Visit Nara

09/07/2024

＼Update Lotus Blooming Status／
The "Nara Nishinokyo Lotus Road" event is currently being held at four temples: Saidai-ji Temple, Kikou-ji Temple, Toshodaiji Temple, and Yakushi-ji Temple, coinciding with the peak blooming season of the lotus flowers. We are providing updates on the blooming status of the lotus flowers along with comments from each temple. Why not take the opportunity to visit these lotus temples with a common admission ticket?

【Kikou-ji Temple (as of July 4th)】
"The lotus flowers at Kikou-ji are gradually blooming beautifully. The bud of the Chūson-ji lotus in front of the entrance to the sutra copying hall is about to bloom."

【Saidai-ji Temple (as of July 4th)】
"The lotus garden at Saidai-ji is blooming more and more."

【Toshodai-ji Temple (as of July 4th)】
"This year's Benten Pond is exceptional. The Oji lotus is about to reach its peak."

【Yakushi-ji Temple (as of July 4th)】
"The lotus flowers are blooming gracefully despite the heat. As it gets hotter, we recommend visiting early in the cool morning."

ーNara Nishinokyo Lotus Roadー
◆Ongoing until August 12th
◆ Saidai-ji, Kikou-ji, Toshodai-ji, Yakushi-ji
For details on the common admission ticket and related events, click here ▶
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/topics/a-nara-mini-pilgrimage-when-the-lotuses-are-in-flower-from-early-summer/

To see more blooming status updates (photos), click here ▶
https://narashikanko.or.jp/topics/lotusreport2024/



※This English text has been generated based on machine translation.

08/07/2024

＼Information of Gourmet Fair Using Nara's Yamato Tea in Summer／
This summer, 10 stores in Nara City will host summer gourmet fairs featuring "Yamato-cha Gourmet & Sweets," made with Nara's specialty Yamato-cha tea, for a limited time only. Enjoy the aromatic and flavorful delicacies that add color to the summer season.

◆What is Yamato-cha (Yamato tea)?
It is believed that the cultivation of Yamato tea began in the early Heian period, in the first year of Daidō (806). Kenne, a high disciple who traveled to Tang China with Kobo Daishi Kukai(a famous Japanese Buddhist monk and scholar) , was given a tea mill and tea seeds by the emperor, which he brought back to Japan. He then created a tea garden at Butsuryū-ji Temple in Uda City, Nara Prefecture. Yamato tea is primarily produced in the mountainous areas of Nara, such as Tsukigase and Tawara, which are rich in natural beauty.

◆Period: July 22, 2024 - August 31, 2024
※Service dates and times vary by store.

The event will be held at the following stores (in no particular order):
・cervo bianco：https://www.cervobianco.net/
・NARAMACHI ASHIBINOSATO：https://www.ashibinosato.com/about.html
・AMENOKAKU COFFEE：https://amenokakucoffee.com/pages/en
・Cafe LA LIBERTE:https://www.laliberte-nara.com/
・Naramachi Shoufukuan:https://naramachiinfo.jp/spot/gourmet/2311.html
・Softcream mo.:https://soft-mo.com/nara-furuits/
・Harushika:https://www.harushika.com/study/
・GRANCHA :https://www.grancha-koufukusaryou.com/
・Yamatocha Cafe SARASA:https://sarasa.jp/



※This English text has been generated based on machine translation.

02/07/2024

＼Update of Lotus Blooming／
Nara-Nishinokyo Lotus Road" is being held at four temples, Saidaiji, Kikouji, Toshodaiji, and Yakushi-ji, just in time for the lotuses to be in full bloom. We will inform you of the status of lotus blooming from the four temples.

Why don't you visit the lotus temples with the common entrance ticket for the four temples in your hand .

Period:Opening now through Aug 12
Venues: Saidaiji, Kikou-ji, Toshodaiji, Yakushi-ji

Please check the following page of Lotus Road,
https://narashikanko.or.jp/.../a-nara-mini-pilgrimage.../



※This English text has been generated based on machine translation.

