1
Higashimuki shopping arcade
東向商店街
A convenient starting point near Kintetsu Nara for a mixed browse.
The central shops lead towards Naramachi; leave time for small side streets.
Fumi Shopping Guide / 奈良
Shopping
in Nara.
Useful cloths. Good paper. Quiet discoveries.
Follow the central streets towards Naramachi for everyday craft objects, textiles and specialist writing supplies.
← Explore Nara
01 / A sense of place
Something to look for.
Kaya-weave dishcloths and Nara sarashi are related stories, not identical product names. Takayama tea whisks belong to Ikoma, Nara.
Cotton cloths¥500–2,500
Calligraphy brush / ink¥1,000–8,000+ per basic item
Drawstring / textile pouch¥800–6,000+For a considered purchase: A Nara brush or ink stick for someone who will use it.
02 / Find your bearings
A few good places to browse.
Start with one or two stops. Check the official pages for current opening days, access and shop information before setting out.
The map loads when opened. Pins mark verified shopping locations and browsing areas. Use the individual map links for every shop’s detailed location and entrance.
2
Nakagawa Masashichi · Nara flagship
中川政七商店 奈良本店
Discover useful cloths and well-explained craft objects in the Shikasarukitsune complex.
At 22 Ganriincho in the Shikasarukitsune complex. Ask about the maker and material; the shop also represents crafts from elsewhere in Japan.
3
Isshindo
一心堂
A specialist stop for calligraphy brushes, ink and writing supplies.
A thoughtful gift for someone who will use it. Ask what paper, ink and brush suit their experience.
03 / Leave room for a café
A little shopping outing.
These are flexible browsing suggestions, not measured walking itineraries. Time includes browsing; check current transport, access and opening days.
From the arcade into Naramachi
Begin near Kintetsu Nara, choose writing supplies and cloths, then pause in the old streets.
- Higashimuki shopping arcade
- IsshindoCheck walking directions ↗
- Nakagawa Masashichi · Nara flagshipCheck walking directions ↗
Keep it short: Pick either specialist shop and enjoy a shorter stroll.
04 / Useful in any shop
A little help buying it.
How much is this?
これはいくらですか？
Kore wa ikura desu ka?
Point to the actual item
May I see this?
これを見せていただけますか？
Kore o misete itadakemasu ka?
Requests a closer look; does not place an order
Where do I pay?
お会計はどこですか？
Okaikei wa doko desu ka?
Directly addresses department-store uncertainty
Make a day of Nara.
Combine a little browsing with the places, food and practical help in the city guide.
Explore Nara ↗Research reviewed 24 October 2026. Suggestions are editorial; current stock is not checked. Sources & photograph credit.