Richly textured Japan leather from Nara, the ancient capital steeped in history: in search of new craftsmanship

2026.10.30

With more than 1,300 years of history, Nara is an ancient capital known for its many cultural properties and three World Heritage Sites. One of the world’s great tourist destinations, Nara Prefecture is also one of Japan’s foremost leather shoe–producing regions. New leather goods shops are popular, too!

Why not discover fine goods in richly textured leather that you can cherish for years?

Oriental Shoes Factory Shop

Oriental Shoes, trusted for its fine men’s dress shoes, has opened a concept shop in a corner of its own factory. Here you can find a pair that leads to a healthy, beautiful life.

Oriental Shoes is a leading manufacturer in Nara, a center of leather shoe production. The factory shop sells the dress shoe brand “ORIENTAL,” which bears the company name; “TOUN,” with its refreshingly retro sneakers; and “MIDFOOTADVANCE,” which pursues both design and function. In this lovely space where you can experience each brand’s world, take your time choosing a favorite pair over a cup of Oriental Blend coffee.

SHOP INFO

Oriental Shoes Factory Shop

oriental-shoes.co.jp ↗

Address: 2475-2 Koizumi-cho, Yamatokoriyama-shi, Nara
Business hours: Open Tue–Sat 10:00–18:00
Closed: Closed Mon, Sun and national holidays

30 min by car (45 min by train)

Nara Park

Spanning a vast 660 hectares, this historic park is unlike any other, uniting rich nature with precious historical and cultural heritage such as Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Todaiji Temple, the Nara National Museum and the Shosoin Repository.

Nara Park is home to 1,687 deer (as of July 2026). Legend has it that the deity enshrined at Kasuga Taisha, Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto, arrived riding a white deer.

Source: https://www3.pref.nara.jp/park/1003.htm

[Note] The deer living in Nara Park are wild animals designated as a national Natural Monument. Capturing them or deliberately harming them violates the Act on Protection of Cultural Properties and is punishable by law. Deer from Nara Park are never used to produce deerskin.

Nara Prefectural Urban Park: Nara Park

Nara Park is open free of charge 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The deer in the park are wild animals, and you can see them at any time of year.

10-min walk

Kawaasobi HARUHINO

A popular shop named after the primeval forest of Kasuga. Its series stamped with patterns found on the treasures of the Shosoin Repository is a rare find available only here, evoking the history, charm and dignity of the ancient capital of Nara.

Stroll through central Nara to “Kawaasobi HARUHINO,” a leathercraft shop on the Mochiidono shopping street. Look out for leather goods steeped in historical romance! Wallets beautifully engraved with “Shosoin patterns,” symbols of wishes for peace and abundance, are exceptional pieces said to have been recognized by the national museum. They make perfect souvenirs, too.