01/07/2024

＼Experience Hands-On Fun with Traditional Karakuri Toys in Naramachi／
Nestled in the historic and traditional Naramachi, the Naramachi Karakuri Toy Museum offers a delightful world of “karakuri” toys. These unique toys, known as karakuri, are traditional folk toys from various regions of Japan, each with ingenious mechanisms and local characteristics. Visitors can freely touch and play with various karakuri toys, with staff explaining their origins, making it enjoyable for both children and adults.

Take a break during your sightseeing trips to create wonderful memories in the charming atmosphere of Naramachi.

The Naramachi Karakuri Toy Museum is housed in the former Matsuyake residence, donated to Nara City for local revitalization and tourism promotion. The museum holds approximately 600 toys donated by Professor Michitaka Kamata of Nara University. It showcases Edo-period karakuri toys and regional folk toys, with exhibits changing every two months. Enjoy hands-on interaction with about 30 karakuri toys and experience the ingenuity and craftsmanship of people from the past.

【Naramachi Karakuri Toy Museum】
■Address: 7 Inyou-cho, Nara City
■Access:
 10 minutes’ walk from Kintetsu Nara Station
 15 minutes’ walk from JR Nara Station
 13 minutes’ walk from JR Kyobate Station
■Hours of opening: 9:00~17:00
■Close: Wednesdays and Year-end/New Year holidays (December 29 - January 3)
(If a holiday falls on a Wednesday, the closed day may change. Please contact us in advance for confirmation.)
■Admission: Free
■Parking: There is no parking lot here.



※This English text has been generated based on machine translation.

26/06/2024

＼Hands-on experience making Matcha Tea at "Naramachi Nigiwai-no-Ie（Naramachi Traditional House)"／
Have you ever made matcha tea? At Naramachi Nigiwai-no-Ie, located in the Naramachi area, you can enjoy a matcha experience once a month. How about experiencing matcha tea in the wonderful ambiance of a townhouse adorned with seasonal flowers?

During the matcha experience, you'll prepare matcha by placing it in a lovely tea bowl, adding hot water, and using a chasen (tea whisk) to mix it. First, you'll enjoy some sweets, which enhance the flavor of the matcha when you drink it afterward.
(For reference: There are several schools of tea ceremony. As the writer studies the Urasenke school, the matcha tends to be creamy.)

For more details and updates, please check the official website.
▼ Naramachi Nigiwai-no-Ie Official Website: https://naramachi-nigiwainoie.jp/english/

Here are the monthly experience sessions for July, held from 2:00 to 3:30 PM:
 July 9: Etegami (Japanese picture letter) experience
 July 14: Shodo (Japanese calligraphy) experience
 July 16: Chanoyu (tea ceremony) experience
 July 19: Phonograph (gramophone) experience
 July 20: Machiya storytelling
 July 23: Suibokuga (ink wash painting) experience

―Naramachi―
Naramachi is centered around the former precincts of the World Heritage-listed Gango-ji Temple. It has evolved from a town of shrines and temples to a commercial area, and now a charming tourist destination. The historical townscape features traditional townhouses, temples, and shrines. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through old-style architecture, quaint cafes, and shops, experiencing the rich history and culture of Nara.

【Hands-on experience making Matcha Tea】
■Once a month depending on Naramachi Nigiwai-no-Ie （Naramachi Traditional House)　event calendar
■Time：From 2:00 P.M. to 3:30 P.M.
(Please enjoy a matcha experience at any time between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM.)
■Fee：300 yen for person

【Naramachi Nigiwai-no-Ie（Naramachi Traditional House)】
■Address: 5 Nakashinya-cho, Nara City
■Access:
・20minutes walk from JR-Nara Station.
・5minutes walk from Tanaka-cho Bus stop.
・13minutes walk from Kintetsu-Nara St.
■Hours of opening: 09:00~17:00
■Close: Wednesdays *It is opened in the case of holiday.
(Close day changes, please refer beforehand)
■Admission: Free
■Parking: There is no parking lot here.

