[Nara Prefecture] 7 Great Places for Delicious Oden (Japanese hot pot dishes simmered in broth), Mainly in Nara City

Photograph:しばいぬ あずさん

Sugino Shin-Omiya Ten is a restaurant within walking distance of the station where you can enjoy oden (Japanese hot pot). It is said to be lively and popular with many local customers. They also offer a selection of Japanese sake that was Specially chosen after visiting more than 130 breweries.

It is equipped with counter seats, table seats, and koagari (raised tatami seating) seats.

Photograph:エムアール

In addition to classic oden ingredients, they also offer seasonal items like kaki (oyster) and matsutake (matsutake mushroom), with more than 30 kinds available at all times.

The broth is Kansai style, made with first-draw dashi from ma-kombu kelp and bonito, and is known for its deep, nourishing flavor. It also gets good reviews for pairing well with Japanese sake.

Photograph:ひよこ1031

In addition to oden (Japanese hot pot dish), the izakaya menu is also extensive. They offer a wide range of dishes, including seasonal seafood, grilled thigh meat from local Nara brand chicken, and pork shabu-shabu (thinly sliced pork hotpot).

They source meat, fish, and vegetables directly from the production regions, so you can enjoy the flavors of the season.

Photograph:Hi!engel's

Sakedokoro Kura is an izakaya about a 7-minute walk from Kintetsu-Nara Station, known for its oden (Japanese hot pot dishes simmered in broth) and liver grill dishes.

The restaurant is a renovated kura (traditional storehouse) that was once a kimono shop, and the charming interior has U-shaped counter seating. Reviews also say it has a distinctly Nara-like atmosphere that makes people want to come back again.

Photograph:chibatan

You can enjoy oden (Japanese stew) with a gentle Kansai-style broth full of deep flavor. The broth is said to soak well into softly simmered ingredients such as daikon radish and konnyaku (yam cake).

It also pairs well with Japanese sake.

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The "kimo-yaki (sweet-savory simmered chicken liver)" is said to be just as highly rated as the oden. It is a dish of chicken liver simmered in a sweet and savory sauce.

It uses various kinds of kimo, and people say its rich, smooth texture is irresistible. It is popular as an excellent dish with deep savory flavor.

Photograph:Toshi528

Takeno Yakata is at the entrance to Naramachi, the old town district, in a location with easy access from the station and sightseeing spots. It is well known for its oden (Japanese stew), and it stays lively and popular with local customers stopping by after work.

The interior is spacious and includes counter seating, so it is easy to visit even on your own. The restaurant also offers an atmosphere that brings to mind a traditional old Japanese house.

Photograph:雨音amane

It is well regarded for oden (Japanese hot pot dish) with a great balance of fresh ingredients and a secret house broth.

The ingredients are large, and the gently flavored broth soaks in well, making it especially perfect for the colder seasons.

Photograph:焼肉屋探し中

If you still have room, it is also a good idea to enjoy udon as a finishing dish.

The chewy noodles are said to pair perfectly with the Kansai-style dashi (Japanese soup stock). You can choose not only udon but also soba.

Photograph:ハラヒデ

Ochakeya Nara Ten is an izakaya where you can enjoy oden (Japanese hot pot dish), located just outside Exit 4 of Kintetsu Nara Station.

Inside, there are counter seats and zashiki (tatami seating), so it works well for anything from solo visits to groups. Box seats designed to look like sake barrels are also said to be popular. The interior has a calm Kyoto machiya-style atmosphere, making it a comfortable place to spend time.

Photograph:まるまる09

They serve oden (Japanese hot pot dish) year-round, and you can enjoy a Kyoto-style flavor simmered in a broth made with bonito flakes and kombu kelp.

They offer a wide variety, from standard ingredients to unusual oden like croquettes. The good-value staff-selected assortment is available in 3-item, 5-item, or 8-item options.

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They also recommend the casual Teppan-yaki menu, served piping hot.

The full lineup is part of the appeal, with classic Korean dishes like chijimi (Korean pancake) and meat dishes made with beef and pork. They also pair perfectly with drinks.

Photograph:しばいぬ あずさん

Shimizuya is an izakaya in Tomio Motomachi, Nara City, with more than 70 years of history since its founding. The menu is wide-ranging and full of variety, and they also offer a large selection of Japanese sake and shochu. They serve oden (Japanese hot pot stew) all year round.

Inside, in addition to table seating and counter seating, they also have a raised tatami seating area where you can take off your shoes and relax.

Photograph:angui474

You can enjoy oden (Japanese hot pot dish) at this restaurant all year round. The photo shows “Wagyu beef tendon,” “egg,” and “mochi-filled kinchaku (fried tofu pouch)”.

It features Kansai-style dashi (soup stock), and the moderately seasoned broth is said to soak well into the ingredients. People also praise its deep richness.

Photograph:クラスティバーガー

In addition to oden (Japanese hot pot dish), they also serve okonomiyaki (savory pancake), Teppan-yaki, and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers).

They also offer a selection of drinks focused on local Nara labels, and one of the highlights is enjoying how well they pair with the food. This is a great place when you want to take your time and enjoy local flavors.

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The restaurant offers a wide range of options, from the grand menu to course meals, and among them, the oden (Japanese one-pot dish) available year-round is especially popular.

The oden stands out for its dashi broth with a Kansai feel. Along with the classic oden items, the "Kyofu assortment" with yuba (tofu skin), namafu (wheat gluten), and grilled tofu is also recommended.

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They also have a full lineup of kushiyaki (grilled skewers) that look great for casual snacking with a drink in hand.

Along with yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) such as negima skewers and seseri (chicken neck) skewers, they also seem to offer kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers). The sauce is said to have a well-balanced flavor that is not too sweet.

Photograph:怪しいグルメ探検隊

Haruurara is an oden (Japanese stew with assorted ingredients) specialty restaurant located near Yaginishiguchi Station in Kashihara, Nara Prefecture. They say you can enjoy a wide variety of oden along with local Nara sake.

The interior, with the feel of a Japanese izakaya, has a calm atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy your meal.

Photograph:keyskitchen99

The oden (Japanese hot pot with assorted ingredients) here is said to feature large pieces that taste light and easy to enjoy. The "Omakase assortment 5 items" in the photo is also popular, and it is a menu that warms you up in the cold season.

The flavor of the dashi broth is said to soak well into the ingredients, and each item is prepared with care.

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The daily menu is also well regarded, with refined dashi (Japanese soup stock) flavors you can enjoy only at a specialty oden (Japanese hot pot dish) restaurant.

This is dashimaki tamago (Japanese rolled omelet with dashi), a perfect first dish. It is said to be soft and fluffy, with the flavor of the dashi spreading through each bite. It also pairs well with local sake from Nara.