Higashimuki Shopping Street

東向商店街

A covered arcade starting at the station exit

Hours

Varies by shop (roughly 10am–7pm)

Address

Higashimuki-nakamachi, Nara

Climb out of Kintetsu Nara Station and this covered arcade is right in front of you, running about 250 metres south to Sanjo-dori. Deer-themed souvenirs, narazuke pickles, brush-and-ink shops, chain cafés and old diners all mix together, which makes it the easiest place in town to shop for gifts. At the southern corner, crowds gather to watch mochi-makers pound rice cakes at ridiculous speed, shouting as they go. On a rainy day, that roof is a gift.