Visit Nara

Comfort and satisfaction lie behind the curtain hanging at the entrance of this old townhouse, Machiyachaya Furui. Vintage vessels decorate an indoor seating area while the courtyard with its wild flowers, waterwheels, and wicker seats add authenticity to al fresco dining. The simple menu has sweets, hot and cold meals as well as local sake and standard drinks. The “Townhouse Zen” (¥850) set includes buckwheat soba garnished with black sesame and Japanese onions served with “kakinohazushi”: sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves. For dessert, the “green tea ice zenzai” (¥500), red beans topped with green tea ice cream with squishy, rounded rice cake, is a top choice. Eat slow and bask in the local atmosphere.