24/06/2024

＼Wakakusa Mountain Summit with a Panoramic View of Nara／
Wakakusa Mountain, standing at approximately 342 meters, offers a gentle slope, making it an easy climb. The three overlapping hills, resembling a straw hat, are counted from the bottom as the first, second, and third tiers.

After entering from either the north or south foothill gates, head for the first tier. Green lawns stretch out ahead, providing a refreshing walk. After about a 15-minute walk, you will reach the first hill, where you can take a break while enjoying the view of Nara city and the deer. To reach the third-tier summit of Wakakusa Mountain, you can either take the Wakakusa Mountain Hiking Trail (entrance fee required) or the Kasugayama Walking Trail (North Route or South Route).

For those traveling by car or motorcycle, the New Wakakusa Mountain Driveway (car-only road) is available. The view from the summit is breathtaking, and at night, it becomes a popular spot for night views. During hot seasons, aim for the summit at sunset to enjoy both the sunset and the night view from the driveway.

Three Routes to the Summit of Wakakusa Mountain

■ "Wakakusa Mountain Hiking Trail"
A manageable hiking course that takes about 30 to 40 minutes from the foothill gate to the summit.
Access: The foothill gate is located next to the "Wakakusa Yamamoto" stop on the Gurutto Bus Wakakusa Yamamoto Route.
・Climbing method: On foot (open during specific seasons and hours)
・Fee required

■ "Kasuga Okuyama Walking Trail"
Approximately 4 km long, taking about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Access: After getting off at the "Wakakusa Yamamoto" stop on the Gurutto Bus Wakakusa Yamamoto Route, walk 50 meters southeast to the trail entrance.
・Climbing method: On foot (open year-round)
・Free

■ "Nara Okuyama Driveway"
・Climbing method: Car only (open year-round, open hours: 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM (until 10:00 PM from December 1 to March 15))
・Fee required

Wakakusa Mountain: https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/spot/nature/wakakusayama/

※This English text has been generated based on machine translation.

22/06/2024

＼Purchase privilege of Nara, Nishinokyo Lotus Road “Common Admission Ticket"／
Purchase a ticket for the four temples on the "Nara-Nishinokyo Lotus Road," which started on June 14, and receive a special offer. Please take this opportunity to visit Saidai-ji, Kikou-ji, Toshodai-ji, and Yakushi-ji.

●Lotus Road limited special red seal (separate sutra payment fee required)
●Coupons for dining and shopping
●Lotus Road limited goods
●Participation in "sutra reading and storytelling" by monks as a special event (only available on the following days, stories provided in Japanese only)
　・Saidaiji Temple July 10th 　　①10:00～　 ②12:00～
　・Kikoji Temple June 24th ①10:00～　 ②12:00～
　・Toshodaiji Temple July 26th ①9:00～　 ②11:00～
　・Yakushiji Temple July 1st 　 　①10:00～　 ②11:30～

【Nara, Nishinokyo Lotus Road “Common Admission Ticket】
●Fee: 4,000 yen
Included in the price: Admission to the four temples, original goods
●Sales period: June 14 - August 12, 2024
●Sales location: Reception desk at each temple, Nara City Tourist Information Center, Kintetsu Nara Station Tourist Information Center

■Nara City Tourist Information Center (next to JR Nara Station)
1082 Sanjo Hommachi, Nara City

■Kintetsu Nara Station Tourist Information Center
1st floor, Kintetsu Building, 28 Higashimukanaka-cho, Nara City

For more information about the "Nara-Nishinokyo Lotus Road," click here ▼
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/topics/a-nara-mini-pilgrimage-when-the-lotuses-are-in-flower-from-early-summer/

※This English text has been generated based on machine translation.

19/06/2024

＼Information of Nara, Nishinokyo Lotus Road!／
Experience the beauty of lotus flowers, which symbolize the teachings of Buddha, in full bloom from early summer to summer. The "Nara-Nishinokyo Lotus Road" tour takes you through Saidaiji Temple, Kiko-ji Temple, Toshodaiji Temple, and Yakushi-ji Temple, all renowned for their stunning lotus blossoms. The tour runs from June 14 to August 12.

