Kintetsu Nara Station Area

Overview

The area around Kintetsu Nara Station is the lively modern gateway to old Nara, where visitors transition between transportation and the temple district. The streets radiating from the station are lined with restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops.

Highlights

• Restaurant Row: Sanjo-dori and the surrounding streets offer an excellent selection of restaurants serving Nara specialties including kakinoha-zushi, miwa somen noodles, and narazuke-enhanced dishes.
• Evening Atmosphere: While Nara's temples close early, the station area comes alive in the evening with izakaya, craft beer bars, and sake establishments.
• Gyoki Statue: The bronze statue of the monk Gyoki outside the station is the most common meeting point in Nara, surrounded by the bustle of departing and arriving visitors.

History

Kintetsu Nara Station became Nara's primary railway hub after the private Kintetsu railway connected the city to Osaka and Kyoto. The area developed as a commercial district serving both commuters and tourists.

Visitor Tips

• Evening Dining: Plan dinner in this area after the temples close — the restaurants here are generally better and more varied than those near the park.
• Late-Night Options: For post-dinner drinks, explore the small bars and izakaya in the narrow lanes behind the main streets.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes for browsing.