🛍️ Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten Branch - Souvenirs Nara Sanjo Store

Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten, which handles crafts and lifestyle goods from various regions in Japan, underwent a major renovation in July 2022 for its "Nara Sanjo Store," transforming it into a gift shop specializing in Nara handmade crafts, featuring as many as 1,300 items. The store is themed around the deer, a symbol of Nara, and sells a variety of original products unique to the shop. These include hand-painted clay figurines, magnets made from Yoshino cedar, tote bags and hand towels dyed using a technique called "shuzome," as well as snacks and gifts like the "Shika-Jika" series made from red rice, including treats like crispy rice crackers and cream pancakes, all of which are exquisite and adorable. In addition to original products, the store also offers a selection of local Nara brand foods such as somen noodles and craft cola sourced from various places within Nara Prefecture. If you're looking for a snack while strolling, it's recommended to try the "Shika-Jika Ice Cream Monaka," which features Nara strawberries and roasted tea-flavored gelato sandwiched between deer-shaped wafers. Additionally, don't miss the "Omikuji Tower" at the entrance of the store, filled with various ceramic omikuji (fortune slips) shaped like deer, Daruma dolls, and Mount Fuji.

A gift shop primarily featuring handmade products from Nara. It offers over 1,300 items, including original products from "Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten." There is an abundance of snacks and miscellaneous goods shaped like deer. Additionally, there is a takeout option called "Shika-Jika Ice Cream Monaka" (しかじか アイスもなか) that is convenient for enjoying while strolling. The "Fortune Slip Tower," filled with ceramic fortunes shaped like deer and Daruma, is quite popular.