During this period, you can purchase a common ticket for the four temples and receive a special red seal for an additional fee by presenting the common ticket at the seal office.

This year marks the 11th anniversary, and original goods will be included with the common entrance ticket. A new program, "Sutra Reading and Stories" (in Japanese only) by monks from each temple, is also available for those who purchase the common ticket.

Paper tickets are available at each temple and at tourist information centers in JR and Kintetsu Nara Stations.

■Nara City Tourist Information Center (next to JR Nara Station)
1082 Sanjo Hommachi, Nara City

■Kintetsu Nara Station Tourist Information Center
1st floor, Kintetsu Building, 28 Higashimukanaka-cho, Nara City

For more information about the "Nara-Nishinokyo Lotus Road," click here ▼
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/topics/a-nara-mini-pilgrimage-when-the-lotuses-are-in-flower-from-early-summer/

※Photographs are for reference only
※This English text has been generated based on machine translation.

18/06/2024

＼ New Spot in Nara Mochiidono Shopping Street! ／
A large world map and Japan map panel has been installed for visitors from all over the world and outside the prefecture! This panel, measuring approximately 2 meters tall and 5 meters wide, allows you to place a sticker showing where you’re from.

Add a sticker, take a photo with the panel as a background, and create lasting memories of your Nara trip!

【NARAund THE WORLD!】
"Which country did you come from to visit Nara? "& "Which prefecture did you come from to visit Nara?"

■Panel Location:
Near the center of Mochiidono Shopping Street, in front of Fresh Mart OKest plaza
Address: 12 Mochiidono-cho, Nara

■Installation Date:
Starts from June 8, 2024

Organized by Nara Mochiidono Shopping Street Cooperative Association

※This English text has been generated based on machine translation.

18/06/2024

【Heavy Rain Forecast Information on 18th June】
Please be advised that the Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a "Heavy Rainfall Weather Alert" for June 18. If you are staying in Nara City, please stay updated with the latest weather information and take necessary precautions to ensure your personal safety. Be aware that public transportation services may be suspended, and facilities may be closed.

Stay safe and informed.

令和6年6月17日現在、6月18日は気象庁から「大雨に関する気象情報」が発表されています。 奈良市に滞在される際は、最新の気象情報に注意し、身の安全を確保してください。 また、公共交通機関の運休や施設の閉館も予想...

17/06/2024

＼Explore "Naramachi Nigiwai-no-Ie（Naramachi Traditional House)"／
Have you heard of Naramachi Nigiwai-no-Ie? This beautiful townhouse in Naramachi is a registered tangible cultural property of Japan and offering visitors a glimpse into Japan's rich history and culture. It is a unique and modern building constructed in the liberal spirit of the Taisho era (1917).

Naramachi Nigiwai-no-Ie is a unique and large architectural for a townhouse, created by a wealthy antique dealer with a free and creative spirit, unconstrained by tradition. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful wooden architecture and gardens of the machiya, including a suite of three connected tatami rooms, an elegant tea room, a distinguished tokonoma alcove, a gold-leafed Buddhist altar room, and a detached room with a round window. These features allow you to feel close to Nara's history and culture in a serene setting.

"Naramachi Nigiwai-no-Ie" offers calligraphy and matcha tea experiences once a month. These activities, if timed right, are highly recommended and can enhance your enjoyment of Naramachi. In addition to these activities, there are exhibits of traditional arts and seasonal flower arrangements that make full use of the machiya space. For more details and the latest information on events, please check the official website.

【Naramachi Nigiwai-no-Ie Official website】
https://naramachi-nigiwainoie.jp/english/

If you have an interest in traditional Japanese houses and townhouses, you're sure to love Naramachi Nigiwai-no-Ie. Come and explore this hidden gem in Naramachi. We look forward to welcoming you!

【Nigiwai-no-Ie（Naramachi Traditional House)】
■Address: 5 Nakashinya-cho, Nara City
■Access:
 20minutes walk from JR-Nara Station.
 5minutes walk from Tanaka-cho Bus stop.
 13minutes walk from Kintetsu-Nara St.
■Hours of opening: 09:00~17:00
■Close: Wednesdays *It is opened in the case of holiday.
(Close day changes, please refer beforehand)
■Admission: Free
■Parking: There is no parking lot here.



