From old-established shops to new brands. 3 stylish souvenirs using plenty of Nara’s special products

In Nara prefecture, agricultural culture developed earlier than other prefectures because Heijokyo which used to be the capital of Japan was built 1,300 years ago. Even now, agriculture utilizing a characteristic of each region is actively carried out all over the prefecture: mainly the Nara Basin and the plateau region in the northeast, the Yoshino region in the south and so on. The agricultural products raised by Nara’s rich nature and clear stream includes ones known for their high quality, such as Yamato Vegetables and Yamato Tea. Therefore, this time, we’re going to introduce 3 souvenirs that we selected by focusing on rarity and stylishness from ones using plenty of Nara’s special products.

Packed with umami! “Kaki Butter” made by Japan’s only persimmon specialty shop

Do you know that Nara prefecture is the 2nd largest producer of persimmon (Kaki) in Japan? In particular, Gojo city is one of Japan’s leading producers. Ishii Bussan which has its head office in the city has produced a great variety of products made from persimmon from Nara prefecture such as confection and vinegar since 1965 as Japan’s only persimmon specialty shop. Especially, “Kaki Butter (柿バター)” which received a few awards for excellent special products is our recommendation. The used persimmon is Fuyugaki (富有柿), which is called ‘king of sweet persimmon’ because it has a higher sugar content than other varieties. After the paste of ripe Fuyugaki and the diced one are simmered, they are mixed with domestically-produced butter. Let’s spread the butter on a piece of bread and toast it! You can feel the gentle sweetness of Fuyugaki and the rich aroma of butter.

Opening Hours	10:00AM – 7:00PM／Closed on 1st January
Address	27-1 Kamisanjo-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture
Access	A 2-minute walk from Hotel Fujita Nara
URL	https://www.visitnara.jp/venues/S01123/

The new Japanese pickle “Nara Pikkurusu” made with rare kinds of local vegetables and traditional seasonings

“Nara Pikkurusu (奈良ピックルス)” is a new-style Japanese pickle born in Nara. It using rare kinds of local vegetables containing plenty of nutrients that are good for beauty, such as ‘Yamatomana’ having the effect of suppressing fat absorption and a super vegetable ‘Yamato Amananban.’ They make the pickled liquid by blending vinegar and soy sauce from a long-established Nara’s manufacturers according to a feature of each vegetable. It soaks into vegetables that are cut in consideration of the texture and the balance with it and brings out their original flavor. In addition to eating Nara Pikkurusu as it is, it’s also good to use vegetables as ingredients of sandwiches, the pickled liquid as vinegar of tartar sauce or something like that. By the way, the ever-popular product is ‘Yamatotouki-zuke’ whose feature is adorable deer-shaped carrots. It uses leaves and stems of Yamatotouki from Gojo city which is called ‘the medicinal herb making women beautiful’ because it has the effect of warming your body. The flavor like celery comes wafting in your mouth.

Opening Hours	Nara no Umaimono Plaza etc ※The above shop is the closest one to Hotel Fujita Nara from among ones that handle all products. ※Please check other shops on the official website.
Address	1-1 Sanjo Honmachi, Nara City, Nara Prefecture (1st Floor in JR Nara Station)
Access	A 5-minute walk from Hotel Fujita Nara
URL	https://www.narapickles.com/

Konpeito with no additives “Nara Confeito” created by a sugar wholesaler with over 160 years of history

Made from sugar carefully selected by a sugar wholesaler ‘Satouden Masuo-shoten’ which was founded in 1884, “Nara Confeito (奈良こんふぇいと)” is Konpeito without any additives. There are more than 15 types of flavors from ones unique to Nara such as Yamato tea and leaves of persimmon to rare ones such as salt and a fermented rice drink. Why not try a flavor of ‘Mikado Komeame (rice syrup)’ that is their flagship item? It is a traditional health food made by saccharifying rice with malt and has a mild sweetness and mellow taste. Moreover, you can choose your favorite package from 20 types ones with different stylish illustrations of Nara’s sightseeing spots, patterns of treasures in Shosoin and so on. After finishing eating, it’s might be a good idea to use them as an accessory case.

Opening Hours	9:00AM – 6:00PM　Open all year round (except New Year’s Holidays)
Address	10 Gangoji-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture
Access	A 2-minute walk from Tamachi-cho Bus Stop where it takes 15 minutes by bus from JR and Kintetsu Nara Station
URL	https://www.satouden.com/