Visit Nara

16/01/2025

Hello everyone! During the cold season, don't we all long for the warmth of spring, the bright summer mornings, and the gentle afternoons of autumn?

This photo captures the four seasons of Nara Park's Ukimido, a structure built in 1916 that gracefully reflects on the surface of Sagi-ike Pond.

You can appreciate the beauty of the Ukimido from the lakeside, or you can sit within the structure itself and gaze out at the changing seasons on the lake. You're invited to step into this poetic scene.
※The weather in Nara has been chilly lately, but we haven't seen any snow, and the cherry blossoms are taking their time to bloom.



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

09/01/2025

Nara's Shoryaku-ji Temple: Experience the Traditional Sake Brewing Festival
Join us for a unique cultural experience at Shoryaku-ji Temple in Nara.

Last December, Japan's traditional sake brewing techniques were inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. These techniques encompass the production of sake, shochu, and awamori.

Shoryaku-ji Temple in Nara is considered the birthplace of sake. Every January, the temple hosts the "Bodai-moto Sake Brewing Festival," where you can witness the cultivation of sake moto, known as Bodai-moto.

In the past, Japanese temples brewed their own sake to offer to their tutelary deities and Buddhas. Shoryaku-ji Temple was renowned for its exceptional brewing techniques, laying the foundation for modern Japanese sake brewing. Today, the sake Bodai-moto cultivated at Shoryaku-ji Temple is taken back to various breweries in Nara affiliated with the "Nara Prefecture Bodai-moto Sake Brewing Research Association," where it is used to produce a variety of sake.

At the festival, you can not only observe the sake Bodai-moto cultivation process but also sample and purchase Bodai-moto sake brewed by different breweries. (Fee applies)

Located in a valley and famous for its autumn foliage, Shoryaku-ji Temple provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the cold month of January. Come and experience the fascinating process of sake Bodai-moto cultivation, and enjoy a variety of sake.

■Date: January 11, 2025
■Location: Shoryaku-ji Temple (157 Bodaisen-cho, Nara City)
■Transportation: Direct buses will run from JR Nara Station and Kintetsu Nara Station to Shoryaku-ji Temple on the day of the festival.
■Official Website: http://shoryakuji.jp/



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

09/01/2025

Calling all deer lovers! The heartwarming "Winter Horn Calling Deer" event is back!

This unique and world-renowned animal interaction is a must-see attraction in Nara. Every Saturday, Sunday, and public holiday from now until the end of February, starting at 10:00 AM, you can witness the spectacle of deer running towards the sound of a French horn at Nara Park's Tobihino. No reservations are required, simply head to the venue.

Here's what to expect:

Learn about Nara's deer from the Nara Deer Preservation Foundation.
・Enjoy the powerful sound of a French horn.
・Watch in amazement as herds of deer come running from all directions.
・Feed the deer chestnuts.
・Take photos and create lasting memories.
Join us in Nara this winter and experience the thrill of seeing deer sprint towards you!

■Location: Tobihino, Nara Park
■Time: Every Saturday, Sunday, and public holiday until the end of February, 10:00 AM (approximately 15 minutes). Closed on January 1st, 25th, and 26th.
■Access: Take the city loop bus (outer loop) from Kintetsu Nara Station or JR Nara Station and get off at "Kasuga Taisha Omotesando" bus stop.



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

08/01/2025

Happy New Year!

Wishing you a bright and hopeful year in 2025.
The Nara City Tourism Association will continue to introduce the charm of Nara from various perspectives this year as well.
Thank you for your continued support.

16/12/2024

Calling all Nara winter wanderers!
Get ready to explore the charming alleys of Naramachi and Kitamachi. ”Strolling through the alleyways Naramachi/Kitamachi 2025" kicking off on January 4th!

This special winter campaign (running until February 28th) offers unique experiences you won't want to miss:

【Naramachi and Kitamachi】
Naramachi and Kitamachi are both historic districts in Nara, offering unique experiences. Naramachi is more bustling and commercial, with a wider variety of shops and restaurants. Kitamachi, on the other hand, provides a more tranquil atmosphere and is ideal for those seeking a quieter experience. Both districts offer a glimpse into Nara's rich history and culture, and visitors can enjoy strolling through their traditional streets, discovering hidden temples, and experiencing the local way of life.

■Collect limited-edition red seal stamps on special tours!
■Embark on guided visits to hidden temples.（Conducted in Japanese only）
■Indulge in a delectable Nara strawberry sweets crawl.

