Located less than one hour from Kyoto and Osaka, the ancient capital Nara is mostly known for its historical importance. Here, precious sites like Nara Park, the magnificent Kofuku-ji Temple, and the alluring Kasuga Grand Shrine document Japan’s rich history, taking visitors on a journey through time.
Nara sure holds a significant place in the ancient history of Japan. But this beautiful destination is also retail heaven, boasting a plethora of top-notch shopping locations.
While exploring the streets of Nara, you’ll come across a selection of department stores, large modern shopping complexes, vibrant shopping streets, and clothing shops catering to every taste and budget.
So, whether you’re seeking to find traditional handicrafts, popular souvenirs, or stylish home furnishings, you’re sure to find them in and around Nara.
To help you have a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, we’ve created a guide to the top 7 places to shop in Nara. Most of them are well located close to the city’s main tourist attractions, so you’ll be able to enjoy some shopping between your sightseeing trips. Read on to learn more!
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A Guide To The Best Shopping in Nara, Japan
Nara Higashimuki Shopping Arcade
Running north to south between Kintetsu Nara Station and Sanjo Dori, Nara Higashimuki is one of Nara’s most famous shopping arcades.
While strolling through this very walkable shopping street, you’ll come across a delightful array of restaurants selling local food, including delicious ramen noodle shops, as well as several shops selling souvenirs.
The 820-feet long Nara Higashimuki street is covered, making it a prime shopping destination during rainy days in Nara.
This lively arcade is also well-located close to some of Nara’s top tourist sites, including the iconic Nara Park and the Kofuku-Ji Temple, meaning you’ll be able to do some sightseeing after shopping.
Address: 〒630-8215 Nara, Higashimuki Nakamachi, １５
Aeon Mall Kashihara
Aeon Mall Kashihara is one of the largest shopping malls in the Kinki region. It’s home to over 200 stores, which offer everything from fashion and cosmetics to electronics, as well as an extensive food court with restaurants and cafes.
This huge shopping complex also boasts a world-class supermarket called Aeon Style, movie theaters with 9 screens and 1630 seats, and beauty salons. Here, you can find everything you need here for everyday living!
Address: 2 Chome-4-1 Saidaiji Higashimachi
Nara Family
Nara Family is a large shopping complex spread across JR Shin-Inokuchi Station. This is also Japan’s first large-scale shopping mall with three main centers, the Kintetsu Department Store, the Aeon Style supermarket, and a specialty shopping zone called Zoro.
These three facilities include everything from gourmet dining to shopping and convenient facilities for citizen services such as a passport center and post office.
After exploring Nara Family’s stores, be sure to visit the mall’s rooftop sky garden, “Nara no Soranawa”, which offers a panoramic view of the ancient capital Nara, including the Heijo Palace remains and Mount Kasuga.
Address: 2 Chome-4-1 Saidaiji Higashimachi
Vierra Nara JR Nara Station
Vierra Nara is a shopping complex located inside the JR Nara Station building. There, visitors are happily surprised to find 100-yen shops, souvenir stores, a bakery cafe, a supermarket, and delectable restaurants.
Address: 1-１ Sanjohonmachi
Utsuwa Matsumori
Utsuwa Matsumori is a historical tableware shop founded in Nara 1871. Located in Mochiidono Centre Town, Nara’s oldest shopping street, this legendary tableware store is well-known for selling gorgeous ceramics, glassware, lacquerware, flower vases, cutlery, and tablecloths.
This is the perfect place for those seeking to bring some Nara souvenirs back home!
Address: 〒630-8217 31,Hashimotocho,Nara-shi
Mochiido Centre Town
Mochiido Centre Town is Nara’s oldest shopping street, and a good place to do quick shopping in the middle of the city. Gloriously located in the heart of Nara, linking the street of Sanjo-Dori with the Naramachi area, this shopping street is fitted with a number of stores where you’ll find local souvenirs, handicraft items, and fashion goodies.
Address: 2F Yume CUBE, 12-banchi Mochiidonocho
Sanjo-dori Shopping Mall
Situated along the wide sidewalks of Sanjo Street, which runs west to east from JR Nara Station to Nara Park, the Sanjo-Dori Shopping Mall has been Nara’s main high street for 1300 years.
This attractive shopping street has beautifully paved pedestrian paths lined with many restaurants, izakayas, and vibrant souvenir shops.
Address: Sanjo-dori
FAQ
What are the best places to go shopping in Nara city?
The best places to go shopping in Nara are:
- Nara Higashimuki Shopping Arcade;
- Aeon Mall Kashihara;
- Nara Family;
- Vierra Nara;
- Utsuwa Matsumori;
- Mochiido Centre Town;
- Sanjo-dori Shopping Mall.
Is Kyoto good for shopping?
Yes, Nara is a great place for shopping. There, you’ll find malls, traditional shops, upscale stores, flea markets, and souvenir shops that cater to every taste and budget.
What are the best shopping malls in Nara?
The best shopping malls in Nara are:
- Nara Family;
- Aeon Town Tomio South;
- Mi Nara;
- Suntown Plaza Suzurankan.
What is the historic shopping street in Nara?
Mochiido Centre Town is Nara’s oldest shopping street.
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