※This English text has been generated based on machine translation.

13/06/2024

＼Strolling Trough Naramachi: Shika no Fune "Mayu" (Cocoon)／
Shika no Fune "Mayu" serves as "Naramachi South Tourist Information Center" to promote the Naramachi area. They offer a wide range of travel brochures, English maps and Nara's traditional crafts as well as tourist information.
The facility includes a storehouse used as a gallery, and a reading room carrying more than 1000 books about arts and culture around Nara and Japan.
They also host various workshops featuring Nara and Japanese culture.
Please stop by while exploring Naramachi.

For Manhole Cover Collectors
We distribute manhole cards here. Please ask at the counter.
*Note: Manhole card availability may vary, so please be aware of stock changes.

【Shika no Fune】
■Address: 11 Inoue-cho, Nara City, Nara 630-8317
■Access:
・From JR Nara Station: Take the Nara Kotsu Bus Inner Loop from bus stop 5 and ・get off at "Tanaka-cho" bus stop.
・Approximately a 17-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara St.
・Approximately a 22-minute walk from JR Nara St.
■Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (open all year-round)

Shika no Fune Official Website
https://www.kuruminoki.co.jp/shikanofune/en/mayu/

12/06/2024

＼Strolling Through Naramachi: Goryo Shrine and Hydrangeas／
In the rainy season of June, the streets and gardens are adorned with vibrant hydrangea flowers, bringing joy to the heart. In the Naramachi area of Nara City, you'll find beautiful hydrangeas blooming at Goryo Shrine. Why not take a moment during your stroll to visit?

Goryo Shrine was founded by imperial decree in the early Heian period (800 AD) under Emperor Kanmu's command. The main hall of the shrine commemorates Inoe-Naishinno and her son Osabe Shinno, who were falsely accused during the Nara period, imprisoned, and subsequently passed away. Inoe-Naishinno was the empress consort of Emperor Konin and the daughter of Emperor Shomu. The shrine honors their memory and serves as the guardian deity of Naramachi.

Pass through the south gate, and on your left, you'll find a subsidiary shrine known for its matchmaking blessings, Shusse-inari Shrine. Additionally, visitors tie red cords around the feet of the guardian dogs at the sides of the south gate, praying for various blessings such as success in love and prosperity in business.

Throughout the shrine grounds, you'll find cherry blossoms, peonies, and other flowers blooming each season, alongside intricately designed seasonal red ink stamp (Goshuin) that have become quite popular.

For more details about Goryo Shrine, check out their website here: https://naramachigoryojinja.amebaownd.com/ (Written in Japanese only)

【Goryo Shrine Office】
■Address: 24 Yakushido-cho, Nara City
■Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
※ On the 1st of every month, the shrine opens at 7:00 AM for the monthly festival.)
■Access
A 15-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara St.
A 20-minute walk from JR Nara St.
A 10-minute walk from JR Kyobate St.

11/06/2024

＼Quirky Tidbits: Stories You Didn't Know You Needed／
Did you know that there are various designs of manhole covers across Japan? Each municipality gets creative with its designs. In Nara City, for example, you'll find manhole covers featuring deer designs, so keep an eye out for them! Some manhole covers even come in different colors!

According to the explanation of Nara Prefecture's manhole covers, those in Nara City are designed with the central placement of symbols of tourism and culture, the "deer of Nara Park" and the "city emblem." Surrounding these symbols is the depiction of the "double cherry blossoms," known from the poem by the female poet Ise no Taifu from the Heian period, expressing the image of the ancient capital of Nara.

You can find colored manhole covers in Mochiido shopping arcade! Be sure to seek them out!

For Manhole Card Collectors:
Some travelers collect manhole cover cards during their trips in Japan. Did you know there are currently 968 different types of cards in Japan? In Nara City, you can pick up manhole cover cards at "Mayu," a facility located within the Shika-no-fune. If you're collecting cards, just ask at the reception! Please note that the availability of manhole cover cards may vary.

