Visit Nara

If you wander beyond the outskirts of Kasugataisha Shrine, you might come across this well-preserved traditional soba restaurant with hand-painted noren curtains out front. The restaurant also doubles as a gallery, and you are welcome to look around without ordering a meal. Although the owner speaks little English, he is very welcoming and can recommend simple soba and tempura dishes and a good range of sake by the glass. The walls are lined floor to ceiling with unique, hand-painted tea cups, reflecting his passion for ceramics.