When it comes to Nara, most travelers first think of the deer at Nara Park, the Great Buddha at Todaiji Temple, and the thousand-year history of Kasuga Grand Shrine. This ancient capital, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is steeped in rich cultural heritage, but did you know? Surrounded by shrines and temples, Nara's city center also hides several distinctive department stores and shopping malls, waiting for travelers to explore.
The Unique Charm of Shopping in Nara
Compared to the bustling shopping districts of Tokyo and Osaka, Nara's department stores offer a more relaxed and local atmosphere. Rather than competing with luxury, these malls are known for their comfortable shopping environment, locally-themed products, and friendly service. Since Nara attracts a steady stream of tourists, department stores often feature carefully curated local specialty sections, making it convenient for visitors to purchase souvenirs.
Recommended Shopping Destinations
Kintetsu Nara Department Store (Kintetsu Nara Department Store)
Located directly above Kintetsu Nara Station, Kintetsu Nara Department Store is the largest shopping center in Nara's city center. Its biggest advantage lies in its convenient transportation—by arriving at Nara, you can enter the mall directly from the station without worrying about weather conditions. The mall is divided into the Main Building and Annex, housing a diverse range of shops including fashion clothing, cosmetics, and jewelry.
A special recommendation is the food floor on the basement first floor of the Main Building, which brings together Nara's local specialties and wagashi (Japanese sweets), such as the famous persimmon leaf sushi, Nara pickles, and various Japanese-style desserts. During Christmas and around New Year, the food floor also launches limited seasonal items, making it perfect for selecting souvenirs for friends and family.
Address: 1-1 Nishigaito-machi, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 630-8001
Business Hours: 10:00-20:00 (Food floor until 21:00)
Transportation: Direct access from Kintetsu Nara Station
Nara Sakura Road (Nara Family)
About a 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, Nara Sakura Road is a family-oriented shopping center. The "Sakura" in the mall's name echoes the romantic imagery of Nara as the setting of the "Tale of Yamato." What makes this place special is its clearly organized thematic zones—children's goods and toys area, home living goods area, and fashion clothing area are each independent, making shopping easy and relaxing.
The "Tale of Yamato" section inside the mall is a must-visit highlight. Here, you'll find crafts and lifestyle goods created by Nara's local designers, ranging from cute Nara deer-related products to traditional craft textiles. Additionally, the mall's attached food court offers a variety of choices, including udon noodles, rice bowls, and light meals, making it convenient for travelers to refuel before continuing their sightseeing.
Address: 1-1 Kanebutonotsuka-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 630-8002
Business Hours: 10:00-20:00
Transportation: About 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station
Yakushiji Front Souvenir Shop (Yakushiji Ma Omiyage Center)
If your itinerary focuses on Horyuji Temple and Yakushiji Temple in western Nara, then this souvenir shop located on the approach to Yakushiji Temple is absolutely not to be missed. Unlike chain department stores in the city, this place is filled with a rich Buddhist cultural atmosphere, specializing in temple-related merchandise.
Popular items in the shop include postcards designed based on Yakushiji Temple murals, exquisite replica Buddhist ritual items, and incense and omamori (protective charms) made using traditional techniques. Most special of all, you can find limited edition products that are only available around Yakushiji Temple—travelers interested in Buddhist culture or crafts should not miss this.
Address: 482 Nishi-no-shiro-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 630-8032
Business Hours: 09:00-17:00
Transportation: Transfer from Kintetsu Nara Station by bus to Yakushiji Temple
Yamatokoriyama City Shopping Center (Yamatokoriyama Senbei Center)
This shopping center located in Yamatokoriyama City, Nara Prefecture, is about a 20-minute drive from Nara's city center, making it ideal for a half-day trip. Yamatokoriyama City is famous for goldfish breeding, and you can see goldfish-related installations throughout the city. This shopping center also reflects the local character with a goldfish-themed section.
The specialty products area inside the mall recommends the must-buy "Yamatokoriyama Goldfish Rice Crackers"—cute goldfish-shaped crackers are a popular local souvenir with a crispy and sweet taste. Additionally, the selection of wagashi here is abundant, and prices are more affordable than in Nara's city center, making it an ideal choice for travelers who want to purchase souvenirs in bulk.
Address: 247-1 Kaminashihashi-cho, Yamatokoriyama City, Nara Prefecture 639-1042
Business Hours: 10:00-19:00
Transportation: About 10-minute walk from Kintetsu Koriyama Station
Useful Information
Best Shopping Times: Weekday mornings or afternoons tend to be less crowded; on weekends, it is recommended to arrive early to avoid peak tourist traffic.
Sales Tax Explanation: Japan's consumption tax is 10%, while food items are 8%. Purchasing food inside department stores can enjoy the lower tax rate.
Payment Methods: Large department stores accept credit cards, VISA, MasterCard, JCB, and other major card types; some smaller shops may only accept cash.
Tax Refund Services: You can process tax refunds at stores displaying the "Tax-Free" sign when spending 5,000 yen or more (excluding tax). Kintetsu Nara Department Store has a dedicated tax-free service counter.
Travel Tips
Before going shopping in Nara, it is recommended to check the closing days of each mall. Most of Nara's department stores have different closing dates, usually on a non-holiday weekday.
If time permits, consider arranging your shopping trip for the afternoon after visiting temples. In the evening, stroll back to the station along the way, where you can admire the traditional machiya (townhouse) architecture of Naramachi and experience the relaxed atmosphere of the ancient capital.
Finally, a reminder that Nara's department stores close earlier than those in Tokyo and Osaka, usually around 8 PM, so please plan your itinerary accordingly.
