NaraExplorer
Up-to-date and essential English tourist information about Nara for international visitors
Nara Explorer is Nara's first and only English tourist magazine.
Our inaugual first issue will be published in June.
For further information,click here.
Interesting and Amusing Museums
What’s on in Nara this month?
- Nara Municipal Museum of Photography
- this museum is dedicated to the photographic works of the late Irie Taikichi (1905-1994). Internationally-acclaimed architect Kisho Kurokawa designed the modern museum building
- until 6/29: Ancient Road of Nara: Saho and Nishinokyo; July 5-Sep. 28: Roads in Nara: 500 yen; open: 9:00-17:00; closed Mon.; Tel: 0742-22-9811; www1.kcn.ne.jp/~naracmp/
- Kagura Music and Dance Exhibition at Kasuga Shrine Treasury House
- kagura is a traditional dance dedicated to the Gods. Costumes, masks, music instruments and paintings related to the shrine’s special kagura are displayed; 420 yen; open: 8:30-17:00; closed irregularly; Tel: 0742-22-9811.
- Nara National Museum
- located in the heart of the park, the Nara National Museum is a treasure-trove of Asian art, including an extraordinary collection of Buddhist sculpture, paintings, scrolls, calligraphy, and archaeological objects; 6/14-7/21: Horyu-ji Temple Kon-do Hall Exhibition; 8/1-9/28: Prayers and Beauty of Kannon Holly Site; 1,200 yen; open: 9:30-17:00 (until 19:00 on Fri.); closed Mon.; Tel: 0742-22-7771; www.narahaku.go.jp/index.html
- Naramachi Museum
- an interesting private museum where visitors can look at the interior of a traditional Nara townhouse with old furniture, daily tools, documents about local culture, etc. as well as Buddhist statues. Only open Sat., Sun. and holiday: 10:00-16:00; free; Tel: 0742-22-5509.
- Asuka Historical National Park Museum
- whole area of Asuka and its historical sites are introduced with large panels. Other interesting facilities are available; open: 9:30-17:00; closed Dec. 29-Jan. 3; free; Tel: 0744-54-2441; www.asuka-park.go.jp; see pg 12 for access details.
- Yoshino-yama Visitor Center
- a variety of information and displays about Yoshino; 200 yen; open: 9:00-17:00; closed irregularly; Tel: 0746-32-8014; take ropeway from Kintetsu Yoshino Sta. and walk about 15 min.; see pg 12 for access details.
