Nara's sake | Food & Drinks

Kuramoto Shuzo (Narazake shop)

A sake brewery nestled in the Tsuge mountains since 1871 - Kuramoto Shuzo is located about 25 scenic minutes drive from the center of Nara City, giving you a taste of not only the wonderful selection of sake on offer, but also a taste of Nara's very quaint countryside.

Location: 2501 Tsuge Hayama-cho, Nara City
Phone number: +81-743-82-0008
Business hours: 8:00-17:00 (closed irregularly)
URL: https://kuramoto-sake.weebly.com

Awa Naramachi Restaurant (Restaurant)

The owner feels that as one of the main restaurants in the popular sightseeing area of Naramachi, it is their mission to offer and cook with authentic Nara-produced products. In addition to Yamato vegetables, he also uses Yamato beef, sake from local breweries, and various seasonal products specific to the Nara region.

* Image: Awa Dinner course with Yamato beef and vegetables
One example of a seasonal dessert: Kotoka strawberries and a mousse of sake kasu. (Available in season)
The tea served is of course Yamato tea. This may be combined with a delicious tasting local sake of your preference.

Location: 1 Shonamicho, Nara City, Nara
Phone number: +81-742-24-5699
Business hours: Business hours: Lunch from 11:30 - 15:00 (doors close at 13:30, last order at 14:00)
Dinner from 17:30 - 22:00 (doors close at 20:00, last order at 21:00)
* Reservations required
Regular holiday: Tuesday
URL: https://www.kiyosumi.jp/naramachiten

Nara Sweets Craftsman Nakanishi Yosaburo (Nara Sweets)

The everyday lives of the people of Nara is most prominently experienced in Naramachi. As the fourth generation of this traditional sweets store, Mr. Katsuyuki Nakanishi, believes it is his mission to protect the traditional townscape of this area, and he engages in town revitalization projects.
He refurbished the old townhouse in which his store is located, and built a beautiful teahouse with a splendid view of the garden. He repurposed parts of the townhouse as gallery spaces. These inspired ideas provide comfort for his customers and make for an enjoyable visit.
Nakanishi-san includes the flavours of Nara culture within his products, including traditional ingredients such as Yamato tea and Kotoka strawberries in order to create truly authentic items.

(Images: left to right) Silky Habutae strawberries, Naramachi dango steamed buns. Habutae strawberries are available between December and May. Saka Manju buns can be obtained between January and March.

Location: 23 Wakidocho, Nara-shi, Nara
Phone number: TEL/FAX:+81-742-24-3048
Business hours: 9:30 - 18:00
* Sweets-making workshop, reservations required. Yen 3,080. (Duration approx. 60 minutes, maximum 16 people per session) Available dates for each month are announced on the homepage.
Regular holiday: irregular holidays　
URL: http://www.naramachi.jp/

Toyosawa Sake Brewery (Narazake shop)

The brewery continues its tradition of hand-crafting, with a focus on high-grade sake made purely from rice. Their products are characterized by their clear, pleasant flavor.

Location: 405,Imaichicho,Nara-shi,Nara
Phone number: TEL +81-742-61-7636 FAX +81-742-61-7658
Business hours: 8am - 5pm
Brewery visits: 10:30am, 3:30pm
Reservation only (from 1 to 4 persons, February, March ,October and November only) ￥500,(with gift).
* Brewery visits are also available on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays.
Regular holiday: Closed, Sat., Sun. Holidays
URL: http://www.nara-toyosawa.jp/sp/

Yagi-Shuzou (Narazake shop)

As one would expect from a traditional liquor store, the interior is lined with products ranging from various kinds of sake - of course including 'Shohei' - as well as shochu and liqueurs. Spending time in this environment, perhaps while tasting their 'Tsukigase plum liqueur' - with its beautifully designed label with the motif of Japanese playing cards - you may start to feel transported back in time.

Location: 915, Takabatakecho, Nara-shi, Nara, 630-8301, Japan
Phone number: +81-742-26-2300
Business hours: 9:00-17:00
Brewery tours are available on reservation (maximum of 20 people), and are free of charge. Please inquire about availability by phone, prior to your visit.
Regular holiday: Closed on Saturday, Sunday, public holidays and over New Year
URL: http://sho-hei.cool.coocan.jp/

S.IMANISHI Co.,Ltd. (Narazake shop)

In the past, this building was partially used for the brewery of sake. Here, it is possible to enjoy several varieties of sake for the price of only one 500 yen coin, making it a place favored by tourists. For those who can't take alcohol, the store has an offering of sweets made with “Harushika‘ sake. Moreover, during February it is possible to (on appointment) take a tour of the factory on Saturdays and Sundays, and learn about the process of sake brewery.

Location: 24-1 Fukuchi-in cho, Nara
Phone number: +81-742-23-2255
Business hours: 10:00 - 17:00
* Tasting: JPY 500 per person(10:00-16:30)
Factory tour: February, Saturdays and Sundays afternoon only.
JPY 500 per person (reservation required, min. 10 persons, max. 20 persons per day)
URL: http://www.harushika.com/

Shubo Kuranoma (Bar and Dining)

This dining bar offers local delicacies with a delectable selection of local sake and other drinks.
Enjoy seared Yamato beef with pork miso and other exquisite cuisine in the rustic atmosphere of about 140-year-old former warehouse building.

Location: Edogawanaramachinai, 43, Shimomikadocho, Nara-shi, Nara, 630-8365, Japan
Phone number: +81-742-20-4400
Business hours: 17:00~22:00 (Last order 21:00)
Regular holiday: Year-end and New Year holidays

Naraizumiyuusai (Narazake shop)

This shop deals in a selected variety of local sake. The shop carries over 120 brands from 28 Nara-based breweries. Visitors can taste test the sake (fee required) at a bar inside the shop. Find your favorite Narazake at this popular spot.

Location: 22, Nishiterabayashicho, Nara-shi, Nara, 630-8372, Japan
Phone number: +81-742-26-6078
Business hours: 11:00~20:00
Regular holiday: Thursday (Holiday is open)
URL: http://www.naraizumi.jp/

Mahoroba Daibutsu-Pudding Purinnomori-Café (Cafe)

This shop is famous for its unique name and the nostalgic, tender flavor of their puddings. The wide variety includes Sake, Yamato tea, and other Nara specialties, in addition to the standard custard flavor. The main shop, sporting a pudding-like appearance, has a café where you can enjoy the sweets right on the spot!

Location: 1073, Narazakacho, Nara-shi, Nara, 630-8104, Japan
Phone number: +81-742-23-7515
Business hours: 11:30~17:30 (Last order 17:00)
Regular holiday: Irregular
URL: http://www.daibutsu-purin.com/

Allez!! Le Trèfle (Winebar)

This wine bar has a large selection of 40 to 60 Japanese wines to provide and promote the opportunity to experience new, delectable wines. The meals are designed to go well with wine. The menu includes creative dishes that use fresh seasonal ingredients and Nara-made sake lees. With counter seating only, wine and dine in a cozy atmosphere late into the night.

Location: 32-5, Kitafukurocho, Nara-shi, Nara, 630-8262, Japan
Phone number: +81-742-20-0660
Business hours: 15:00~24:00(Last order 23:00)
Regular holiday: Wednesday & Irregular
URL: https://ja-jp.facebook.com/AllezLeTrefle2014