Soak up the winter vibes and discover Nara's hidden gems! ‍

➡️ Learn more and plan your Nara winter adventure here: https://narashikanko.or.jp/fuyunara/ (Japanese only)

(Image: Majestic Standing Amida Nyorai statue at Kozenji Temple in Nara City. Photographed by Kosuke Sasaki)



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

14/12/2024

I would like to introduce Nara's year-end festival, Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri.
Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri is a grand festival held every year at Wakamiya Shrine located on the grounds of Kasuga Grand Shrine.

It was organized by Tadamichi Fujiwara in 1136 A.D. during the Heian period (794-1185) to pray for the peace of the nation, the people, and has been held annually until the 889th (this year).

The festival features dedicated performing arts such as Kagura, Maiko, Dengaku, and Sarugaku, as well as a solemn dedication ritual held late at night. It was designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan in 1979, and has been handed down from generation to generation as a traditional Japanese culture.

On the 17th, at 12:00 p.m., Wakamiya-no-Omikami is moved to the Imperial Palace, and the mysterious “Senko-no-gi” ceremony strikes people's hearts.

At noon on the 17th, about 1,000 people, including Shinto priests, shoguns, and court nobles from the Heian and Edo periods, will parade in front of Nara Station in costumes and on horses in the “Owarishiki,” and at 2:30 pm, a festival to pray for the prosperity of the country and the happiness of people will be held at the Gobyo, with the festival continuing late into the night. This solemn and grand historical festival is open to everyone.
(Photo courtesy of Kasuga Taisha Shrine; photo by Yoshihiro Matsui)

■Date: December 15 to 18.
■Venue:Kasuga Taisha Shrine (160 Kasugano-cho, Nara City).
■Access:Get off at Nara Station on the Kintetsu Nara Line or JR Yamato Line.
■Official website: http://www.kasugataisha.or.jp

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

13/12/2024

Hello everyone, as winter slowly embraces Nara, I'd like to introduce you to Mizutani Chaya, a charming teahouse nestled within Nara Park.

With a history spanning over a century, Mizutani Chaya is located at the entrance of the north approach to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, just south of the vibrant Wakakusa Yamash*ta shopping street. Under the majestic canopy of a huge maple tree, you can savor traditional Japanese sweets and snacks while enjoying the serene beauty of the surroundings. Keep an eye out for the friendly deer that often grace the area.

If you're planning a visit to Nara Park this week, I highly recommend stopping by Mizutani Chaya, even for a brief moment.(Photo taken on Dec. 11, 2024)

■Address: 30 Kasugano-cho, Nara City
■Access: Take the Nara Kotsu Bus from Kintetsu Nara Station or JR Nara Station, alight at the Kasuga Taisha Honten-mae bus stop, and walk north for approximately 5 minutes.



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

10/12/2024

Enjoy maple trees in the Kasuga-yama Primeval Forest, a World Heritage Site located right next to Nara Park.

The primeval forest's diverse tree species, combined with its mountainous terrain and shorter daylight hours, create a stunning autumnal display of red, yellow, and orange maple trees, even in mid to late December. It is one of the few places in Kansai where visitors can appreciate maple trees in late December.

The Kasuga-yama Primeval Forest, registered as a World Heritage site, covers an area of about 250 hectares and rises about 498 meters above sea level. Since ancient times, the forest has been revered as a sacred mountain and a mountain where gods dwell, and logging and hunting have been banned.

In the primitive forest, water gurgles through the valley, huge trees stand in the forest, stone Buddhas protect travelers, and the forest shows its seasonal changes.

The forest road is about 9.4 km long, and you can choose a route according to your stamina and time. The shortest route ends at Wakakusa Mountain, and takes about 2 to 3 hours to ascend and descend, while the furthest takes a full day to reach Yanagi-dori.

I recommend this tour to my friends who love nature and the pristine mountains and forests in autumn.

■Kasugayama Primeval Forest: Kasugano-cho, Nara City
■Access: Take Nara Kotsu Bus from Nara Station or JR Nara Station, get off at Kasuga Taisha Honten bus stop, and walk 5 minutes to the trailhead.

09/12/2024

Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the 889th Kasuga Wakamiya On-matsuri, a captivating annual event held in Nara.

Experience the "Tameshi no Gi" ceremony up close, a unique ritual where the various processions for the grand "Owatari-shiki" are inspected by Shinto priests from Kasuga Taisha before commencing their journey. Enjoy live commentary as you witness this sacred tradition.

What to expect:
・A chance to see the colorful and elaborate processions up close.
・Live commentary explaining the significance of each procession.
・A glimpse into the rich history and spiritual traditions of Kasuga Taisha.

■Date: Dec 17th, 2024
■Viewing Time: Approximately 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
■Fee: 2,000 yen (includes a disposable hand warmer)
■Address:Nobori Oji, Nara City (5 minutes walk from Kintetsu Nara Station)

※Same-day tickets can be purchased in cash at the venue.
※All seats are on a first-come, first-served basis. Contents are subject to change without notice.



