In May 2024, Konjaku-So opened its first location outside of Osaka, "Konjaku-So Nara Naramachi Sauna Villa"!
A 20-25 minute walk from the station might seem a bit far, but there are so many interesting places in the city of Nara that you won't get bored! With traditional buildings called Machiya, small craft shops, and modern cafes, you'll be at your destination in no time, distracted by the delightful sights along the way.
Our Konjaku-So staff took a trip from Kintetsu Nara Station to Naramachi, passing through Gangoji Temple, peeking into Konjaku-So, then strolling around Nara Park, and finally visiting Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Kofukuji Temple.
It turned out to be a fun journey where we fully enjoyed Nara's charm, and we’d love to share this experience with our guests and those considering a stay at Konjaku-So 🙂
Contents
Arrival at Kintetsu Nara Station
The warm welcome right from inside the station set the mood perfectly. Recently, the area has been bustling with tourists, and it seems like you hear more languages other than Japanese!
Naramachi
"Naramachi" is the area centered around the old precincts of Gangoji Temple. It features narrow-fronted houses with latticed doors. Step away from the busy main roads, and you'll be struck by the sudden quiet—only your voices break the silence.
Walking through the alleys lined with old wooden houses, we came across a deer in a small open space! Speaking of which, I've heard that the deer in Nara gather somewhere for an end-of-the-day meeting and then disperse after a while. Who knows the truth...?
Strolling Around Gangoji Temple, Nara Park, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Walking along the quiet roads, we suddenly came upon Gangoji Temple, a World Heritage Site with 1300 years of history.
Next, we headed to Nara Park, where we experienced the deer with all our senses: their unique smell, round and pure eyes, slender legs, unexpectedly stiff fur, and the sound of twigs snapping underfoot. Watching the deer bow or cross the pedestrian crossings according to the signals is always amusing.
With the rise in the number of the tourists, it was also fun to see foreigners enjoying their encounters with the deer. We couldn't help but smile seeing tough-looking guys with tattoo-covered arms having a blast playing with a deer.
We also ventured into Kasuga Taisha Shrine, but both of us have extremely poor sense of direction, so we ended up walking in circles, exhausted and lost...😂
Moreover, one of us has a kind of bird phobia, and since a crow was perched on the map sign, she couldn't even look at it 😌
Impressions of Nara Stroll
Though we’re not very familiar with the city's history (plus we’re directionally challenged), it was a trip where we enjoyed the unique atmosphere and scenery we don't usually see.
Even with our limited knowledge, we were able to spend a wonderful, extraordinary time.
Alongside traditional small wooden houses and long-established restaurants, we noticed several new bakeries, cafes, and galleries. There’s still so much more to explore.
When you stay at Konjaku-so Nara Naramachi Sauna Villa, be sure to fully experience the charms of Nara. If we get a chance to meet you during check-in, please share your impressions with us☺
By the Way…
I love Shikamaro-kun, a character of the Nara City Tourism Association. Of course I brought my Shikamaro-kun mini towel this time, and even got a Shikamaro-kun pouch from a capsule toy there.🦌 It's the perfect size for holding a Goshuincho (a book for collecting temple and shrine stamps).
His happy expression is just so adorable. <3
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