Mayu (Shika-no-fune)
Address: 11 Inokuchi-cho, Nara-shi, Nara 630-8317

Take the Nara Kotsu Bus "Inner Loop" from JR Nara Station, get off at "Tanakamachi" Bus Stop
Approximately 17 minutes on foot from Kintetsu Nara Station
Approximately 22 minutes on foot from JR Nara Station
Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Open every day)

Enjoy discovering Japan's manhole covers and happy collecting!

07/06/2024

＼Special Hydrangea Viewing Event at Gango-ji Temple Ruins／

Come and enjoy the “2024 Hydrangea Bloom Special Viewing” at the historic Gango-ji Temple site in Naramachi on June 8, 9, 15, and 16. This event will take place at the east pagoda site, a national historic site and a beautiful place to see flowers. It is one of the few pagoda sites in Japan where all 17 foundation stones are still present. Local residents and volunteers help maintain the temple area.

The Gango-ji Temple site includes a small space surrounded by houses where you can see a hall and the pagoda ruins. The original pagoda was destroyed by fire in the late Edo period (1859), leaving only the base and foundation stones. The large scale of the base suggests that a tall pagoda, even taller than the famous five-story pagoda of Kofuku-ji (about 51 meters), once stood here. Artifacts excavated from the site and a standing statue of Yakushi Nyorai (National Treasure) are now housed at the Nara National Museum.

During the special viewing times, the main hall will be open to the public, and you can take photos inside. Enjoy the lovely hydrangeas and the peaceful scenery of Naramachi. This site is one of Naramachi's hidden gems, with beautiful flowers blooming throughout the seasons.

The rainy season brings out the best in the hydrangeas, making Gango-ji Temple ruins a perfect spot to visit during this time. The vibrant colors of the hydrangeas against the backdrop of historical ruins create a stunning and serene atmosphere. It's a wonderful place to experience the unique beauty of the rainy season in Japan.

【Event Details】
■Location: 12 Shiba Shinya-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture (Gango-ji Pagoda Ruin)
■Dates: June 8, 9, 15, 16, 2024
■Time: Doors open at 10:00 AM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)
■Admission Fee: Required

Photos by Kegon Shu's Gango-ji Temple

For more information, please visit the official page of Kegon Shu's Gango-ji Temple page：https://www.facebook.com/kegon.gangoji　(Written in Japanese)

Don't miss this chance to see the hydrangeas in full bloom and explore a piece of Nara's history!

※This English text has been generated based on machine translation.

03/06/2024

＼Join Us for "Nara Go Round: Summer Nara Travel Fair" in Tokyo on June 8th and 9th!／
Get a head start on the "Nara Go Round" event starting on July 22nd by joining us at the Tokyo City i event space inside Tokyo Station's "KITTE" shopping complex.

Enjoy activities like tasting various types of Yamato tea, viewing the winning photos from the "Nara Nishinokyo Lotus Road" photo contest, meeting Nara City's mascot "Shikamaro-kun," and shopping for exclusive goods. Plus, get all the travel information you need at our Nara City tourism information booth.

Please experience the charm of summer in Nara—don't miss it!

◆ Location: Tokyo City i, KITTE B1F, Marunouchi 2-7-2, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
◆ Date & Time: June 8th (Sat) & 9th (Sun), 2024, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
◆ Access: About a 1-minute walk from Tokyo Station's Marunouchi South Exit
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/GP2VJnpxduZopdE3A
— Venue: Tokyo City i

31/05/2024

＼Fawn Open House at Deer Park／
From June 1st (Sat) to July 14th (Sun), the "mother and fawn deer" protected in the Deer Park will be open to the public. During the public viewing in 2024, visitors can observe the adorable baby deer while walking along the public viewing path facing the mother and fawn deer enclosure. On weekends during this period, there will also be merchandise sales booths by the "Deer Supporters Club" (canceled in case of inclement weather, except for June 1st and 2nd). As of late May, approximately 50 fawns have been born.

