Visit Nara

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.

30/10/2024

Calling all nature lovers!
Did you know there's a hidden shortcut to the top of Mt. Wakakusa in Nara Park? This 342-meter mountain boasts stunning views, and the climb usually takes about 45-60 minutes.

But for those who prefer a more leisurely ascent (especially families with young children or those who are less mobile), there's a convenient option!

Skip the hike and take the Mt. Wakakusa Summit Bus!

This seasonal service runs every hour from 9:00AM to 4:00PM, on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (excluding December 8th). It operates until December 27th, 2024, so you still have plenty of time to experience it this fall!

As autumn deepens, the slopes of Mt. Wakakusa will transform into a breathtaking tapestry of red, orange, and yellow leaves. Don't miss this chance to witness the mountain's beauty in all its seasonal glory!

For bus stop locations and the full schedule, check out the official website:https://www.narakotsu.co.jp/language/en/

Link to Nara Kotsu bus schedule�https://www.narakotsu.co.jp/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/wakakusa-nishinokyo_01.pdf

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

29/10/2024

Hannya-ji Temple: A Timeless Autumn Haven
Established in 735, Hannya-ji Temple has Japan’s oldest remaining tower gate. Emperor Shomu founded the temple to protect Heijo-kyo, the ancient capital, from evil spirits. Renowned for its charitable work and deep-rooted connection to the bodhisattva Manjushri, the temple has served as a center of learning and spirituality for centuries. Known for its long history of charitable works, Hannya-ji Temple is dedicated to the worship of Monju Bosatsu, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, revered as the savior of the world. In line with Monju Bosatsu's mission of compassion, the temple has historically provided support and relief to those in need, establishing itself as a pioneer of charitable activities in Japan’s history.

The temple enshrines Monju Bosatsu, seated atop a lion statue, as its principal deity. In the past, Hannya-ji was also a significant center for learning, where thousands of monks once studied.

In autumn, the temple is particularly enchanting with its vast fields of cosmos flowers. Known as the “Autumn Cherry Blossom Temple,” it features around 150,000 cosmos plants, with approximately 20 varieties blooming in the depths of the season. We invite you to come and see these “autumn cherry blossoms” and spend a tranquil autumn day while admiring the Buddhist statues..

Hannya Temple
■Address: 221 Bonjicho, Nara City (north side of Todaiji Temple)
■Access:
●Take the Kintetsu Nara Line, get off at Nara Station, and take the bus bound for Aoyama Jutaku (Aoyama Residence) at platform No. 2.
●Take the bus bound for “Aoyama Jutaku” from bus stop No. 1 at the west exit of Nara Station on the JR Yamato Line, and get off at “Hannwakuji” (about 10 minutes).
■Time:9：00AM to 5:00PM（Last entry at 4:30PM）
■Official website: http://www.hannyaji.com/

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

28/10/2024

＼Special Night Visit to the National Treasure Golden Hall at Toshodaiji Temple✨／
The "Autumn Nights in Nara 2024" event, where you can enjoy the charm of the ancient capital on autumn evenings, will be held every Friday and Saturday from November 1 to 30 as well as on November 3. (*The dates for special night visits vary by temple and shrine.)

At the World Heritage site Toshodaiji Temple, a special night visit to the National Treasure Golden Hall will be held. In the Golden Hall, which still retains its original form from the Nara period, you can view the seated statue of the Buddha Rushana, the standing statue of Yakushi Nyorai, and the standing statue of Senju Kannon (all National Treasures). Since nighttime visits are only held a few times a year, this is a rare opportunity.

Toshodaiji Temple "Special Night Visit to the National Treasure Golden Hall"
■Dates: November 2 and 3, 2024
■ Time: 5:30PM–8:00PM (The gates close temporarily at 5:00PM; final admission is at 7:45PM)
■ Admission: 500 yen

Goshuin (temple stamps) will be available until 8:00PM
No reservation is required
※Photo: Toshodaiji Temple Golden Hall

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


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

24/10/2024

Experience a Special Night at Gangō-ji Temple: Nighttime Viewing of the National Treasure Gokurakudo Hall and Illuminated Grounds ✨

As part of the Autumn Nights in Nara 2024 event, held every Friday and Saturday from November 1st to 30th, and also on November 3rd, visitors can enjoy the ancient capital in the evening. At the World Heritage site Gangō-ji Temple, a special nighttime viewing of the National Treasure Gokurakudo Hall (Main Hall) and illuminated grounds will take place.

