socks. They become softer with use, and you grow to love them. They’re a recommended item to keep in your kitchen. This is the sock section. Nara is actually the number one producer of socks in Japan. They’re said to be comfortable and not too tight, so I want them. In addition to everyday items, they also have a wide selection of stylish, comfortable, and carefully crafted clothing. They also have a wide selection of bathroom accessories. These are Mino ware refill bottles. It’s nice to have something warm and beautiful to use every day. They also have a variety of plant-based skincare products. They also have baby items. You can choose high-quality domestically produced items as baby gifts. My favorite tableware section. Rice bowls, individually handcrafted by potters from all over Japan. The array of designs available only at Nakagawa Shoshichi Shoten is truly impressive. This is a dishwasher-safe Echizen lacquerware bowl, which I also featured in my Fukui vlog. It seems all the staff here also love these bowls. There are also Japanese crafts created by Studio Ghibli and Nakagawa Shoshichi Shoten in collaboration with artisans from around Japan. There’s also a wide variety of food products, including the Bancha series, a staple of Japanese life. Rice accompaniments, instant curry, and freeze-dried soups are all available. They use carefully selected ingredients. The Nara flagship store’s exclusive products are particularly appealing. They offer an original blend of coffee created in collaboration with Fujieda Coffee Roastery. They also have items exclusive to the flagship store, incorporating Nara crafts, such as Yoshino washi paper and Ittobori carving . I also found these items, which I’d love to send to myself, my children, or guests from overseas. The seasonal section featured collaboration items with Kincho . Hand-held fireworks, which I’ve also sent to a friend, capture the delicate craftsmanship of fireworks artisans and the sensibility of Japanese summer. There’s also a library with 100 books on three themes: “Walking in Nara,” “Eating,” and “Lifestyle.” I took a quick tour of the store, but on the first floor, I found a “Nara Folklore Information Center.” Ask the staff for tourist recommendations, and find original Nara souvenirs and classic items. They also offer cute cards like these. The “Fudo Guide Card” introduces approximately 100 of the prefecture’s most popular spots, carefully selected by the staff of Nakagawa Shoshichi Shoten . Packed with information, this card allows you to freely pick up and refile cards to create your own personalized guidebook. It’s a wonderful opportunity to discover new charms in Nara. I recommend stopping by here to start your trip to Nara. I really felt the love for Nara, the place where the company was founded. Next, we headed to a store specializing in clothing and accessories, housed in a 130-year-old townhouse. You can order your own linen accessories at the “Custom Order Counter.” You can order tapestries and cushions made from rare, hand-spun, hand-woven linen fabric. You can also embroider initials, hiragana characters, or a unique design on your purchased handkerchief. Nakagawa Shoshichi Shoten has been producing beautiful linen fabric since its founding, and now you can create adorable pouches and accessories like these. The store is filled with items that utilize dyeing techniques from all over Japan. All of them are stylish and comfortable. Every item is imbued with the maker’s passion and skill, and listening to their stories is a joy. I plan to take some home with me. Further intrigued by Nakagawa Shoshichi Shoten, we requested a tour of the facility. The staff guided us through the historic old house and the gallery converted from a storehouse. First, we visited “Nunokura,” a space where you can experience hand-spinning and hand-weaving hemp, a tradition that has continued since the storehouse’s founding. This former storehouse is filled with looms and other tools. Visitors can learn about the mind-boggling process of turning hemp, a plant known as “hemp,” into cloth through the process of hand-spinning and hand-weaving. After the experience, visitors will receive a souvenir hand-spun and hand-woven hemp pouch, exclusive to the Nara flagship store. Next, we visited “Tokikura,” a space that archives the history of Nakagawa Shoshichi Shoten. Visitors can learn how the storehouse’s 300-year history has led to the present day and continues to this day. “Revitalizing Japanese crafts” and “May crafts remain a part of people’s lives for 100 years to come.” Nakagawa Shoshichi Shoten’s vision is one I have long aspired to and shared with many others. Learning about their history, present, and future has made me an even bigger fan. The Tokigura can be visited