【Fawn Open House】
◆Address: Kasuga Grand Shrine Premises, Deer Park (160-1 Kasuganocho, Nara City)
◆Period: Jun 1st to Jul 14th in 2024
◆Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
◆Fee: Free (donations to the Deer Park Cooperation Fund appreciated, but optional)
※ The "Special Open House" usually held at the antler cutting area in previous years has been canceled due to Deer Park renovation work.

For more details, visit the Nara Deer Conservation Association website:https://naradeer.com/

【Requests】
◆Some fawns are also born in Nara Park. Even if you spot fawns, please observe them from a distance. Approaching fawns may provoke attacks from their mothers.
◆Touching fawns may leave human scent on them, potentially leading to maternal abandonment. Please refrain from touching the fawns.

(Photo provided by the Nara Deer Conservation Association)

※This English text has been generated based on machine translation.

30/05/2024

＼Introducing Nara-machi Koshi-no-ie／
Nara-machi Koshi-no-ie is a spot where you can experience the traditional lifestyle of Nara's townhouses. Opened in 1992, it is a facility that recreates the traditional machiya (townhouse) of Naramachi.

The plots of these townhouses are narrow at the front and extend deeply backward. This design stems from a historical tax system based on the width of the property’s frontage. A typical Nara machiya consists of the main house, a courtyard, a detached building, and a storehouse. The latticework (koshi) facing the street is characterized by its wide bars, though the designs vary. Additionally, there is an earthen floor (doma) extending from the entrance to the back, allowing access without removing shoes—a practical feature for daily living.

The Naramachi area still retains many townhouses designated as important cultural properties and prefectural tangible cultural properties. As you stroll through this area, enjoy the designs of the latticework and the Mushikomado (insect cage windows) on the second floors, which offer a glimpse into the architectural history of the past.

【Nara-machi Koshi-no-ie】
Address: 44 Gangoji-cho, Nara City
Access:
◆Approximately 20 minutes on foot from Kintetsu Nara Station
◆Approximately 10 minutes on foot from JR Kyobate Station
◆About 15 minutes by city loop bus from Kintetsu Nara Station or JR Nara Station; get off at "Tanaka-cho" and walk 2 minutes
Closed:
◆Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday)
◆The day after holidays (except when it falls on Sunday, Saturday, or another holiday)
◆Year-end and New Year holidays (December 26th to January 5th)
Admission: Free

22/05/2024

＼Spring roses are in full bloom!／
Located along the Tomio River in Nara City, Temple boasts a rose garden with 2,000 roses of 200 varieties, all planted with prayers for world peace. (Blooming conditions vary by species.)

These photos were taken, May 15th. The garden is now filled with vibrant roses at their peak, enveloping the area in a delightful fragrance. At the tea terrace "Prière," located at the back of the garden, you can enjoy exclusive rose-themed sweets and rose tea.

📷 1st photo: About 4,000㎡ garden filled with colorful roses.
📷 2nd photo: Relax at the tea terrace "Prière" after a stroll.
📷 3rd photo: Dedicated care is given to ensure continued beautiful blooms.

◆Ryosenji Temple
Visiting hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Rose garden: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

◆Tea terrace "Prière":
Open daily from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, April 27 - June 11, 2024

For more details, click here ▶ https://www.ryosenji.jp/foreigner.html
Official Ryosenji Facebook ▶ https://www.facebook.com/nararyosenji

※This English text has been generated based on machine translation.

20/05/2024

＼Successful Takigi O-Noh Performances!／
Hello, this is Shikamaro from the Nara City Tourism Association.

On May 17th and 18th, we held the Takigi O-Noh performances at Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Kofukuji Temple. We were blessed with great weather, and many people came to watch from early in the morning. I also attended the Noh lecture and enjoyed both Noh and Kyogen performances. It's fascinating to think that this traditional event has been going on for over 1000 years, and that we are experiencing the same performances that people did a millennium ago.

If you couldn't join us this year, let's enjoy it together next year!

※This English text has been generated based on machine translation.