Visit Nara

This Edo period sake shop has a good range of sake from around Nara, including small “one cup” sizes, which make good souvenirs. The interior is quite nostalgic, with vintage sake pots and seasonal decorations and there is a tasting counter with a good lineup of local brews. The store name, derives from the famous novel The Tale of Genji, by Murasaki Shikibu, written in the Heian era (794-1185). At that time, Hasedera Temple was a popular pilgrimage for the noble women, so one can imagine some of Genji’s ladies passing by this spot.