at any time. Experiences in the Nunogura are primarily held on Saturdays and Sundays. Nakagawa Shoshichi Shoten has had a deep connection with the tea ceremony since its founding. Hoping to expose many people to tea culture, they operate a space called “SALON.” In a tatami room formerly used as the Nakagawa family’s living space, you can casually enjoy tea and a tea ceremony experience. Finally, I hope to spend a rich time here, making tea and enjoying sweets. Experience a formal “chaji” (tea ceremony) or try making your own tea, with careful instruction even for beginners. Menus in English and Chinese are available, so international visitors are encouraged to give it a try. You can also drop in casually and relax with tea and tea sweets. My friend tried making her own tea. It included a seasonal main dessert of her choice, apparently from the famous nearby shop “Kashiya.” The tea bowls featured charming Nara landscapes. For the dessert, I chose kuzuyaki, made with the finest kudzu from Yoshino, Nara. The experience began in a harmonious atmosphere. While there are detailed etiquette steps, the most important thing is to enjoy the tea and the moment. Simply relaxing, touching the tea utensils, and learning a little about Japanese tea ceremony is enough. Enjoy the sounds, aromas, and textures of the utensils. It looked delicious. She did a great job. I took a break with “Tanabatatsume,” a Tanabata-inspired dessert. I also had this: white shaved ice made from Yamatohimuro ice, a pure ice frozen for 72 hours. It was a masterpiece, topped with Kashiya’s special bean paste, shiratama (rice flour dumplings), and agar, topped with carefully selected condensed milk brewed for four hours. Poured over the koi tea, packed with umami and sweetness, it was absolutely delicious. Tea and tea utensils can be purchased at “SALON.” Nakagawa Shoshichi Shoten has stores nationwide, including its flagship store in Shibuya. It’s located on the 11th floor of Shibuya Scramble Square, which is my go-to. It’s also accessible to visitors from overseas. “Oatsuraedokoro,” where you can order linen products, is also located in Shibuya. Shibuya-exclusive designs of “Hachiko” and “Scramble Crossing” are also available. I bought the following: delicious-looking tea, bags, pouches, and, of course, dish towels. A relaxing tea break. I enjoyed the Nara tea while reminiscing about my trip to Nara. The instant curry was also spicy and packed with ingredients. The sun-dried linen drawstring bag was carefully dyed by artisans. I also loved the rich texture of the Mino ware refill bottles. These are everyday items made with reliable Japanese craftsmanship. I’m glad I went to Nara this time. After experiencing my beloved Nara and Japanese crafts to my heart’s content, I was hungry and headed for lunch. I found a restaurant I’d reserved in “NARAMACHI,” an area lined with many Edo-period townhouses. “AWA” offers a wide variety of Nara ingredients, including Yamato beef and traditional Yamato vegetables. Incidentally, next door is “Kashiya,” the restaurant serving the sweets I enjoyed at Nakagawa Shoshichi Shoten. “AWA” is housed in a renovated 140-year-old townhouse. The tranquil atmosphere of this traditional Japanese home allows for a relaxing experience. Each course uses an astounding 30 to 40 different vegetables. They refrain from over-seasoning, preferring to “preserve the natural flavor of the vegetables.” Reservations are required, and the menu is decided at the time of booking. They also offer a wide selection of local sake and a la carte dishes, all of which looked delicious. Cute, subtle vegetables were placed on the table. I ordered the “Yamato Beef and Vegetables” course. A large basket was lined with many small bowls. The outdoor-grown vegetables arrive every morning. Their rich flavors allow you to experience the natural umami and sweetness of each. Even though some were new to me, the staff patiently explained each dish and how to prepare them. Next, we had a stew. The colorful, vibrant vegetables were abundant. Then, with a delicious sizzle and aroma, came the teppanyaki dish of Nara’s brand-name beef, Yamato beef. It was accompanied by a variety of vegetables. Then, rice with mixed grains and miso soup with grated yam. Everything was delicious and satisfying. Finally, we had dessert. Apparently , “Zazie Canelés,” made with ingredients from Nara Prefecture, are available for takeout. It was a satisfying and hearty lunch. In the afternoon, I visited a place synonymous with Nara for the first time in a while. The temple of the Great Buddha, a symbol of Nara. The World Heritage Site, “Todaiji Temple,” was built in 752 at the request of Emperor Shomu. Early morning or evening before closing might be the best time. Tickets are cash only, so