How to spend your time Aotani Yoshinara
Aotani Yoshi, Summer in Nara
A leisurely summer in the ancient capital
Nara hosts a variety of events throughout the year.
Summer is packed with events and activities that evoke the unique atmosphere of Nara, including illuminations.
I've selected places that you can visit during the cooler morning and evening hours.
A summer tradition! Deer and horns
Summer Deer Gathering / Tobihino
The "deer gathering" is a traditional event that has been held in Nara Park for over 100 years.
When the natural horn is played, deer are attracted by the sound and gather around. The sight of them all running towards it at once is spectacular, and the spectators cheer.
This event allows you to enjoy the scenery of Nara amidst a vast expanse of greenery.
[Period] Every Saturday, Sunday, and public holiday from late July to late August (Please check the Nara Deer Preservation Foundation website for details)
[Location] Tobihino within the grounds of Kasuga Taisha Shrine (Nara Park)
[Time] 9:00 AM (approximately 15 minutes)
[Access] Approximately 10 minutes on foot from the hotel.
The deer that gather are rewarded with acorns.
Thousands of lanterns lit on a midsummer night
Nakamoto Mantoro Fishing Lantern/Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Within the grounds of Kasuga Taisha Shrine, there are as many as 3,000 lanterns. These were donated by nobles, samurai, and commoners from the Heian period to the present day, and all of them are lit on the nights of Setsubun (the day before the beginning of spring) and August 14th and 15th. The corridors lined with neatly arranged stone lanterns and hanging lanterns are of an indescribable beauty.
[Period] 8/14-15
[Location] Kasuga Taisha Shrine
[Time] Please see the schedule below.
[Access] 7 minutes by car from the hotel, approximately 20 minutes on foot.
schedule
8/14 19:00 All lanterns will be lit.
21:30 Gates closed
8/15 Same as above
*Special admission to the corridor costs 500 yen per person.
Don't miss it! A truly moving moment.
Nara Tokae Lantern Festival / Nara Park
This is a magical light event that illuminates the night in the ancient capital. 20,000 candles will light up beautifully at 10 locations throughout Nara Park. Anyone can participate in the "One Guest, One Lamp" event, where you light a candle with a prayer. Create an unforgettable moment on a Nara night.
[Period] August 5th to 14th (Varies by area)
[Location] 10 areas within Nara Park
[Time] Lights on from 19:00 to 21:45
[Access] Approximately 10-20 minutes on foot from the hotel (may vary depending on the venue)
[Organizer] NPO Nara Tokae
Illumination area
Ukigumo Park, Asajigahara, Ukimido Pavilion, Sarusawa Pond, Yume ~I・RA・KA~, Kofuku-ji Temple, in front of Nara National Museum, Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kasugano Park
The illumination period varies by area. Nara Tokae Official Website Please take a look.
For those who wish to have one lamp per person
Please come directly to the Ukigumo Park venue during the event period.
Reception hours: 19:00 - 21:15
Donation: 500 yen per person (includes a commemorative gift)
Organizer: NPO Nara Tokae
July/August/September Event Schedule
Summer long-term events
Mid-July to late September: Illuminated Promenade / Nara Park area
Weekends and holidays from late July to late August: Summer Deer Gathering / Tobihino area within the grounds of Kasuga Taisha Shrine (within Nara Park)
Late July, early August: Naramachi Night Culture "Midsummer Ghost Stories" / Gangoji Temple National Treasure Zen Room
July
| 7th | Benzaiten Offering / Kofuku-ji Temple |
|---|---|
| 17th | Renge-e Ceremony / Hokke-ji Temple |
| 23rd | Jizo Bon Festival / Jurin-in Temple |
| 28th | Removal Ceremony / Todai-ji Temple Great Buddha Hall |
August
| 5-14 days | Nara Lantern Festival / Nara Park area |
|---|---|
| 7th | Wiping the Great Buddha / Todai-ji Temple Great Buddha Hall |
| 14th-15th | Nakamoto Mantoro/Kasuga Taisha Shrine |
| 15th | Nara Daimonji Bonfire Festival / Tobihino and Takamadoyama within the grounds of Kasuga Taisha Shrine |
| 15th | Lantern Offering Ceremony / Todai-ji Temple Great Buddha Hall |
| 23rd-24th | Jizo-e Lantern Offering Ceremony / Gangoji Temple |
September
| 15th | Uneme Festival / Uneme Shrine (Kasuga Taisha) |
|---|---|
| 17th | Seventeenth Night Bon Dance / Todai-ji Temple Nigatsu-do Hall |
| 19th | Memorial service for Prince Shiki / Byakugo-ji Temple |
Light-up promenade
World Heritage sites and historical buildings, including the five-story pagoda of Kofuku-ji Temple and the Great Buddha Hall of Todai-ji Temple, will be illuminated.
Spend an evening immersed in Nara's 1300-year history.
[Buildings that are lit up]
Todai-ji Temple (Great Buddha Hall, Middle Gate, South Gate), Nara National Museum, Buddhist Art Research Center, Nara National Museum Nara Buddhist Sculpture Hall, Kasuga Taisha Shrine's First Torii Gate, Ukimido Pavilion, Kofuku-ji Temple Five-Storied Pagoda, Sarusawa Pond, Heijo Palace Site Suzaku Gate, Heijo Palace Site Daigokuden Hall, Yakushi-ji Temple
Nara Daimonji Bonfire / Wakakusa Mountain
This is a fire festival to commemorate those who died in war and to pray for world peace.
The fire pit used to create the character "大" (dai) is one of the largest in Japan, with the first stroke measuring 109m, the second 164m, and the third 128m. It can be viewed from various locations throughout the city.
Nigatsudo Bon Odori Dance Festival / Todai-ji Temple Nigatsudo
The 17th of every month is a special day for Kannon (Goddess of Mercy), and the 17th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar is especially known as "Jushichiya" (Seventeenth Night). The "Jushichiya Bon Odori" (Seventeenth Night Bon Dance) at Nigatsudo Temple was revived in 1993. On the day of the festival, about 500 lanterns are placed around the main hall, and the temple is beautifully and solemnly illuminated by their light. Everyone is welcome to participate in the Bon Odori.
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