Higashimuki Shopping Street

Higashimuki Shopping Street is a covered arcade shopping street in central Nara City, stretching north to south from Gyoki Square in front of Kintetsu Nara Station. It is said to have been named because all buildings once faced east, as the street bordered Kofuku-ji Temple grounds and buildings could only be constructed on the west side. The area flourished before and after World War II, with department stores such as Takashimaya, but later declined. In recent years, preservation and revitalization efforts have brought renewal, attracting cafes, variety shops, and younger visitors. Today, it is one of Nara’s most representative shopping streets. Located along the route from Kintetsu Nara Station to Naramachi, Kofuku-ji, and Nara Park, it is filled with souvenir shops catering to tourists. With the increase in foreign visitors, many shops now offer services in English and Chinese. Most Nara souvenirs, including persimmon leaf sushi, mosquito-net cloth items, and deer-themed goods, can be found here.