please note. We came into view of the Great Buddha Hall, one of the largest wooden structures in the world. This large hall, approximately 48 meters high and 57 meters wide, was rebuilt in the 1700s. Upon entering, we were greeted by this Great Buddha. It’s made of bronze and stands approximately 15 meters tall, weighing approximately 250 tons. For over a thousand years, it has been praying for peace in Japan. This hole in a pillar is said to be the same size as the Great Buddha’s nose. Passing through it is said to grant good health and safety. It’s approximately 30 cm high and 37 cm wide, so it may be difficult for larger people. I highly recommend giving it a try. Its impressive scale makes it truly a pleasant experience. Amulets and other items have become fashionable recently. We’ve also introduced beautiful nearby spots, such as the Great South Gate and Nigatsudo Hall, in previous videos, so please take a look. For dinner on the second day, we enjoyed a lively meal with three friends from Nara. It ‘s about an eight-minute walk north from Kintetsu Nara Station. Located in a renovated old house in the quiet Kitamachi area, it’s a restaurant. This is an adult hideaway where you can enjoy sake and hot pot while admiring the 300-year-old pine trees. They kindly let me in on the second floor. There’s a special seating area like this, and I recommend requesting and reserving it for two people. You can dine while looking out at the magnificent pine trees in the courtyard. The illuminated area creates a magical atmosphere after dark. Now, let’s eat. I’d like to try Nara’s local cuisine, “Asukanabe.” There are many other attractive hot pot dishes on the menu. There’s a wide selection of a la carte dishes, all of which look delicious. The sake selection is also impressive. There are also many fruit and non-alcoholic options, all of which are uniquely Nara. I chose craft beer. The hot pot and appetizer set I ordered arrived. It looked delicious. The hot pot ingredients included seasonal mushrooms, Chinese cabbage, and chrysanthemum. There was duck meat, chicken meatballs made with Yoshino kudzu, and large Asuka tofu. The six side dishes also looked delicious. Depending on the season, you’ll discover new flavors each time you visit. We offer Nara’s famous hand-stretched somen noodles, Miwa somen, and herring wrapped in deep-fried tofu. We also have white eggplant with Kinzanji miso. Yellowtail is flavorful with kelp and Tsukigase plums. Other dishes include refreshing options perfect for the humid season. All are delicious and pair perfectly with sake. Asuka nabe, a local Nara dish, is said to have originated during the Asuka period, when dairy products were introduced from China and monks began making hot pot dishes with milk. This Asuka nabe uses sake lees and Nara-produced white miso, resulting in a rich, innovative Asuka nabe dish. The risotto-style porridge with rice and cheese at the end was also excellent. It was a delicious and enjoyable time. It was a fun second day, experiencing many unique Nara experiences. Back at the hotel for a rest. I’m looking forward to enjoying more of Nara tomorrow, my final day. Good night. Good morning. It’s the third and final day. A stark contrast to yesterday, the sky is blue. This morning, I have breakfast at the hotel. The view outside the window is completely different from yesterday. They offer a different menu for the second day. Western-style food is also available. I wake up slowly in this quiet, elegant space. This morning, I head to one of my favorite places: Kasuga Taisha Shrine. This ancient shrine, a World Heritage Site and representative of Nara, enshrines the guardian deity of the Fujiwara clan. The weather is nice, so the park is bustling with tourists who have come to see the deer. I drive through a tranquil forest covered with tall trees. It takes about seven minutes to arrive. If you have time, it’s also a good idea to walk from the first torii gate, which is just before the shrine. Even though it’s a weekday, there are many tourist buses. This is the head temple of the Kasuga Shrines, which number over 1,000 nationwide. I plan to take my time to worship here. I approach from the second torii gate, where the National Treasure Hall and parking lot are located. There are many deer, messengers of the gods of this shrine. This shrine dates back to the Nara period, when the capital was moved from Asuka to Heijokyo, and is a registered World Heritage Site. Approximately 3,000 lanterns line the grounds, and the entire forest is filled with devotion. After walking a little further, the beautiful vermilion-lacquered South Gate comes into view. Beyond this is the main hall. In front of the gate is a stone surrounded by a fence, known as the “Shutsugenishi.” It is said that