Nara: Eat and Drink with Locals in Shin-Omiya’s Izakaya Scene

Nara , Japan

Nara: Eat and Drink with Locals in Shin-Omiya’s Izakaya Scene

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About this experience

Skip the tourist trail and dive into Nara’s real nightlife in Shin-Omiya—where locals gather, laugh, and unwind over great food and drinks. This isn’t a generic pub crawl. It’s a guided walk into Nara’s most vibrant after-dark district, known to residents but often missed by visitors.

You’ll explore two carefully selected izakayas, each with its own atmosphere and specialties. Along the way, your guide will help you navigate menus, explain customs, and translate conversations, so you can relax and enjoy the evening like a local.

The tour includes ¥1,000 worth of food and drinks at each stop, making it a fun, filling, and budget-friendly night out—even if you come hungry.

Whether you're new to izakaya culture or just want to experience authentic Nara after dark, this tour gives you the flavor, comfort, and connection most travelers never find.

Available options

Nara: Eat and Drink with Locals in Shin-Omiya’s Izakaya Scene

What's included

Visit to two handpicked izakayas

¥1,000 worth of food and drinks at each izakaya

Guided tour of Shin-Omiya nightlife district

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

For a true taste of Nara nightlife, head to Shin-Omiya—the city’s most vibrant dining and drinking district. Unlike the tourist-heavy areas around JR or Kintetsu Nara Stations, this neighborhood is where locals go to relax after dark.

The atmosphere is friendly and casual, centered around cozy izakayas (Japanese pubs) where students and office workers gather over good food and drinks. It’s not wild—it’s welcoming.

Located just one stop from Kintetsu Nara Station and walking distance from JR Nara Station, Shin-Omiya is easy to access.

On this guided tour, you’ll visit two handpicked izakayas over two hours, spending about an hour at each. The tour includes ¥1,000 of food and drinks per stop, so you can enjoy the night with peace of mind.

Shin-Omiya is where you’ll experience real Nara—local, flavorful, and unforgettable.

Available languages

Guide guide

JA EN

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The meeting point is in front of the police box at Shin-Omiya Station. Your guide will be waiting for you with a yellow sign. Please refer to the map for details.

About Nara

Nara, Japan's first permanent capital, is a city steeped in history and culture. Known for its ancient temples, friendly deer, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Nara offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The city's well-preserved heritage sites and serene landscapes make it a must-visit destination in Japan.

Top Attractions

Todai-ji Temple

Todai-ji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples. It houses the Great Buddha Hall, which contains a giant bronze Buddha statue.

Historical/Religious 2-3 hours 600 JPY (5.50 USD)

Nara Park

Nara Park is famous for its friendly deer, which are considered sacred in Shinto tradition. The park is also home to several important temples and shrines.

Nature/Cultural 1-2 hours Free (200 JPY for deer crackers)

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Kasuga Taisha is a famous Shinto shrine with a history dating back to 768 AD. It is known for its many lanterns, which are donated by worshippers.

Religious/Cultural 1-2 hours Free (500 JPY for the Botanical Garden)

Kofuku-ji Temple

Kofuku-ji Temple was once one of the most powerful and influential temples in Japan. It is known for its pagoda and museum, which houses many important artifacts.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours 300 JPY (Museum) (3 USD)

Nara National Museum

Nara National Museum is dedicated to the art and history of Nara and its temples. It houses a collection of Buddhist sculptures, paintings, and other artifacts.

Museum 1-2 hours 620 JPY (5.50 USD)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kakinoha-zushi

A type of sushi where vinegared rice and fish are wrapped in persimmon leaves, giving it a unique flavor and aroma.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish

Nara zuiki

A traditional Nara dish made with chicken, mushrooms, and vegetables cooked in a sweet soy-based sauce.

Dinner Contains chicken

Nara pickles

A variety of pickled vegetables, including radish, eggplant, and cucumber, known for their unique flavors and textures.

Snack/Side Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in Nara Park Biking around the city Tea ceremony Onsen (hot spring) visit Temple visits Traditional crafts workshops Winter illuminations at temples and shrines Deer feeding in Nara Park

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (October to November)

These seasons offer pleasant weather and are ideal for outdoor activities. Spring brings cherry blossoms, while autumn features beautiful fall foliage.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Nara is a very safe city with low crime rates. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of deer in Nara Park, as they can be aggressive when looking for food
• Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or deserted areas at night

Getting there

By air

Kansai International Airport • 50 km (31 miles)
Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 35 km (22 miles)

By train

Nara Station

By bus

Nara Station, Kintetsu Nara Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is efficient and covers most major attractions. Day passes are available for frequent travelers.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Nakasenbon Zakuracho Sanjo-dori

Day trips

Osaka

40 km (25 miles) • Half day to full day

Osaka is a vibrant city known for its food, shopping, and nightlife. It offers a mix of modern attractions and historic sites.

Kyoto

40 km (25 miles) • Full day

Kyoto is a city rich in history and culture, with numerous temples, shrines, and gardens. It's known for its traditional tea houses, geisha districts, and historic streets.

Ise

80 km (50 miles) • Full day

Ise is home to the Ise Grand Shrine, one of Shinto's holiest sites. The city offers a serene and spiritual experience, with beautiful forests and traditional architecture.

Festivals

Nara Matsuri • April 25-26 Lantern Festival at Kasuga Taisha • February 3-4

Pro tips

Visit Todai-ji Temple early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a more serene experience.
Buy deer crackers to feed the deer in Nara Park, but be cautious and follow the rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable interaction.
Consider staying in a ryokan for a unique cultural experience, complete with traditional tatami rooms, onsen (hot springs), and kaiseki meals.
Explore Nara-machi, the historic district, for a glimpse into the city's past and to shop for local crafts and souvenirs.
Use an IC card like ICOCA for easy payments on public transportation, buses, and some shops and vending machines.