Osaka Travel Day7 we arranged a Nara day trip.
Early in the morning, we took the Kintetsu train from Namba to Nara, preparing to go to Nara Park to see the deer.
Before going to Nara Park to feed the deer, we first came to the super popular Nara dessert shop 'Nakatanido'.
Nakatanido is most famous for its high-speed freshly pounded mochi performance, and many travelers come specifically to watch the pounding of mochi and then buy a hot mugwort red bean mochi to eat.
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Nakatanido is located near Nara's most lively shopping street, and the location is actually easy to find.
About a 3-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, transportation is very convenient, and it can be combined with itineraries such as Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha.
📍Store Information｜Nakatanido
Address: Nara-ken Nara-shi Hashimotocho 29
Phone: +81-742-23-0141
Business hours: 10:00–19:00 (closed on Tuesdays)
Transportation:
Going from Osaka to Nara is actually very simple.
This time we took the Kintetsu Nara Line from Namba, about 40 minutes to arrive at Kintetsu Nara Station.
After exiting the station, walk towards the Nara shopping street, and in about 3 minutes, you can see Nakatanido.
The entrance often gathers many people because everyone is waiting for the on-site high-speed mochi pounding performance.
Nakatanido was established in 1992, although its history is not particularly long, but it has become famous for its unique mochi pounding method.
Store staff will pound the freshly steamed glutinous rice while it's hot to make chewy mochi.
Pounding mochi requires two people to work in tacit cooperation; one is responsible for quickly pounding the mochi, and the other for stirring and adjusting the moisture. Their movements are very rapid, almost at a high-speed rhythm, looking like a performance, very exciting.
But in fact, this rapid pounding of mochi is not for the performance, but to complete the making at the optimal temperature, so that the mochi can be soft, smooth, and elastic.
Nakatanido's signature is the mugwort red bean mochi, one piece for 200 yen, and many people buy it and eat it on the spot.
When you just get the mochi, it's still warm, with a light green mugwort mochi skin on the outside, very soft and chewy.
Bite into it and inside is sweet but not greasy red bean filling, paired with the aroma of mugwort on the outside, the taste is just right.
What is most impressive is the texture of the mochi; it's really very soft and tender, with elasticity, and doesn't stick to the teeth, giving a traditional nostalgic flavor.
We initially bought two to try, and after eating, we thought it was so delicious that we immediately bought an additional box of three.
Coming to Nara, don't just go to Nara Park to feed the deer; remember to come to Nakatanido first to feel the enthusiasm of the craftsmen and eat a freshly pounded mugwort mochi to line your stomach.
This tradition passed down from 1992, pure and sincere 'Japanese flavor', will definitely give your Nara trip the best start.
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⚠️Notes:
Everyone's experiences and feelings about travel, attractions, or dining are different; the article is only for personal experience sharing. We welcome everyone to refer to it and evaluate for themselves whether to go.
It is recommended to check more information before departure to ensure a smoother and more enjoyable meal or itinerary!