Nestled in a back alley of Naramachi, LAMP BAR is a charming, authentic bar that promises an unforgettable visit. Owner Michito Kaneko was named the world’s best bartender after winning a global bartender competition. In 2025, LAMP BAR ranked among Asia’s 50 Best Bars of the year. This establishment exemplifies the finest of Asia, and you can visit it right here in Nara.

As its name suggests, LAMP BAR aims to be a place for people to gather, as it casts warm light on them like a lamp. Established on the concept of “around the world,” three spaces with distinct themes merge within the bar. There is also a playful hidden room (speakeasy) with vintage trunks used to transport alcohol across countries. The space itself offers a unique experience.

There is no menu at LAMP BAR. Guests share their preferences or mood of the day with the bartender, who will then craft special drinks tailored to each order. The bar also offers original cocktails made with ingredients sourced from Nara, and their unique flavors have received praise both in Japan and around the world.

Guests have shared comments such as, “It’s a special place where drinking cocktails becomes art in itself,” and “I was blown away by the atmosphere, from the story to the fragrance and presentation crafted into every single cocktail.” It’s an authentic and comforting spot loved by both locals and travelers.

Located just a short distance from Kintetsu Nara Station, Bar Savant is a charming, authentic bar infused with “the spirit of Japan” and housed in a renovated 120-year-old Nara machiya townhouse. As you open the door, you can immediately feel the essence of tea ceremony, reminiscent of a tearoom’s entrance. Serving as a boundary between the hustle and bustle of daily life and serenity, this space lures guests inside for a unique experience.

Guests are warmly welcomed by owner and bartender Tatsushi Tanaka, wearing a white jacket. Born and raised in Naramachi, Tatsushi trained for ten years at a long-established bar in Nara Prefecture before opening his own business. He opened Bar Savant in 2021 with the desire to play the supporting role to his guests, who are the stars of the show.

As you enter the bar, the imposing counter immediately catches your eye. Behind it, whiskies and spirits from Japan and around the world, all carefully selected by the owner, line the shelves.

Sitting at the counter and looking to your left, you will find a charming inner garden typical of Nara townhouses. Let the trees soothe your soul with their green leaves swaying in the wind during the day and their branches illuminated magically at night.

Bar Savant opens at 2 PM... Yes, you read that right. So, you can stop by for a break while sightseeing in Nara during the day.

As there is no sign outside, this bar is a true hidden gem. Do not feel intimidated to step inside. A wonderful experience awaits you.

Those wishing to enjoy non-traditional Japanese cuisine using Nara ingredients should try Nara Ryori Mikado.

With the concept of “The gentle taste of 1300 years,” the restaurant’s name is imbued with the commitment to establishing itself in Imamikadocho. Sharing Nara’s history and food culture through delicious cuisine, it offers pinchos featuring local Yamato vegetables and seasonal ingredients.

Pinchos are finger foods originating in Spain and often served on skewers. The menu features illustrations of 20 different pinchos, which you will have fun just looking at!

Chef Harada, who honed his skills at an Italian restaurant, prepares these pinchos meticulously. With their cute, beautiful presentation and vibrant colors, guests cannot help but take photos. Chef Harada actually incorporates their requests and ideas into the menu. A ranking is announced every three months, and the selection changes, making it a unique way for customers to participate in crafting the menu.

The welcoming interior is a renovated traditional townhouse that offers counter seats, regular, and high table seats. It’s a comfortable space to relax, blending the casual ambiance of a standing bar with the cozy feeling of wood.

If you feel like having a snack, why not stop by and have a nice drink as well? They offer Nara sake, plum wine, craft beer, craft gin, and wine from Nara Prefecture’s only winery, Kitani Wine. Enjoy your drink paired with delicious Nara cuisine!

After the interview, Kosuke saw us off by making sparks with flint, despite saying it might be difficult during busy hours. This ancient Japanese goodbye ritual symbolizes a safe journey, with the sparks believed to ward off evil spirits. The fact that he took the time to do such a thoughtful gesture for me made me very happy.

During lunch, the restaurant operates as Tachibana Somen Specialty Shop and serves creative noodles featuring Nara’s specialty, Miwa somen.

Craving dessert in Nara in the middle of the night? I recommend trying the ice cream specialty shop, good knight ice NARA, open until midnight! It is located near the intersection between Kintetsu Nara Station and JR Nara Station. Simply follow the cute neon-lit signs. The shop’s refined, stylish interior bustles with locals and travelers both during the day and at night (9 PM is usually the busiest time).

Here, you can enjoy the exquisite pairing of mousse and ice cream, prepared daily for three hours. The limited-edition ice creams made with fresh seasonal fruits are also very popular. Allergen information is clearly labeled on the menu.

The shop also selects its coffee very carefully, blending beans from five Central and South American countries, with low acidity to complement the ice creams’ flavors. Their espresso, for example, recreates the authentic Seattle flavor and pairs well with desserts.

Reviews praise not only their cute look but also their authentic taste. After trying it myself, I can only agree. Looking at their Instagram account, they have so many tempting desserts that it’s impossible not to hesitate when deciding on what to get. But this is also part of the fun, and this wonderful shop brings smiles to both adults and children.

I only introduced four establishments in this article, but the Naramachi area, located around JR Nara Station and Kintetsu Nara Station, offers many other charming dining spots that are open after 9 PM. Cafe cojica, Cafe etranger NARAD, SUN ROCK cafe, Cafe Sakaba SomechoA, Kikinomori, and many more are also open late into the night.

Naramachi offers countless charming spots where you can enjoy a relaxing and high-quality evening. I hope this article will help you discover your own special place.

By the way, I’ve heard about some delicious spots in south-central Nara, away from the city center, so I’d love to write an article about them if I have the chance!

Take a stroll through Nara Park at night for a unique and otherworldly experience that will make you feel like you have the whole place to yourself. Please check out the article below for more information.