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.
Winter Event Highlights
What’s on in Nara this month?
- Feb. 1-Mar. 20: Deer Gathering in Tobihino Hill
From 10:00, the sound of a horn will gather the deer in the park (about 15 minutes); No performance on Mon.; map A, C-5, pg 7; Tel: 0742-22-2388 (Nara Deer Protection Associtaion).
- Jan. 28: Mount Wakakusa Fire Ceremony
This is the most popular winter event in Nara. After the spectacular fireworks display at 18:00, the vast field of Mount Wakakusa (33 ha) is set on fire creating a magnificent scene; map A, B-5, pg 7; 150 yen; Tel: 0742-22-0375;- http://www.pref.nara.jp/narakoen/
- Dec. 15-18: Kasuga Wakamiya On-matsuri Festival
This is the most important annual festival of Kasuga Grand Shrine, which commenced in 1136. Dec. 15: Ceremonies are held at 14:30, 16:30, 18:00, at Oshukusho (map A, C-3, pg 6), where shrine maidens serve special tea to visitors; at 17:00, a prayer dedicated to the deity will be offered in the same location; Dec. 17: At 12:00, a colorful procession of people dressed in ancient costumes will parade through the city and Yabusame, acrobatic horse riding, will be performed along the approach to the shrine (map A, C-4, pg 6). From 14:30, after the prayer to the deity, several forms of traditional entertainment will be performed at Otabisho (map A, C-3, pg 6). Dec. 18: From 13:00, Noh drama will be performed on the Otabisho stage; map A, C-5, pg 7; Tel: 0742-22-7788; - http://www.kasugataisha.or.jp/