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

06/12/2024

Have you bought the limited edition 12 zodiac clay bells at Todai-ji Temple yet? Great Buddha Hall and Nigatsu-do Hall in Todai-ji Temple have released their limited-edition lucky clay bells for the Year of the Snake! These limited-edition bells are always popular, so they sell out quickly. If you're planning a trip to Todai-ji Temple, be sure to pick up one of these as a souvenir! You won't regret it.



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

02/12/2024

The Juko Tea Ceremony, which marked its 10th anniversary this past February, is set to begin its 11th year with events held at various locations throughout Nara City, including eight historic temples and shrines. To welcome our international visitors, we will be hosting a special event titled "Real TEA time in Japan-Matcha and Sencha" on February 2nd, offering a tea ceremony experience tailored for foreign tourists. Please be sure to submit your application through the online form. Seating is limited, so early application is recommended.

※Juko was a tea master who founded the "Wabi-sabi" tea ceremony.

We invite you to visit Nara this winter and experience the beautiful winter scenery where history and nature intertwine.

《Juko Tea Gathering 11th. "Real TEA time in Japan-Matcha and Sencha" for international visitors》
●Date: February 2, 2025
●Registration Fees: ¥3,000（include 2 Japanese sweets）
●Participant: Limited to 30 people Available on that day
●Payment: Cashless only
●Start Time（open 4 times on that day as follows）
①10:00- ②11:30- ③13:00- ④14:30- approximately 70 minutes
●Place: Naramachi Nigiwai-no-Ie
The traditional Japanese house, a cultural property in nation
（address: 5 Nakanoshinya-cho, Nara 630-8333, Japan）
●Access:The location is 13minutes by walk from Kintestu Nara station, and 20minutes from JR Nara station.
●Reservation Phone Number: 050-1721-8957（English available)
●Reservation：https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfd8iZYoxJanWjI2XXzmii7uaAjnmma8xT4L5sZD2gjZzVmsw/viewform
●Pamphlethttps://jukotea.jp/core/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/pamphlet.pdf
●Official website: http://shoryakuji.jp

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

「奈良大茶会 第十回珠光茶会」（令和6年2月6日～2月12日）の公式ホームページです。珠光誕生の地である奈良の魅力を、茶の湯を通して発信していきたいという想いから立ち上げた珠光茶会です。

29/11/2024

Get ready to cheer on the runners at the Nara Marathon 2024! ‍

Witness the incredible feats of athletes as they race through the historic Heijo Palace ruins and other stunning locations in Nara. Let's come together to support all the runners!

Date:Dec 7 and 8,2024
Official website:https://www.nara-marathon.jp/lang/en/

「Nara Marathon 2024」Official WEB SITE

28/11/2024

Hello everyone! A stroll through Nara Park in the autumn offers breathtaking views at every turn, making it a truly magical experience, even without a map.

As one of Kansai's premier autumn destinations, Nara Park spans approximately 660 hectares and is home to ancient trees, world heritage sites such as Todai-ji Temple, Kasugataisha Shrine, and Kofuku-ji Temple. The thousand-year-old temples are beautifully adorned with autumn foliage, providing a picturesque backdrop for photos with the park's many deer.

Access: A 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station or a 20-minute walk from JR Nara Station.

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

28/11/2024

Let's return to Mount Wakakusa before closing time to fully enjoy the autumn scenery!

The trees in Kasugayama Primeval Forest, adjacent to Mount Wakakusa, are gradually changing color, creating a stunning autumn foliage.

Please note that Mount Wakakusa will close at 5:00 PM on December 8th. For those planning to visit after December 9th, we recommend using the Kasugayama Primeval Forest walking trail.

Mount Wakakusa is 342 meters above sea level. The round trip takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Nara Park is located just below the mountain. After exploring Nara Park, if you still have energy, we encourage you to climb the mountain and experience the serene beauty of different altitudes.

■Access: Take the Kintetsu Nara Line or JR Yamatoji Line to "Nara Station," then transfer to the "City Loop Bus" and get off at "Kasuga Taisha-mae." The entrance to the mountain is about a 10-minute walk from there. Alternatively, you can take the "Circular Bus (Gurutto Bus)" and get off at "Wakakusayama-sh*ta."

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

26/11/2024

Discover a Hidden Gem: Shoryaku-ji Temple in Nara
Shoryaku-ji Temple, founded in 992 by the order of Emperor Ichijo, is a historic temple nestled in the mountains of Nara, Japan. Once a powerful national temple with over 860 sub-temples, it is now the head temple of the Bodhi Mandala Shingon sect.

