Taihoan | Review by Linda Liao

Walking into Higashimuki Shopping Street lets you experience a different side of everyday life in Nara. Compared with areas crowded with tourists, it has a more down-to-earth, welcoming atmosphere. During our visit, we happened upon a summer nagashi somen festival. Many local residents had gathered and were happily participating, creating a lively atmosphere. Since we came across such an interesting event, we immediately joined in and had a lot of fun.

The most precious thing is that traditional culture can continue to be passed down because a group of people remains dedicated to preserving it.

When visiting Nara, besides seeing the deer and visiting Todai-ji Temple, Nakatanido's mugwort mochi is another classic snack that I think you have to try!

The soft, chewy mugwort mochi is filled with sweet, rich red bean paste made from Tokachi red beans from Hokkaido. The subtle fragrance of mugwort pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the red beans. It's sweet without being too rich, with plenty of texture. The freshly made mochi is especially soft with a slight chewiness, and is worth trying for yourself.

Every time I pass Nakatanido, I'm drawn to the lively, suspenseful “mochi-pounding show” outside the shop. The two masters work in perfect coordination: one calls out loudly, while the other quickly turns the mugwort mochi in the mortar during the brief pauses, immediately followed by another fast, precise strike. Their movements are perfectly synchronized and fluid, making it impossible to look away. You can't help but wonder, “At that speed, aren't they afraid of hitting his hand?”

This is also a successful sales strategy for the shop. After all, once people watch the performance, they naturally want to buy a piece of freshly made mochi to try!

When you visit Nara, besides seeing the deer, don't forget to try a jar of the popular dessert, Daibutsu Pudding! There are several locations in the city, so it's best to buy it at the end of your itinerary. It's also convenient to take on the train and enjoy at your leisure. The pudding has a dense, smooth texture, with mild yet rich egg and milk flavors, and it isn't overly sweet. The cute glass jar can be washed and taken home as a keepsake, and the decorative lid makes it even more delightful.