While travelling to Nagoya from Wakayama, we made a stop at Nara. This was where I had one of my most memorable experience from this trip. Nara Park, located in the centre of Nara City, is a large park filled with over 1,000 free roaming deer. They are believed to be messengers of gods and were designated as a National Natural Treasure in 1957. I have seen many of my friends’ past visits on their social media and I was excited to experience it on my own.
Japanese Green Tea Cafe Chaka 茶華
My dad wanted us to have lunch at Shizuka, the famous traditional Kamameshi (rice in iron pot) Restaurant. However, the place was closed when we arrived. It was around 3.30pm and we were very hungry. I saw the cafe beside and suggest that we ate there. My dad reluctantly agreed as there were not any other visible choices nearby. To our surprise, it was one of best food places we had on the trip.
The cafe had a great ambience. The interior was nicely decorated and the seats were comfortable. The place was managed by a group of female staff. Their service was excellent and they were very attentive to us.
Since this was a cafe, trying their drinks is a must. Looking through the menu, I chose two drinks: Hojicha Cappuccino and Hojicha Latte. I had never ever heard of Hojicha before. Hojicha is actually Japanese green tea roasted in a porcelain pot over charcoal while normal Japanese teas are steamed. This gives the drink a rich nutty, earthy taste. Ever since, Hojicha has become my favourite drink! (I was so happy when they introduced it to Starbucks in Singapore.)
Hojicha Cappuccino - 900 Yen ($10.90 SGD)*
Hojicha Latte - 950 Yen ($11.50 SGD)*
For our mains, we ordered two bowls of fine wheat noodles to share. They served them both hot and cold. We had one of each. The noodles had a chewy texture and the shrimps were very fresh. I preferred the hot one though. For deserts, we ordered a platter of assorted sweets. There were Matcha Chiffon Cakes, Warabimochi (jelly-like confection made from bracken starch and covered in kinako - roasted soybean flour), Matcha Ice Cream, Mochi and Japanese red bean paste.
Hojicha Latte - 950 Yen ($11.50 SGD)*
For our mains, we ordered two bowls of fine wheat noodles to share. They served them both hot and cold. We had one of each. The noodles had a chewy texture and the shrimps were very fresh. I preferred the hot one though. For deserts, we ordered a platter of assorted sweets. There were Matcha Chiffon Cakes, Warabimochi (jelly-like confection made from bracken starch and covered in kinako - roasted soybean flour), Matcha Ice Cream, Mochi and Japanese red bean paste.
Fine Wheat Noodles - 920 Yen ($11.10 SGD)*
Assorted Dessert Platter - 1300 Yen ($15.80 SGD)*
If you are looking for some light food and good desserts near Nara Park, I strongly recommend this place. I would definitely visit again if I have the chance to be at Nara again.
Additional Information*
Operating Hours: 10am-6pm (last order 5.30pm)
Address: 59-12 Noboriōjichō, Nara-shi, 59 Nara-ken, 630-8213
Telephone: 0742-27-1338
Website: www.cafechaka.com/
*All information and prices provided are subjected to changes
Assorted Dessert Platter - 1300 Yen ($15.80 SGD)*
If you are looking for some light food and good desserts near Nara Park, I strongly recommend this place. I would definitely visit again if I have the chance to be at Nara again.
Additional Information*
Operating Hours: 10am-6pm (last order 5.30pm)
Address: 59-12 Noboriōjichō, Nara-shi, 59 Nara-ken, 630-8213
Telephone: 0742-27-1338
Website: www.cafechaka.com/
*All information and prices provided are subjected to changes
Nara Park 奈良公園
After lunch, we finally went to do what we came all the way to do: TO FEED THE DEER! When we reached the park, the old lady selling the deer crackers wasn’t there anymore. It was unexpected as we didn’t think she would leave so early. Although we didn’t bring any food to feed the deer, we still wanted to take a stroll in the park and see the animals.
While walking, we saw a person feeding the deer with leaves from the trees. Initially, I thought the deer probably would eat those as they should have been fully fed by visitors for the day. However, to our surprise, the deer ate them. Perhaps, it’s because of the hot weather and the grass patches that they usually graze on were dried. I found a tree where its branches were hanging quite low. I jumped and plucked some of the leaves from it. The deer saw it and started to come towards me. I was a little nervous, yet excited. I took the chance to touch them and snapped some pictures too. Their fur was so soft and clean. They do seem they are very well taken care of.
As I said before, this was one of my most memorable experience in Japan and I do recommend people to check this place out, even if you aren't an animal lover. Try to go earlier in the day so that you would be able to get the deer crackers. Also, do prepare that you might have to clean your shoes at the end of your visit. I was too engrossed when I was feeding the deer, not knowing that there were droppings all over the place. I spent a good half an hour cleaning my shoes!
Additional Information*
Operating Hours: 24 hours
Address: 469 Zoshicho, Nara 630-8211, Nara Prefecture
Telephone: 742-22-0375
*All information and prices provided are subjected to changes
Additional Information*
Operating Hours: 24 hours
Address: 469 Zoshicho, Nara 630-8211, Nara Prefecture
Telephone: 742-22-0375
*All information and prices provided are subjected to changes