A Tapestry of Autumn Colors
What truly sets Shoryaku-ji apart is its breathtaking autumn foliage. With over 3,000 maple and ginkgo trees, the temple grounds transform into a vibrant canvas of golds, reds, and oranges during the peak foliage season, earning it the poetic name "Village of Brocade." The contrast of the fiery autumn hues against the lush greenery of the surrounding mountains is a sight to behold.

The Birthplace of Japanese Sake
Beyond its natural beauty, Shoryaku-ji also holds a significant place in Japanese history as the birthplace of modern sake brewing. For over a millennium, the temple has been home to the traditional sake brewing process, and today, seven local breweries continue this tradition by using the sake yeast cultivated at Shoryaku-ji. Visitors can purchase these unique sakes at the temple's Fukujuin.

Accessibility and Best Time to Visit
Shoryaku-ji is easily accessible by direct bus from Nara Station. The peak foliage season typically falls between mid-November and early December, making it the ideal time to experience the temple's stunning autumn colors.

Shoryaku-ji
■Address:157 Bodaiyama-cho, Nara City
■Access: Take a Nara Kotsu bus bound for Shoryaku-ji from either JR Nara Station (West Exit, platform 16) or Kintetsu Nara Station (platform 3). The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
■Opening hours: 9:00 - 16:00
■Parking: Available
■Bus timetable: https://www.narakotsu.co.jp/temporary/autumn_shoryakuj/
■Official website: http://shoryakuji.jp

※This English text has been generated based on machine translation.
※Photo by 療癒之旅＠奈良

22/11/2024

＼Exploring Japanese Gardens Adorned with Lush Moss／
This garden was created on the site of Manishuin, the pagoda of Kofukuji Temple. It features a Japanese garden and a detached teahouse, and is beautifully adorned with cedar moss.

The garden is divided into three main areas: the “Pond Garden” (Ikeno-niwa), the “Moss Garden” (Koke-no-niwa), and the “Garden of Tea Flowers” (Chabana-no-niwa).

The Pond Garden is located immediately after entering the reception area, in front of the main building, where you can find a pond with carp swimming leisurely. After climbing the stairs, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Pond Garden from a pavilion situated on a small hill. As you continue through the Pond Garden, you will arrive at the Moss Garden. This area is covered with a carpet of moss meticulously cultivated by the staff, and it is especially beautiful the day after a rain. Finally, the garden leads to the Garden of Tea Flowers.

The garden also features a tea ceremony room that can be rented for tea ceremonies. In the fall, the view is particularly spectacular when combined with the autumn leaves.

Note：Normally, you cannot enter the buildings in the garden.

What is Chabana?
Chabana refers to flowers arranged in the tea ceremony room. In the tea ceremony, wildflowers picked from nature are often used instead of elaborate floral arrangements. These wildflowers are usually in bud form or just about to bloom, reflecting the tea ceremony's appreciation for the beauty found in imperfection.

【Yoshikien】
■Address: 60-1 Noborioji-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, 630-8213
■Access 10-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station.
　　　　 3-minute walk from the Kencho Higashi bus stop on the city circulation bus.
■Official website: Yoshijoen website: https://www.pref.nara.jp/39910.htm
■Opening hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (Last entry by 16:30)
■Closed: February 24-28
■Parking: None

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

15/11/2024

Nara's autumn foliage is slowly but surely making an appearance! While it's still early days, the trees are starting to show their fall colors.

Captured these beautiful colors in Nara Park, Ukimido and Yoshikien 14th Nov.

Can't wait for peak season!

30/10/2024

＼Special Night Visit to the Hakuhō Garan at Yakushiji Temple✨／
The event "Autumn Nights in Nara 2024" will take place every Friday and Saturday from November 1 to November 30, as well as on November 3, allowing you to enjoy the charm of the ancient capital in autumn evenings. (*Night visit dates vary depending on the temple and shrine.)

At the World Heritage site Yakushiji Temple, a special night visit to the Hakuhō Garan will be held. You’ll have the opportunity to view the Kondō (Main Hall), home to the Yakushi Triad (National Treasure), as well as the East and West Pagodas (both National Treasures), with the first-floor doors opened to allow a glimpse inside.

Yakushiji Temple "Special Night Visit to the Hakuhō Garan"
■ Dates: November 2 and 3
■ Time: 5:30PM–8:00PM (Gates temporarily close at 5:00PM; final admission at 7:45PM)
■ Admission for Night Visit: 1,000 yen

Goshuin (temple stamps) will be available until 8:00PM.
No reservation required
Photo: Yakushiji Temple Kondō

For more details on access and other information, visit 👉
https://narashikanko.or.jp/event/yakushiji-yakansanpai/

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