History book placed at the bedside.
History book placed at the bedside.

Interesting Photos in Nara Prefecture

Introduction

Nara, an ancient city with a rich history, is full of surprises and delights. In this post, I’d like to share some photos that I haven’t been able to feature in my previous posts (about Nara sweet shop, and Kashihara city) from my recent trip to Nara, Japan.

Kakinoha Sushi Sold at a Local Supermarket

Kaki-no-ha sushi (柿の葉寿司) is one of Nara’s famous local delicacies. It originated from using kaki (persimmon) leaves to preserve seafood due to their antibacterial properties. While there are several sushi restaurants near Nara Station that serve this delicacy, I was surprised to find it being sold at a local supermarket in Kashihara City. It seems that even the locals regularly purchase it at supermarkets. They had two types: salmon and mackerel. The refreshing aroma of kaki leaves made it all the more delicious. It costs 600 yen there.

Kakinoha Sushi in Supermarket
Kaki-no-ha Sushi at Supermarket
Kaki-no-ha Sushi
Kaki-no-ha Sushi. I bought one in the supermarket.
Opening the package of Kakinoha Sushi, you will find the sushi.
Opening the package of Kaki-no-ha Sushi, you will find the sushi wrapped in a persimmon leaf like this.
Peel off the persimmon leaf to reveal the sushi.
Peel off the persimmon leaf to reveal the sushi. This is salmon sushi.

Sign Recruiting Workers for Archaeological Excavations

Having specialized companies for archaeological excavations is unique to places like Nara, which has many historical sites. In other places, recruiting volunteers through the internet or local newspapers is more common. This sign was the first of its kind that I saw. It must mean that there are many archaeological sites and excavation work is thriving enough for specialized companies to be profitable.

Signs advertising the recruitment of personnel for excavation work, in Kashihara, Nara.
Signs advertising the recruitment of personnel for excavation work. “Urgently needed! Excavation Worker” is written on the sign.

Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters) Placed by the Bed at a Hotel in Nara

As I mentioned in a separate post, it’s common to find a Bible placed by the bed in hotels. However, in Nara, I found a Kojiki instead. It’s not surprising for a city with such an ancient history! I was amazed. By the way, the tea provided by the hotel was also local Nara tea. It had no bitterness and was so nice!

Kojiki book at the bedside at a hotel in Nara.
Kojiki book at the bedside.

Exhibits at the Museum, Archaeological Institute of Kashihara, Nara Prefecture

At most museums, magatama (comma-shaped beads) are typically one of the most prized exhibits. However, at the Museum, Archaeological Institute of Kashihara, there are so many exhibits that magatama may end up displayed in a small corner like this, where it’s hard to see. This only means that there are even more valuable exhibits taking up prime real estate.

Magatama in Kashihara museum, Nara.
The magatama beads have been placed in the corner of the exhibition room, at the connection of the glass.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed seeing some of the unique sights we found during our visit to Nara. There were many things I saw that are not commonly found in other areas of Japan. Nara is a fascinating city for those interested in history, so I highly recommend you visit if you have the chance. Thank you for reading my post!

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