Travel back into the time 1,300 years ago! 2 photogenic historical spots in Nara

Nara prefecture is visited by lots of tourists from in and out of Japan. Many old wooden buildings stand in a row along streets, and there are temples and shrine with a stately atmosphere such as Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Grand Shrine. Just walking around here, you feel as if you are traveling in the era more than 1,000 years ago when the Japanese capital was in Nara. Why not stroll Nara to find spots full of quaint atmosphere?

This time, we’re going to introduce an event held near Hotel Fujita Nara in February and our recommended spots.

A world heritage embraced by fantastic lights -“Setsubun Lantern Festival”

Kasuga Grand Shrine is located in Nara Park, a world heritage mecca. It was built 1,300 years ago to protect Heijokyo (the capital of Japan in the 8th Century), and now, this shrine registered as World Heritage is one of popular tourist spots. In addition, there are more lanterns than any other shrines in Japan. The number of lanterns is 3,000. Way more than we expected, eh? If you want to see a stunning view created by these lanterns, you should attend “Setsubun Lantern Festival” held on Setsubun day  (the day that marks the end of Winter and beginning of Spring) in February every year. When it’s turned around 6:00PM, all of lanterns will be lit at once. Please have a closer look at each lantern because their patterns vary one by one!

“Nara Palace Site Historical Park” where you can feel history by seeing and touching

“Nara Palace Site Historical Park” is a national park that was just opened in March 2018. Part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara World Heritage site, this park has a history museum and souvenir shop, cafe, restaurant, restored buildings and so on. In particular, 3 faithfully reproduced buildings will touch your heart: ‘Daiichiji Daigokuden’ where important national ceremonies such as the emperor enthronement ceremony were taken place, ‘Suzaku-mon Gate,’ ‘Kentoshi Envoy Ship.’ Let’s feel history of Nara by entering and touching these buildings!