[2025 Nara Restaurant] Travel Guide for Kikusuiro (Updated Jun)

#osakaitinerary Nara has been a popular travel destination famously known for the roaming wild deers within the city. But I personally see it often better to go as a day trip from Osaka (or Kyoto). Simply because there wasn’t exactly a perfect sunrise spot there to demand for being in the city early morning, and the train runs till around 11pm back to Osaka. But in fact one most likely are not gonna stay in Nara till too late because most places would be out of business by then. Wild deers, being one of the top two attractions in Nara, could be seen in abundance near the park outside Kofuku-ji. Rice crackers could be bought at various stalls in the neighborhood for the feeding of deers. But some deers are rather aggressive to go for the crackers in patrons’ hand, so do bear in mind and take extra caution. Kofuku-ji, which is a temple, was worth a visit too, though the pagoda was under renovation in Dec 2024. Next to Kofuku-jo is Sarusawa-ike Pond, where many locals/tourists enjoy a laid-back day sitting around. There’s one sought-after unagi restaurant Kikusuiro 5min away from Kofuku-ji, which uses fresh eel and grill it on the spot. For those who are into grilled live eel, it’s worth making a reservation ahead—yes, you do need that, both times during my visit to Nara, the place was fully booked, either you need to wait for hours or there’s simply no slots for you at all.

#2月好去2025 Jushuilou 📍Address: 1130 Takabatakecho, Nara, 630-8301 Japan Near Nara Deer Park The store environment is great In addition to the general dining area, there is also a wedding venue. Eel rice is not particularly expensive Thorn handling is great Stewed until very soft, almost no bones When ordering a set meal, there is also a Japanese traditional dessert (sweeter) Please refer to the picture above. Friends who pass by can try it! 🕰️Business hours: 10:00–19:00 (Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays) #Japan #Nara #Kikusui-ro #Eel rice #nanatour

On the first day of the two-day tour of Nara, we set out in the morning to take the Loop Route 2 to Kasuga Taisha Shrine. In addition to the Loop Route 2, 97, 98, 77, and 78 can also get there. The deer there seem to be more polite than the deer in Nara Park. They will come around and bow to you all the time, instead of being like the deer in Nara Park who are fed and ignore the deer biscuits. Go to Kasuga Taisha Shrine and go to Kofukuji Temple along Nara Park. I went there because I had made a reservation for Kikusui-ro eel rice.

#Sakura2024 In Japan, Japanese-style restaurants are called ryotei. Kikusui-ro is the oldest restaurant in Nara. It was founded in 1891 and is truly a century-old restaurant. It is said that several emperors have dined there. In recent years, with the increase in the number of tourists to Japan, Kikusuilou has more and more fans. The area outside the building is not very large, but it has mature greenery and ingenious design. It has a typical Japanese style, which complements the traditional architecture and has a special beauty. Eel rice is the signature dish of Kikusui-ro and is also a very representative Japanese cuisine. The tableware is exquisite, the ingredients are fresh, and the colors are natural. It is definitely a taste and visual enjoyment. Chinese elements can be seen in Japanese gardens and cuisine, but they all have Japanese national characteristics. When you dine at Kikusui-ro, you will be deeply impressed by both Japanese garden art and dining art. Detailed address: 1130 Takahata Town, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan