Visit Nara

This bakery and cafe in a slightly ramshackle collection of wooden shacks has been a local institution since opening 20 years ago. The owner, Miwa Morita, was a graphic designer before turning to baking, and the space reflects a keen eye for design. The focus is on bread, with generous sandwiches, soups, salads and cakes. She can create completely vegan sandwiches with a little notice. They also offer child-friendly meals and kids are very welcome. The menu is in Japanese, but the blackboard menu is written in both Japanese and English. There is a separate bakery shack selling breads and bagels, all made without preservatives. The shop is a little hard to find, off the main road, about ten minutes walk north of Heijo Palace.