In Nara City, known for its UNESCO World Heritage sites and many historical buildings that attract a considerable number of tourists,
Welcome to my blog! Today, I’ll be introducing you to four exclusive summer illumination events taking place right here in Nara City. These events have gained widespread attention on Instagram. While I haven’t personally attended them, I’ve conducted research to provide you with information.
The video I’ve selected from YouTube is right here.
Tourist Attractions and Activities
Throughout the summer months, historical buildings and streets are lit up, revealing a distinctive and captivating sight that contrasts with their usual appearance.
Nara Illumination Promenade
An annual event known as the “Nara Illumination Promenade” takes place. This event involves the illumination of the buildings, causing them to emerge from the darkness.
You can learn more about the event here (Japanese) :
The event spans from mid-July to late September, lasting for approximately two months, running from 7:00 PM (6:00 PM in September) until 10:00 PM.
In 2023, the event takes place at the following nine locations:
- Sarusawa Pond
- Kasuga Taisha Shrine
- Ukimido
- Buddhist Art Resource Research Center
- Todaiji Temple
- Nara National Museum Nara Buddhist Sculpture Hall
- Kofuku-ji Temple
- Yakushiji Temple
- Heijo Palace Ruins
Nara Lantern Festival (Toukae)
This event features the gentle glow of numerous candles, creating a mesmerizing display. In Japan, there is a religious observance known as “Obon,” held on August 15th, and the Nara Lantern Festival takes place exclusively during the 10 days leading up to it. The festival is held annually from August 5th to the 14th, starting at 7:00 PM and concluding at 9:30 PM.
For further details about the event, you can visit their Website. Additionally, you can find information on their Facebook page.
Some of the event locations coincide with the Nara Illumination Promenade, and the event is also hosted at the following nine locations:
- Kasugano Enchi
- Ukigumo Enchi
- Ukimido
- Asajigahara
- Sarusawa Pond
- Kofukuji Temple
- Nara National Museum
- Todaiji Temple
- Kasugataisha Shrine
Ukigumo Enchi and Kasugano Enchi
Ukigumo Enchi and Kasugano Enchi, situated near Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Grand Shrine, offer candlelit pathways across lush lawns.
Asajigahara
At Asajigahara, located just north of Ukimido, numerous candles grace the ground. Bamboo crafts and illuminated lanterns enhance the scene, lending this spot extra radiance.
Ukimido
Ukimido is a floating pavilion atop a pond. Internet articles often commend the spectacle of candles adorning the sprawling lawn. However, the bridge and pathways by the pond tend to get crowded, unlike other places. Opting for a rented boat lets you savor this beautiful view from the water.
Kofukuji Temple
This temple boasts a five-story pagoda. Starting from 2024, the pagoda is scheduled to be temporarily roofed for restoration.
Sarusawa Pond
Candles elegantly line the pond’s periphery, creating a splendid reflection of the temple’s five-story pagoda on the water’s surface.
Todaiji Temple
On the 13th and 14th, Todaiji Temple’s Mirror Pond becomes part of the event. Given that Todaiji Temple already hosts an illumination event during this period, it joins forces with the Nara Lantern Festival.
Kasuga Grand Shrine
On the 14th, the approach to Kasuga Grand Shrine becomes a venue. Similar to Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Grand Shrine also illuminates during this time, uniting with the Nara Lantern Festival.
Naramachi Yūhō
In late August (from August 17th to 27th in 2023), locals illuminate lanterns along the streets of Naramachi from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Foot traffic is relatively light compared to other events, providing an ideal setting for a tranquil evening stroll.
During this timeframe, the Sarusawa Inwood Deck Information Center sells fox masks (ranging from 500 yen to 1200 yen). Additionally, they offer a hands-on mask-painting event, allowing you to craft a one-of-a-kind mask.
Regrettably, this information is solely available in Japanese. For further particulars, please visit the official website. You can also explore their Facebook page.
Heijo Tempyo Summer Festival
The “Tanabata” festival is a historically significant event that is mentioned in the Manyoshu, an ancient anthology of Japanese poetry. Its origins can be traced back to a celebration held on the 7th day of the 7th month in the lunar calendar (which corresponds to around August in the modern calendar). This event has its roots in the customs observed at Heijokyo Palace during the Nara period.
Tanabata takes the story of two lovers and transforms it into a celestial narrative, where they reunite once a year by crossing the Milky Way. This Tanabata theme comes to life through the “Tenpyo Festival,” which is hosted at the Former Site of Heijokyo Imperial Palace, the former capital of the Nara period.
This event takes place at the Heijokyo Palace Site and Suzakumon Square in mid-August (specifically, from August 18th to 20th in 2023), running from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Budget and Transportation Tips
Given that the event concludes at 10:00 PM, it allows ample time for those staying in accommodations in Kyoto or Osaka to travel by train. However, please be aware that the return journey could be crowded due to the high number of attendees. As a precaution, it’s advisable to purchase your train tickets beforehand.
Even during the Nara Lantern Festival period, many restaurants maintain their regular business hours. As a result, you might want to consider having a meal before the event kicks off or indulging in the offerings from the evening stalls along the path leading to Todaiji Temple.
If you’re interested in renting a boat at Ukimido during the daytime, the cost is approximately 1000 yen for a 30-minute rental.
Other Information
For details about transportation, dining guides, accommodations, and weather guides, please visit the dedicated Todaiji Temple page on this website.