In addition to the nighttime viewing of the Gokurakudo Hall and illuminated grounds, the usually closed Zen room (also a National Treasure) will be open to the public, allowing visitors to see the large artwork by artist Kokuta Suda illuminated.

Gangō-ji Temple: Nighttime Viewing of the National Treasure Gokurakudo Hall (Main Hall) and Illuminated Grounds
■Dates: November 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd, 29th, and 30th, 2024
■Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (gates close temporarily at 5:00 PM)
■Admission Fee: 500 yen

※Goshuin (temple seal) available until 8:00 PM
※Reservations are not required
[Image: Gangō-ji Temple, Gokurakudo Hall (Main Hall)]

For more details, including access information, please visit https://narashikanko.or.jp/event/gangouji-yakansanpai/

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

17/10/2024

Discover Nara by Night at the Annual Night Market!
Get ready for a fun-filled night in Nara! The 8th "Moichido Yoichi & Konishi Yoichi" night market will be held on October 18th and 19th in Konishi Sakura-dori Shopping Street and Mochidono Center Street, both located near Kintetsu Nara Station.

This annual event, which has been running for 8 years now, transforms the usually quiet streets into a bustling night market filled with food stalls, unique shops, and exciting activities. Enjoy a variety of local delicacies, souvenirs, and hands-on experiences from Nara and surrounding areas. Let's prove that Nara's nightlife is anything but early!

■Place:Konishi Sakura-dori Shopping Street, Mochiidono Center Street
■Dates:October 18 and 19
■Time:About 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
■Access:About 15 min. walk from JR Nara Stn. or near Kintetsu Nara Stn.
※The event period and content are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
※Image courtesy of Yoruichi Executive Committee
For more information (only in Japanese), click here https://yoichi-nara.jimdofree.com/



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

16/10/2024

Experience the Nighttime Beauty of Kofuku-ji Temple!

Join the Autumn Night Nara Trip 2024 event from November 1st to 30th, every Friday, Saturday, and November 3rd, to enjoy the ancient capital of Nara in the evening. As part of this event, the World Heritage site, Kofuku-ji Temple, will be hosting a Special Nighttime Visit of its Chūkon-dō Hall.

Don't miss the limited-edition "Nighttime Visit Cutting Paper Goshuin" (additional fee required).

Admire the magnificent wooden statues of the Four Heavenly Kings (a National Treasure) and the vibrant Hōsō pillars. The hall, reconstructed to its original scale and specifications from the Nara period, offers a breathtaking sight at night.

Kofuku-ji Temple Chūkon-dō Hall Special Nighttime Visit
■Dates: November 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd, 29th, and 30th, 2024
■Time: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM (Doors close temporarily at 5:00 PM. Last entry at 7:45 PM)
■Admission Fee: Adults (including university students) ¥500, Students (junior and high school) ¥300, Children (elementary school) ¥200. Preschoolers are free.
※Goshuin stamps are available until 8:00 PM.
※Reservations are not required.

[Image: Kofuku-ji Temple Chūkon-dō Hall]

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



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

12/10/2024

C'festa Food Festival Comes to Nara Park! ️

The "Nara Food Festival C'festa" will be held at Noboroji Park in Nara Park from October 12th to 20th. Now in its 16th year, this festival celebrates Nara's local ingredients and talented chefs.

Enjoy a variety of delicious treats, including:

Chef's Kitchen: Indulge in gourmet dishes prepared by popular chefs from Nara and beyond.
Chef's Yatai: Savor affordable and delicious bites at these food stalls.
Aozora Pizza: Enjoy freshly baked pizza from a stone oven under the open sky.
New this year! A special premium event featuring popular Nara dishes like ramen and curry will be held on weekends and holidays throughout the festival period.

Experience the largest food festival in Nara, surrounded by lush greenery and savoring dishes made with local ingredients.

Photo courtesy of Nara Food Festival Secretariat. Please note that the photo is from a previous event.

