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Traditional Handicrafts
Ittobori Dolls (literally,''One-Chisel''Carvings)
Nara dolls, otherwise known as "Ittobori," are beautiful dolls with expressive faces and bright colors. These dolls were originally used for festivals held in Kasuga Taisha Shrine around the 12th Century. The craft was enhanced to the level of art by Morikawa Toen, a fine craftsman of the 19th Century.

Writing Brushes (Nara Fude)
In Japan, the production of Fude (writing brushes) dates back to 6th Century. The production of Nara Fude writing brushes started when Kukai, the founder of the Shingon Sect of Buddhism, introduced them from the T'ang dynasty in China, and instructed Nara's craftsmen on how to make them. Nara Fude are recognized by the Japanese Government as one of Japan's traditional arts and crafts.

Akahadayaki Pottery
This fine, milky white pottery is made using red clay from Akahada-Cho in western Nara. The delicate color is produced from the effect of iron contained in the red clay and glaze. The Akahada pottery was first made popular when a noted craftsman, Okuda Mokuhaku, produced tea bowls for tea ceremony practitioners.


Ink (Sumi)
Sumi are ink sticks that are used in the art of calligraphy. Nara is famous for producing the largest amount, as well as the best quality sumi in Japan. It is said that Kukai, the founder of the Shingon Sect of Buddhism, introduced sumi from the T'ang dynasty in China. Since then, priests of Kofukuji Temple supposedly produced it by using soot from candles.


Tsunozaiku Crafts
Tsunozaiku are crafts made of deer antlers. In the 17th Century, when the Tsunokiri or antlers cutting ceremony started in Kasuga Taisha Shrine, many deer antler craftsmen started to work in Nara. Quite recently, accessories such as broaches and other practical items are made using deer antlers.



Nara Uchiwa (Round Fans)
It is said that Nara's uchiwa were first made by one of the priests at Kasuga Taisha Shrine, who made fans similar to those used by feudal lords to command and raise the morale of their soldiers on the battlefield. Nara uchiwa are made of Japanese "washi" paper dyed in beautiful colors with see-through patterns. In Nara, these patterns include deer and wisteria. Uchiwa are ideal for interior decoration or gifts.

Nara Sarashi

 Nara Sarashi is one of Nara's traditional industries. The first mention of Nara Sarashi appears in the old "Kojiki" chronicles that were compiled in 712 A.D. Nara Sarashi are hand-woven hemp cloth, bleached a pure white. Recently, this Sarashi textile has been used for interior decoration, such as Noren curtains and tablecloths dyed with Shoso-in Monyo patterns.
Kogakumen Masks
The Buddhist art of Kogakumen arrived in Japan together with Buddhism at the beginning of the 7th century. Later Kogakumen became the general name for masks used in the traditional Japanese theater arts of "Gigaku" and "Bugaku", events held at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, and other traditional performing arts. Today, imitations of masks used for "Gigaku" and "Bugaku" are sold as ornaments.


Shopping of Arts and Crafts


Kite Mite Nara Shop
Kite Mite Nara Shop displays and sells various art and folk crafts and homegrown products from Nara Prefecture. There is also a tourist information center attached to this shop.

Please visit and take a look.

A 1-minute walk from the exit No. 1 of Kintetsu Nara Station
Sanjo Dori Street
Sanjo Dori Street is Nara City's main street. It was originally laid in the 8th century when the Nara Heijokyo capital was first established.
It is an entrance path to Kasuga Taisha Shrine and attracts both local people and tourists.
In addition to the shops selling modern items, there are antique shops, as well as specialty shops along the street.

A 1-minute walk east from the Chuo-guchi (Central Exit) of JR Nara Station
Higashimuki Shopping Arcade
Higashimuki Shopping Arcade extends from the east of Kintetsu Nara Station and Sanjo Dori Street, and is one of the most vibrant streets in Nara.
There are several souvenir shops selling everything from key holders and accessories to Japanese cakes and ornaments.
There are also numerous restaurants and a 100-yen shop within the arcade.
A 1-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station

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