Nara-style souvenirs with deer motifs everywhere. From snacks to cute little items, everything makes you want to take a closer look. Browsing and shopping, eating and taking a break—it’s such a relaxing stop on a trip to Nara!
Yumekaze Plaza in front of Todaiji Temple Gate | Review by Gina C
Other Reviews by Gina C
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MIRAIZA OSAKA-JO
A complex of historical buildings located in the plaza in front of the Tower of Osaka Castle. Built in 1931, the former army office building has an eye-catching, stately exterior reminiscent of an old medieval castle in Europe. Inside, the upper walls are decorated with vivid ornaments, and the corner towers on the front and four corners still retain the atmosphere of the past.
MIRAIZA OSAKA-JO was originally the former Imperial Japanese Army 4th Division Headquarters, and the building itself has a unique history. After the war, it was used as the Osaka City Museum. Once the museum relocated, the building was renovated and reopened in 2017 as a multipurpose facility with restaurants, cafés, and souvenir shops. I never expected such a stately-looking historic building to have served so many different purposes!
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Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
Dazaifu Tenmangu is the head shrine of 10,000 different shrines across Japan dedicated to the spirit of Sugawara Michizane. Sugawara was an acclaimed scholar who was deemed innocent posthumously after being exiled to Dazaifu by Kyoto’s Imperial Court. The main hall was built over his grave and has been preserved as a sacred site of Tenjin worship for over 1100 years.
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is definitely worth adding to your itinerary! It enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, known as the “god of learning.” Many people come here specifically to pray for academic success and to pass their exams, so the entire shrine is filled with a strong atmosphere of prayer and wishes.
As soon as you enter the approach to the shrine, the many shops lining both sides make it fun to browse. Besides buying charms and souvenirs, don’t miss the popular umegae mochi. The outside is grilled until slightly crisp, with a sweet red bean filling inside. Eating one as you walk really makes you feel like you’re traveling! -
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Échiré Pâtisserie au Beurre - Tokyu Food Show Edge Store
A specialty confectionery shop dedicated to pastries made with Échiré, the renowned French A.O.P.-certified cultured butter. Produced in the village of Échiré in western France, a region celebrated for its dairy products, Échiré butter is distinguished by its rich aroma, yogurt-like tang, and creamy texture.
When traveling in Japan, besides shopping, you also shouldn't miss all the delicious souvenirs! This time, I'd like to share Échiré butter cookies. The packaging alone caught my interest, and they're definitely worth trying if you enjoy the aroma of butter.
The cookies' biggest feature is their rich buttery aroma. As soon as you open the package, you can smell a light buttery scent. They're crisp and delicious, with a captivating butter flavor that spreads through your mouth. They're fragrant without being too rich, and every bite makes you want to keep eating.
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