Yanagichaya

(Source : 食べログ)

Yanagichaya is a tranquil Japanese cafe by the Sarusawa-ike (pond) in Nara park. At this cafe, which started business 140 years ago, you can experience the taste which has been passed on for many years and said to have been eaten by monks of Nara in ancient times. Their popular menu is “Nara chameshi”, the local cuisine started in Nara, and “Warabimochi” Japanese sweets made by powder of the plant called Warabi. Not only the exterior but also the interior has a Japanese traditional style, so you can enjoy the atmosphere of an old Japanese town. The location is excellent with a relaxing view of Sarusawa-ike from the cafe.

(Source: 食べログ)

Cafe filled with Japanese elegance

The floor of this authentic Japanese cafe is tatami, the Japanese traditional mat made with grass. There are “zabuton”, small cushions you can sit on. You can feel the elegance of old town surrounded by Japanese culture such as a small garden and hanging scroll.

(Source: 食べログ)

Mini-gozen: enjoy Nara’s local cuisine “Nara chameshi”

“Nara chameshi” is nutritious tea-boiled rice with vegetables, soy beans and small red beans seasoned by broth and soy sauce. “Mini Nara chameshi gozen” (1,800 yen) is a reasonable set which has their signature dish Nara chameshi, fish meal, delicatessen and Warabimochi as dessert.

(Source: 柳茶屋)

Japanese sweets with a light taste and jelly texture “Warabimochi”

The other significant dish is “Warabimochi” (600 yen), jelly textured rice cake served with soy flour, dark molasses and sugar. It is a healthy dessert made with the powder of a plant called Warabi. Its light taste matches well with matcha. They also have a set with matcha, “Omatcha to Warabimochi” (780 yen).