A Taste of Old Japan: 10 Atmospheric Cafes in Nara

Housed in a lovingly renovated 150-year-old traditional Japanese farmhouse, restored over two years by the owner’s family.

The warm, wooden interior even offers an indoor space where you can relax with your dog.

Lunch is by reservation only via Instagram DM.

Please be aware that communication may be in Japanese, so plan accordingly.

Nestled in a serene forest setting, “Kinachick no Mori” offers a warm, wood-scented atmosphere with seasonal lunches and homemade sweets.

Reservations are by phone only, and communication may be in Japanese, so please plan accordingly.

Housed in a beautifully renovated late-Edo period machiya townhouse over 160 years old, “Cafe zuccu” charms visitors with its white plaster walls and handmade dishes from breakfast to afternoon coffee.

Reservations and inquiries are by phone only, and communication is likely to be in Japanese.

Groups of 6 or more are not accepted on the same day — please arrange in advance.

Set in a peaceful neighborhood, “Shizuka Cafe” is a renovated kominka café offering a calm and relaxed atmosphere.

Visits are limited to 90 minutes and require a reservation.

Same-day bookings are possible, but reservations are not accepted via Instagram DM — please book by phone or through the cafe’s official reservation page.

Communication may be in Japanese, so plan accordingly.

Housed in a renovated machiya townhouse over 100 years old, “Cafe Maru” serves unique pancakes, flavorful spice curry, and fluffy kakigori shaved ice made with Nara’s historic Yamato Himuro ice.

From coffee to cocktails, enjoy a stylish and versatile café experience in the heart of Nara.

Located in a beautifully renovated Meiji-era merchant’s residence, “Miyake” offers a refined café experience with matcha, Japanese sweets, and more in a traditional setting.

Located in a renovated machiya townhouse in Naramachi, “Kanakana” is a beloved café serving Japanese-style meals and sweets in a warm, relaxing atmosphere.

Perfect for a peaceful break during your sightseeing stroll.

“Hi to Mi Coffee” is a cozy café with limited seating, welcoming up to two adults and one child per group.

Enjoy carefully brewed coffee and seasonal sweets in an intimate setting, with a one-hour stay limit.

Weekend mornings feature a special breakfast menu.

“Yamato Tea Cafe SARASA” is dedicated to showcasing the best of Nara’s renowned Yamato tea, with careful attention to teapots and tableware.

Known for its matcha and sencha-based sweets and drinks, it offers a refined yet relaxing space for a true Japanese tea experience.

Located along the historic Yamanobe-no-Michi trail, “Hanamori” is a charming cafe with a distinctly Japanese atmosphere.

It’s an ideal hidden spot to relax with matcha or Japanese sweets during your hike or sightseeing.