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NARA

NARA

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Nara is an ancient capital with 1300 years of history.
It is said to be the birthplace of Japanese food culture, and many of the food ingredients and the food culture unique to Nara have been adopted throughout Japan.
Surrounded by world heritage sites, Nara is the home of many national treasures and important cultural assets. Visitors can enjoy its historic charm and a variety of scenery in different seasons and regions.
Please enjoy Gastronomy Tourism in Nara, Japan.

The Official Nara Travel Guide [Nara visitors Bureau]
MICHELIN Guide 奈良県　開催地

Gastronomy Tourism in Nara

Gurutto Auberge Nara (Japanese language only)

The website introduces unique and distinctive auberges in Nara Prefecture, where visitors can enjoy seasonal dishes using local food ingredients and unique recipes.

Nara Prefecture Historical and Artistic Culture Complex (English)

Opened in March, 2022. The Complex hosts many events, and is a major attraction for people wishing to learn about the food culture and agriculture of Nara.

Nurturing leaders who will promote food and agriculture

Nara Agriculture and Food International College (NAFIC) (PDF)

With a philosophy of "Farm to Table", the school was opened in 2016 and has been working towards invigorating the local food industry, agriculture and tourism through education.

Food Specialties of Nara

There are many food products unique to Nara due to its climate and history. You can sample these foods and buy other products as gifts for yourself, your friends and family.

Sake
Sake Nara is the birthplace of sake with a temple and a shrine associated with it. There are many sake breweries throughout the whole of Nara.
Narazuke
Narazuke Narazuke are vegetables pickled in sake lees. This type of pickle is believed to have originated in Nara around 1300 years ago.
Persimmons
Persimmons Nara prefecture is one of the most prolific persimmon growing regions in Japan. Traditionally, not only the fruit but also the leaves and stems are used for various purposes.
Kakinoha-zushi
Kakinoha-zushi Local cuisine. Salted mackerel pieces on vinegared rice (sushi rice) are wrapped in a persimmon leaf.
Traditional Yamato Vegetables
Traditional Yamato Vegetables Cultivated following a particular traditional method, vegetables have a distinctive taste, flavor, and shape, and with the links to the region's history.
Yamato Tea
Yamato Tea It is said that tea production started in the 9th century in Japan after the method was brought from China to Nara.
Kudzu
Kudzu Kudzu is starch extracted from roots of the leguminous plant "kudzu". It is largely used for making Japanese confectionaries.
Miwa somen noodles
Miwa somen noodles One of various types of noodles Japanese eat. It is said that somen originated in the Miwa area more than 1200 years ago.
Asukanabe Hot Pod Dish
Asukanabe Hot Pod Dish Local dish of Nara, poaching chicken and vegetables in milk and soup stock.
Yamato Beef
Yamato Beef For the past 700 years, Nara has been producing best quality beef. The beef, rich in oleic acid, melts in the mouth and has abundant flavor.
Strawberries
Strawberries Strawberries are very popular products in Nara from winter to spring. Grown with utmost care, they develop an exquisitely balanced taste of sweet and sour.
Shaved Ice
Shaved Ice Historical stories of Nara speak of shaved ice, and these days Nara has attracted attention as a major place to sample this special dessert.