Asuka Village Nara Travel Guide: Taste Local Cuisine at Mendo-ya, a 100-Year-Old Restaurant Famous for Asuka Nabe

Have you ever heard of Asuka Village in Nara Prefecture?
This peaceful countryside area is filled with ancient tombs and temples, where history and nature blend in harmony. Once the capital during Japan’s Asuka Period, the village still preserves traces of the ancient era—it’s rural landscape, protected for over 1,400 years, offers a serene glimpse into the past with every step you take.
During my visit, I stopped by Mendo-ya, a long-established restaurant with more than a century of history. Here, I experienced the charm of their traditional lunch menu.
In this article, I’ll share the atmosphere of the restaurant, it’s recommended dishes, and the unique flavors that capture the essence of Asuka Village.

Book a Table at Mendo-ya

Visiting “Mendo-ya,” a Century-Old Traditional Eatery

The restaurant has been operating in the same location for over a century, making it one of the most historic dining spots in Asuka Village.
It’s nostalgic appearance exudes a warm sense of wa—traditional Japanese harmony—even from the outside.
With it’s tiled roof and white plaster walls, the building blends beautifully into the peaceful rural landscape of Asuka.

In front of the restaurant, neatly handwritten signs welcome visitors, each stroke filled with care and personality.
I couldn’t help but stop and take a closer look.
The warmth of the people and their dedication to their craft come through even in these small details — it’s a moment that truly warms the heart.

Stepping through the noren curtain, you’re welcomed into a warm, nostalgic Japanese-style space that makes you want to linger a little longer.
The two-story interior features both table seating and traditional tatami rooms, accommodating everyone from families to large tour groups.
Even during my weekday lunch visit, two large sightseeing buses stopped by in this quiet countryside area—a testament to the restaurant’s exceptional hospitality and enduring popularity.

Tasting Mendo-ya’s Signature Lunch Set

I visited on a weekday and ordered the lunch menu’s “Asuka Road: Traveler’s Set” (1,400 yen).
Please note that menu items and prices may vary depending on the season and ingredient availability.

The nyuumen (warm thin noodles) looks as gentle as it tastes—it’s light bonito broth fills your mouth with delicate umami that soothes away the fatigue of travel.
Add a sprinkle of yuzu chili powder for a refreshing citrus aroma that brings out a new layer of flavor.
The dessert, warabi mochi, had a refined sweetness with just the right chewiness and a soft, springy texture.
It was so delicious that I could easily have eaten several pieces without realizing it.

Reservation-Only: Mendo-ya’s Signature Local Dishes

Mendo-ya offers traditional local cuisine passed down through generations in Asuka Village and Nara Prefecture.
With a motto of “everything handmade,” the restaurant uses no artificial seasonings, focusing instead on the authentic flavors of locally sourced ingredients and pure well water.

The restaurant’s signature dish, “Asuka Nabe”, is a local favorite that has been featured in many media outlets.
This creamy hot pot is made by simmering free-range local chicken and organic vegetables grown in Asuka Village in a special milk-based broth, creating a rich and comforting flavor where each ingredient’s umami melds beautifully together.
Another popular choice is the “Hyoutan Bento”, which highlights seasonal ingredients from Asuka Village.
This elegant boxed meal includes homemade sesame tofu, warabi mochi, and more than 20 varieties of side dishes, making it especially popular among female guests.

▲Asuka Nabe

▲Hyoutan Bento

(Please note: These dishes are available by advance reservation only. Be sure to book ahead before your visit.)

Mendo-ya

Address: 40 Oka, Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara Prefecture

Hours: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed: Irregular days off

【Book a Table at Mendo-ya】
Book Online Here

After Your Meal – A Relaxing Stroll Through the Countryside

After enjoying your meal, take a short walk and explore the peaceful surroundings of Asuka Village.
Located along the route connecting Asuka-dera Temple, Okadera Temple, and the Ishibutai Kofun, Mendo-ya sits in an ideal spot for travelers exploring the area’s historic sites.
Around the restaurant, you’ll find ancient tombs and temples that preserve the atmosphere of the Asuka Period, set against a backdrop of nostalgic rural scenery.
Each season paints the landscape in a different light—simply walking through these fields brings a sense of calm and quiet joy.
You can enjoy the area on foot at a leisurely pace, or rent a bicycle and feel the refreshing breeze as you ride through the countryside.

▼Check out the article on Asuka Village’s cycling tour

For those looking to take a break from the busyness of everyday life, this is the perfect place to unwind.
It’s also ideal as a peaceful retreat, where you can simply slow down and enjoy the moment.
In October, the fields come alive with vibrant red cluster amaryllis (higanbana), creating a stunning contrast against the green meadows—a truly picturesque sight from every angle.
Each season brings it’s own unique beauty to Asuka Village, so take your time and savor the changing scenery at your own pace.

Top 3 Sightseeing Spots Around Mendo-ya

1. Asuka-dera Temple — Japan’s Oldest Buddhist Temple

Built in 596 AD by the influential statesman Soga no Umako, Asuka-dera is recognized as Japan’s first full-scale Buddhist temple.
Inside the main hall sits Japan’s oldest known Buddha statue—the Gilt Bronze Seated Shakyamuni (commonly known as the Asuka Daibutsu).
Stepping into the quiet temple grounds, you can almost feel the prayers and cultural spirit of ancient times still lingering in the air.

(Photo: Asuka-dera Temple Grounds)

2. Okadera Temple — The Temple of Flowers

Known as the 7th temple on the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage、 Okadera enshrines the Nyoirin Kannon, the largest clay Buddha statue in Japan.
The temple is also famous as the “Temple of Flowers,” with its gardens bursting into color throughout the four seasons.
It’s said to be one of the first temples in Japan to introduce “hanachōzu” (flower water basins)—a beautiful practice now popular on social media for its photogenic charm.

(Photo: Okadera Main Hall)

(Photo: Hanachōzu Basin)

3. Ishibutai Kofun — Monumental Stones of Ancient Power

Composed of more than 30 massive stones, Ishibutai Kofun is an awe-inspiring ancient tomb that stands as a symbol of the power once held by Japan’s early rulers.
It is widely believed to be the burial site of Soga no Umako, whose garden once stood nearby.
Today, the surrounding area has been turned into a park where visitors can enjoy scenic walks and seasonal flowers while contemplating Japan’s ancient past.

▼Click here for detailed tourist information on Asuka Village

Finding Peace in Asuka Village

Asuka Village is often called “the birthplace of Japan.”
It’s timeless landscape—filled with ancient temples, rural fields, and quiet hills—offers a glimpse into the spirit of old Japan and a moment of serenity away from modern life.
By exploring historic sites like Asuka-dera and Okadera, and savoring traditional local cuisine made with fresh Asuka ingredients, you’ll discover a deeper appreciation for this remarkable village.

【Book a Table at Mendo-ya】
Book Online Here

*For inquiries regarding reservations, please contact AutoReserve directly.
Take a break from the everyday and enjoy authentic local cuisine surrounded by the peaceful countryside of Asuka Village.