Higashimuki Shopping Street is located right in front of the east entrance of Kintetsu Nara Station. It has an arcade that runs north-south from Omiya Street to Sanjo Street. Kofukuji Temple is to the east, and private houses were built on the west side of the street. Since all of the buildings were facing east, the town was named "Higashimuki (facing east).” Other than Kofukuji Temple, the street also directly connects to Sarusawa Pond, Naramachi, and Nara Park, where Todaiji Temple is located. This location is convenient to stop by both on your way to and from sightseeing in Nara.
The shopping street has a long history. Its development happened rapidly with the opening of the current Kintetsu Osaka Line connecting Nara and Osaka in 1915 and the construction of Nara Station. Today, the street is lined with about 80 stores on both the east and west sides, including restaurants, drugstores, beauty salons, and clothing stores. Many of the stores have a long history, such as Japanese confectionery stores and tenugui (hand towel) specialty stores.
There are plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy Nara's specialties, such as ochazuke, Yamato beef, and local sake. Souvenir shops sell the famous Nara-zuke (salted vegetables dipped in sake lees), Kakinoha-zushi (vinegared rice with salmon or sea bream slices wrapped in persimmon leaves and pressed sushi), and Mikasa (sponge cake style dough with red bean paste in between).
Highlights
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The shopping street is located right next to Nara Station on the Kintetsu Osaka Line.
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The name of the town comes from the fact that all buildings used to face the east.
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It is close to Kofukuji Temple and other famous places in Nara, making it convenient to stop by while sightseeing.
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You can go shopping even on a rainy day thanks to the arcade.
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An incredible selection of Nara souvenirs such as Nara-zuke, Kakinoha-zushi, and more.
