Firmly rooted in Japan’s history, Nara was the first formal capital of Japan before the political center transitioned to Nagaoka-kyo (Kyoto), and later Tokyo. Years on, Nara is now just an hour’s train trip away from Kyoto and Osaka. For its history and rich culture, this makes the city of Nara one of the most popular destinations for a day trip from the Kyoto and Kansai regions. For anyone who is visiting Nara, you can learn all about the best things to do in Nara and the best local food by reading our Nara travel blog. Read the latest articles on the best restaurants in Nara,regional Japanese cuisine, local news, and best kept travel tips!

For those who want to explore more of this historical prefecture, there are so many cultural food tours and cooking classes in Nara to add another layer of experience to your trip! With traditional tea ceremony experiences and luxurious kaiseki dining experiences available, keep reading to discover the best food opportunities in the city before you go. You can learn about what to eat in Nara like local-style pickles, sushi preserved in persimmon leaves, and slippery miwa somen that’s made from the finest local waters. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, be sure to check out our Nara travel blog about 5 unique sweets in Nara! The Nara region boasts a range of tantalising traditional wagashi sweets, with plenty of options for the city’s best vegans and vegetarian restaurants. We have everything you need to know for a trip to Nara with in-depth insight on regional food, travel tips, events, news and stories from our Nara travel blog.