Nara Food Festival C'festa
Noboroji Park, Nara Park (South of Nara Prefectural Government Office)
■Date:October 12th - 20th, 2024
■Time:10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
■Fee:Free admission
■Access:Take a Nara Kotsu Bus (inner city loop) from JR or Kintetsu Nara Station and get off at "Kenchō-mae" (Prefectural Government Office)
*Event details are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
For more information, please visit: http://nara-foodfestival.jp/
C'festa Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nara.foodfestival/



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

奈良食材とシェフの交流を目的とし「奈良グルメ再発見」につながるグルメイベント「シェフェスタ」。緑豊かな公園内で、日替わりシェフのイベント限定料理（シェフズキッチン）や、カフェメニュー･手作りのお弁当が...

12/10/2024

Witness the Traditional Deer Antler Cutting Ceremony!

The ancient "Deer Antler Cutting" ceremony will be held at the Kasuga Taisha Shrine Deer Garden (within Nara Park) from October 12th to 14th.

This tradition, passed down for approximately 350 years since the Edo period, symbolizes the coexistence of deer and people in Nara. Skilled handlers will chase and corner majestic male deer to cut off their antlers, which are then offered to the gods. This is a rare opportunity to witness the thrilling spectacle of the antler cutting ceremony.

Deer Antler Cutting Ceremony
■Place:Kasuga Taisha Shrine Deer Garden (within Nara Park)
■Dates: October 12th, 13th, and 14th, 2024
■Time: 11:45 AM - 3:00 PM (Gates open at 11:15 AM, last entry at 2:30 PM)
*The event will proceed in light rain, but will be canceled in case of severe weather.
*Completely reserved seating, all standing (paid admission)
*Admission fee (same-day tickets only): Adults (junior high school students and older) 1,000 yen, Children (elementary school students) 500 yen

*For more details, please visit https://naradeer.com/event/tsunokiri.html
*Photo shows a past event



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

08/10/2024

Special Nighttime Visit to the National Treasure Main Hall and Thousand-Lantern Illumination at Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Enjoy the ancient capital city under the autumn night sky at , held every Friday and Saturday from 11/1 (Fri.) to 30 (Sat.) and on 11/3 (Sun., national holiday) (specific dates and times for the nighttime visits may vary depending on the shrine or temple). At the World Heritage site of , a special nighttime visit to the National Treasure Main Hall and a thousand-lantern illumination will take place.
Visitors can enjoy a special nighttime visit to the vermilion-lacquered Main Hall (a National Treasure), followed by a breathtaking sight of approximately 1,000 hanging lanterns illuminating the main hall corridor.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine: Special Nighttime Visit to the National Treasure Main Hall and Thousand-Lantern Illumination
■Dates: November 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd (Holiday), and 30th, 2024
■Time: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM (Gates temporarily close at 5:00 PM. Last entry at 7:45 PM)
■Admission Fee: 700 yen
*Goshuin (sacred stamp) available until 8:00 PM
*Reservations are not required

[Image: Thousand-Lantern Illumination at Kasuga Taisha Shrine]
For more details on access and other information, please visit: https://narashikanko.or.jp/event/kasugataisha-yakansanpai/

03/10/2024

**A Music Festival in the Heart of Nara City and Nara Park **
The 9th Kasugano Music Festival will be held on October 6th. Kasuga Taisha, known as the root of various traditional performing arts such as Noh, Bugaku, and Gagaku due to its connection to Shinto rituals, will host an outdoor music festival featuring a diverse range of music. Now in its 9th year, performances will take place at six venues including the Kasuga Taisha grounds (Kurumaya, Tobihino) and Ukiunienji Park in Nara Park.

The 9th Kasugano Music Festival
■Date: 10/6 , 2024
■Time: 10:00-16:30
■Venue: Kasuga-taisha Shrine (Kurumasha and Tobihino), in front of Nara National Museum, Nara Park (Ukigumo Enchi), Himuro Shrine, Nara Park Bus Terminal
■Information: Kintetsu Nara Station, JR Nara Station
■Admission: Free
*There is no parking for event visitors. Please use public transportation to reach the venue.
*The event is subject to change or cancellation without notice.

For more information (Japanese only)
Kasugano Music Festival Official Website▶https://kasuganofes.jp/
Kasugano Music Festival Facebook ▶https://www.facebook.com/kasuganofes/

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

春日大社の「第60次式年造替」を祝して2015年からスタートした奈良の野外音楽フェス。地元アーティストや著名人による奉納演奏、一般参加型の大合奏・大合唱など､奈良駅前から春日大社にかけて、多種多様なステージで...