a god descended here. Pass through the gate and continue on. Just before the main hall, there is a worship hall where you can pray. Nearby, there is a gift shop where you can receive amulets and fortune-telling slips. The grounds are rich in nature, covering approximately 1 million square meters. Many other gods are also enshrined here. From here, the special worship begins. It seems that few people make it this far, and it is very quiet. This is the Middle Gate just before the main hall. Next to it is the large cedar tree at the front of the shrine, 25 meters tall and said to be approximately 800 to 1,000 years old. The Middle Gate and the corridors extending to either side of it are designated Important Cultural Properties. The main hall, consisting of four buildings in the Kasuga style, is designated a National Treasure. Photography of the main hall is considered a sacred experience, so we refrain from doing so. Please visit and see it for yourself. The surrounding vermilion-lacquered corridors are lined with countless hanging lanterns. There are said to be over 1,000 of these, dedicated with prayers. It’s a fantastic sight. There are many sub-shrines in the surrounding area. There was an area like this, recreating the traditional “Mantoro” event, held during Setsubun and Obon in February. I bought a fortune slip. It features a ceramic white deer and a traditional Nara craft, the “Ittobori” carving. The fortune slip the deer is holding looks like this. There are also fortune slips in English and Chinese. In addition to the main shrine, there are many other shrines, so I plan to visit one of them. This shrine, which attracts many worshippers, is Fuufu Daikokusha. I’ve been here before with my husband. It is the only shrine in Japan dedicated to the Daikoku couple, and is known for its blessings, such as matchmaking and marital harmony. I also saw something called “water divination,” so I tried it. There’s a large water basin nearby, so I dipped my water in there. The words began to appear. It seemed my wish would come true. The temple grounds exuded a sacred atmosphere. The corridors and architectural beauty, designated Important Cultural Properties, cleared my mind. I returned to the hotel, packed my bags, and checked out. Finally, I went to a place I’d been wanting to visit: “Housekibako.” This famous shaved ice shop is located about an eight-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station. Online reservations for the next day begin at 9 p.m. the night before. If you’re open at any time, you can pick up a reservation ticket inside the shop. Shaved ice is popular in Nara Prefecture because of the deep connection to ice, including the presence of Himuro Shrine, which enshrines ice as a god. Here’s the menu for the day. Everything looked delicious. The menu seems to change with the seasons. Each shaved ice is made with numerous sauces, syrups, and creams, making it very elaborate. I sat down and watched the shaved ice being made. The ice is frozen for 72 hours, then shaved into fluffy pieces. Finished! This one is “Watermelon Milk” with salt. This one is topped with “Pastel Fruit” deer cookies. They ‘re so cute I almost regret eating them, but they melt, so I’ll have to eat them. The yogurt espuma and kiwi sauce are refreshing. The different flavors in each bite are fun. This one has milk espuma inside. Both were delicious and I’m glad I tried them. Next, I went to Nakatanido, where you can buy freshly pounded mugwort mochi by the single piece. If you’re lucky, you can see the high-speed mochi pounding. The freshly pounded mochi, made with carefully selected ingredients, was delicious. My time for the Shinkansen was approaching, so I headed from Kintetsu Nara Station to Kyoto and then Tokyo. My trip to Nara was fulfilling; I was able to experience so much beauty, eat delicious food, and truly feel at peace. Why not take a trip to Nara, the birthplace of Japan, where history and tradition thrive? Thank you for reading until the end. Where should I go next? That’s all from Lily.

※中川政七商店に撮影協力をいただいております

中川政七商店
https://www.nakagawa-masashichi.jp

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こんにちは！
大人の休日CHリリです☺️
今回は久しぶりの奈良へ、大人の女子旅。
日本のはじまりの地、奈良にて
日本の工芸や歴史に触れ、満たされた時間となりました。
観光やグルメも思いっきり楽しんできましたので
行った先や泊まった宿、景色や食事
何かお役に立てることが少しでもあれば嬉しいです。

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今回登場するところ
玄
https://tabelog.com/nara/A2901/A290101/29000052
紫翠 ラグジュアリーコレクションホテル 奈良
https://www.suihotels.com/shisui
東大寺
https://www.todaiji.or.jp
茶論
https://salon-tea.jp
粟 ならまち店
https://www.kiyosumi.jp/naramachiten
松籟
https://nara.jr-central.co.jp/kankou/article/0161
春日大社
https://www.kasugataisha.or.jp
ほうせき箱
https://tabelog.com/nara/A2901/A290101/29011038
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