When it comes to Nara, most travelers first think of the deer at Nara Park, the Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple, and the thousand-year history of Kasuga Grand Shrine. This ancient capital, designated as a World Heritage Site, is rich in cultural heritage. But did you know? Surrounded by shrines and temples, Nara's city center also hides several unique 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, local atmosphere. Rather than competing with luxury and extravagance, these malls are known for their comfortable shopping environments, locally-sourced products, and friendly service. Since Nara attracts continuous streams of tourists, department stores often feature carefully curated specialty product sections, making it convenient for visitors to select souvenirs.
Recommended Shopping Destinations
Kintetsu Department Store Nara (Nara Kintetsu Hyakkaten)
Located directly above Kintetsu Nara Station, Kintetsu Department Store Nara is the largest shopping center in Nara's city center. Its greatest advantage lies in its convenient transportation—after arriving in 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, bringing together diverse shops offering fashion apparel, cosmetics, jewelry, and more.
A particularly recommended spot is the food hall on the first basement floor of the Main Building, which gathers Nara's local specialties and wagashi (Japanese sweets), such as the famous persimmon leaf sushi, Nara pickles, and various traditional Japanese confections. During Christmas and New Year periods, the food hall also features limited seasonal items, perfect for purchasing souvenirs for friends and family.
Address: 1-1 Nishigakido-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, 630-8001
Business Hours: 10:00-20:00 (Food hall until 21:00)
Transportation: Direct access from Kintetsu Nara Station
Nara Sakura Road (Nara Family)
Located about a 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, Nara Sakura Road is a family-oriented shopping center. The "Sakura" in its name echoes the romantic imagery of Nara as the setting of the "Tale of Yamato." What makes this mall special is its clearly themed sections—children's products and toys, home living goods, and fashion apparel each occupy their own distinct areas, making shopping轻松自在 (relaxed and comfortable).
The "Tale of Yamato" section inside the mall is a must-visit highlight, featuring crafts and lifestyle goods created by local Nara designers. You can find everything from cute Nara deer-themed merchandise to traditional textile crafts. Additionally, the mall's attached food court offers diverse options including udon noodles, donburi rice bowls, and light meals, convenient for travelers to refuel before continuing their sightseeing.
Address: 1-1 Kanebutsuka-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, 630-8002
Business Hours: 10:00-20:00
Transportation: About 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station
Yakushi-ji Front Souvenir Shop (Yakushiji-mae Omiyage Center)
If your itinerary focuses on Horyu-ji Temple and Yakushi-ji Temple in western Nara, this souvenir shop located on the approach to Yakushi-ji Temple is absolutely not to be missed. Unlike chain department stores in the city center, this shop is steeped in rich Buddhist cultural atmosphere and specializes in temple-related merchandise.
Popular items in the store include postcards designed after Yakushi-ji Temple murals, exquisite replicas of Buddhist altar accessories, and incense and omamori (protective charms) made using traditional techniques. Most special of all, you can find limited edition items that are only available around Yakushi-ji Temple. Travelers interested in Buddhist culture or traditional crafts should not miss this place.
Address: 482 Nishi-no-shiro-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, 630-8032
Business Hours: 09:00-17:00
Transportation: Take a bus from Kintetsu Nara Station to Yakushi-ji
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 and is perfect for a half-day excursion. Yamatokoriyama City is famous for goldfish breeding, and you can see goldfish-related installations throughout the city. This shopping center has also embraced the local特色 (characteristics) by establishing a goldfish-themed section.
The specialty products section inside the mall highly recommends the "Yamatokoriyama Goldfish Rice Crackers"—these cute goldfish-shaped crackers are a popular local souvenir with a crispy and sweet flavor. Additionally, their wagashi selection is abundant and prices are more affordable than in Nara's city center, making it an ideal choice for travelers looking to purchase souvenirs in bulk.
Address: 247-1 Kamimitsuhashi-cho, Yamatokoriyama City, Nara Prefecture, 639-1042
Business Hours: 10:00-19:00
Transportation: About 10-minute walk from Kintetsu Koriyama Station
Practical Information
Best Shopping Times: Weekday mornings or afternoons tend to be less crowded; on weekends, it's recommended to arrive early to avoid tourist crowds.
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: Purchases of 5,000 yen or more (excluding tax) at stores displaying the "Tax-Free" sign qualify for tax refunds. Kintetsu Department Store Nara has a dedicated tax refund service counter.
Travel Tips
Before heading out for shopping in Nara, it's recommended to confirm the closing days of each mall. Most of Nara's department stores have different regular closure dates, typically on a non-holiday weekday.
If time permits, consider arranging your shopping trip for the afternoon after visiting temples. Strolling back to the station in the evening, you can admire the traditional machiya townhouses along Naramachi, soaking in the relaxed atmosphere of the ancient capital.
Finally, a reminder: compared to Tokyo and Osaka, Nara's department stores close earlier, usually around 8 PM. Please plan your itinerary accordingly to avoid missing out.
