First held in the year 752, this event has been held every year without fail for over 1260 years!
Held by the temple’s monks in front of Nigatsu-do’s figure of the Eleven-Headed Kannon, the temple’s idol, the event exists to repent for the everyday sins of humanity and wish for everyone’s happiness.
This tradition is so old and familiar to the people of Nara that it is said that spring comes to Nara after Shuni-e ends.

The Wakakusa Yamayaki is an event where the 342-meter-high Mt. Wakakusa that overlooks Nara City is lit on fire.
This is a Shinto ritual meant to calm the spirits inhabiting the keyhole-shaped tumulus on the mountain’s summit.
After around 600 fireworks are launched, 33 hectares of grasslands on the mountain are set aflame.
The dynamic scene that unfolds is almost like watching a forest fire. The winter night sky is dyed red, and the view of the entirety of the mountain lit up is magnificent.

The Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri is held at Wakamiya Shrine, an auxiliary site of Kasuga Grand Shrine. It is a grand festival, held to pray for bountiful crops and comfortable lives. Presently the event begins in July, and the main ritual is held from December 15th through 18th.

I heard that a place said to have “Japan’s greatest evening view” existed in Nara Prefecture’s “Soni Village,” and I had to visit right away!

This time we will be introducing Oak Hostel Nara, located just 1 minute on foot from Kintetsu Nara Station. It’s in an optimal location for sightseeing, close to both Nara Park and Kasuga Grand Shrine. Alright, let’s enjoy Nara!

Nara is a historical prefecture that lies between Osaka and Kyoto. This time, we would like to present you videos that show the charms of the place.

Horyuji Temple is the oldest wooden building in the world.

This month’s cover story, titled “Delectable cuisine from Western Japan,” will tell you all you need to know about eating in Kansai.