ITADAKI NARA
EAT | DRINK | RELAX
LOCAL SPECIALITIES DELICACIES
MENDOYA
DESCRIPTION:
Mendo is located in the heart of Asuka Village and specializes in traditional dishes from Asuka and Nara Prefecture, with a commitment to using organic vegetables, high-quality well water, and no chemical seasonings. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with 100 seats and ample parking, making it accessible for families and groups. The restaurant is especially famous for serving Asuka-nabe, a hot pot dish with deep historical roots, said to date back over 1,000 years to the Asuka period.
MENU
Asuka-nabe is a creamy hot pot where local chicken and fresh vegetables are simmered in a milky, chicken-based broth. It's rich, yet without any strong milk aroma, making it approachable even for those who usually avoid milk. Another highlight is the two-tiered Hyotan Bento, a beautifully arranged lunchbox featuring over 20 small dishes. For the best experience, reservations are recommended, especially for the Asuka-nabe and bento sets.
ACCESS:
Located in Asuka village, 10 minutes walk from Asuka-dera Temple. Parking available for several cars and a tour bus.
Asuka-nabe Course
(from 2 people)
¥3,850
Address: 40 Oka, Asuka, Takaichi-cho, Nara, 634-0111
Tel: 0744-54-2055
Hours: 11:00 - 16:00 (or until sold out)
*Reservation recommended ​
*Cash only
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Asuka-nabe, a hot pot dish with deep historical roots
DESCRIPTION:
Tsurubesushi Yasuke is widely recognized as Japan’s oldest sushi restaurant, with a history stretching back over 800 years to its founding in the late 1100s in Shimoichi. The restaurant is celebrated for its deep connection to Japanese food culture and its appearance in the famous kabuki play "Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura." The current three-story wooden structure was built in 1939, featuring spacious tatami rooms with garden views, evoking the atmosphere of a traditional ryokan. The restaurant’s walls are adorned with memorabilia and historical artifacts, further immersing visitors in its storied past.
MENU DETAILS:
Tsurubesushi Yasuke is best known for its rare local specialty, ayu sushi—made with sweetfish (ayu) caught from the nearby Yoshino River. Ayu sushi is not served raw; instead, the fish is salt-marinated, grilled, and then stuffed with vinegared rice, pressed into a distinctive well-bucket ('tsurube') shape. Dishes are served in a multi-course style and complemented by local Yoshino sake.
ACCESS:
Located in the picturesque rural town of Shimoichi. Nearest station is Kintetsu Shimoichiguchi Station (20 minute walk). Ample free parking nearby.
Ayu Kaiseki Course
¥5,000〜
Address: 533 Shimoichi, Shimoichi, Yoshino District, Nara 638-0041
Tel: 050-5487-2030
Hours:
Lunch: 11:30 - 14:00
Dinner: 16:30 - 20:00 (L.O. 19:45)
Closed: Wednesday
SENJYUTEI
Exquisite Miwa somen in a zen-like eatery
DESCRIPTION:
Senjutei is located in the Miwa area of Sakurai City - an area renowned as the birthplace of somen noodles. Miwa somen is a traditional thin wheat noodle from said to have originated at Omiwa Shrine using local wheat and pure water over 1,200 years ago. The family’s connection to somen dates back to 1850. The restaurant’s serene, traditional interior offers panoramic views of the tranquil Miwa landscape, making it a perfect spot to enjoy authentic Japanese noodles in a peaceful setting.
MENU DETAILS:
Senjutei is best known for its beautifully presented Chilled Tricolor Somen, served in a bamboo vessel. Colored naturally with ingredients like egg and matcha, the noodles are enjoyed with a house-made dipping sauce. Warm noodle lovers will appreciate the Mushroom Nyumen. For a more indulgent meal, the Wagyu and Somen Set pairs seared wagyu beef with your choice of hot or cold somen.​​
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ACCESS:
Located in Sakurai City, a 15 minute walk from JR Miwa Station nearby O-Miwa Jinja Shrine
Tricolor Somen
¥1,380
Address: 293 Shiba, Sakurai, Nara 633-0074
Tel: 0744-45-0626
Hours: 11:000 - 16:00
Closed: Friday
TSURUBESUSHI YASUKE
The nation's oldest sushi restaurant
Kakinohasushi 7 Pack
¥1,274
DESCRIPTION:
Kakinohasushi Honpo Tanaka is chic purveyor of one of Nara's most famous foods. They offer stylish take-out options as well as a space to eat and enjoy a beverage at the further end of the shop.
MENU DETAILS:
Tanaka specialises in Kakinohasushi, a delicacy of Nara which is salted sushi with white vinegar wrapped in persimmon leaf. Wrapping the sushi in a persimmon leaf helps to prolong the freshness of the fish and has the added benefit of absorbing various nutrients from the leaf. Kakinohasushi is traditionally just salmon and mackerel, but here you can also enjoy a shrimp version and other fish depending on the season.
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ACCESS:
Drectly opposite the entrance to Kintetsu Nara Station on the Gyoki statue side.
Address: 5-2 Higashimuki Nakamachi, Nara, 630-8215
Tel: 0742-81-3651
Hours: 09:30-19:00
KAKINOHASUSHI HONPO TANAKA
A Nara delicacy right in front of the station
