Visit Nara

Walking through the traditional garden and the bamboo-shaded outdoor terrace of this somen noodle specialist restaurant transports visitors back to the Edo period. The restaurant is dotted with authentic curios, rough-hewn furniture and baskets of local produce for sale. In winter, meals are cooked on an open fire. Signature dishes include nyumen, a warm soup with noodles and seasonal vegetables, and kakinoha zushi. There are no English menus, but the staff are helpful.