UNESCO World Heritage Historical Monuments of Ancient Nara

Commemoration of the 25 th anniversary of UNESCO World Heritage Historical Monuments of Ancient Nara

Commemorative Events

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"Nara's Cultural Treasures"
World Heritage Site 25th Anniversary Commemorative Events are in abundance.

  • "Nara Autumn Night Event- Syuya no Naratabi 2023"

    "Nara Autumn Night Event- Syuya no Naratabi 2023"

    An event to fully enjoy the deepening autumn nights, "Nara Autumn Night Event- Syuya no Naratabi 2023," will take place every Friday and Saturday in November. In addition to special nighttime visits to the World Heritage sites such as Todaiji Temple, Kasugataisha Shrine, Kohfukuji Temple, Gangoji Temple, Toshodaiji Temple, and Yakushiji Temple, there will be the Nara Wakakusayama Twilight and Nightscape Bus taking visitors to the summit of Mount Wakakusa to witness beautiful evening and night views.

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  • 'Winter Sake of Nara' Available with World Heritage 25th Anniversary Commemorative Labels

    "Winter Sake of Nara"
    Available with World Heritage 25th Anniversary Commemorative Labels

    The brands of Nara's various sake breweries, such as "Masuhira," "Toyohagi," "Harushika," "Ume no Yado," and "Shōjō," offer products for sale every winter with a common label. This allows for various ways of enjoyment, such as comparing flavors and enjoying it warm or chilled. This year, in celebration of the 25th anniversary of World Heritage registration, these products will be available with special World Heritage labels.

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  • Exploring World Heritage Sites with Digital Reproduction of Historical Maps

    Exploring World Heritage Sites with Digital Reproduction of Historical Maps

    Using digital historical maps to replicate the Edo period (around 1700), the smartphone app 'Sumakochi' (Ancient Map on Smartphone) enables easy comparison between modern and historical maps on your phone. With GPS functionality, you can accurately pinpoint your location and it serves as an ideal tool for history enthusiasts and map aficionados exploring the town.

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"Nara Autumn Night Event- Syuya no Naratabi 2023"

Todaiji Temple Great Buddha Hall
Todaiji Temple
Great Buddha Hall
Kasugataisha Shrine Lighting of Thousands of Lanterns Image
Kasugataisha Shrine
Lighting of Thousands
of Lanterns Image
Kohfukuji Temple Central Golden Hall
Kohfukuji Temple
Central Golden Hall
Gangoji Temple Main Hall
Gangoji Temple
Main Hall
Toshodaiji Temple Golden Hall
Toshodaiji Temple
Golden Hall
Yakushiji Temple Xuang Zang Padoda
Yakushiji Temple
Xuang Zang Padoda

*The photograph is an image.
It may differ from the actual appearance.

Autumn Night Nara Journey 2023

An event to fully enjoy the deepening autumn nights, "Nara Autumn Night Event- Syuya no Naratabi 2023," will take place every Friday and Saturday in November. In addition to special nighttime visits to the World Heritage sites such as Todaiji Temple, Kasugataisha Shrine, Kohfukuji Temple, Gangoji Temple, Toshodaiji Temple, and Yakushiji Temple, there will be the Nara Wakakusayama Twilight and Nightscape Bus taking visitors to the summit of Mount Wakakusa to witness beautiful evening and night views.

*The photograph is an image.

If the timing aligns, there might also be a chance for capturing photos of deer and the sunset.

Autumn Night Nara Journey 2023 Overview

*Details will be released around mid-September

Duration:
From November 3rd (Friday, holiday) to November 25th (Saturday), every Friday and Saturday *Some Saturdays only
Organized by:
Nara City Tourism Association
[Special Nighttime Visits to 6 World Heritage Temples and Shrines] *No reservations required for any of the events

◇Held on Fridays and Saturdays during the event period

●Todaiji Temple
Special Nighttime Visit to the National Treasure Hall of the Great Buddha
●Kohfukuji Temple
Special Nighttime Visit to the Middle Golden Hall
●Gangoji Temple
Special Nighttime Visit to the National Treasure Kondō (Main Hall) and Temple Grounds Illumination, among others

◇Held on Saturdays during the event period

●Kasugataisha Shrine
Special Nighttime Visit to the National Treasure Main Hall and Special Lighting of Thousands of Lanterns
●Toshodaiji Temple
Special Nighttime Visit to the National Treasure Kondō (Golden Hall)
●Yakushiji Temple
Special Opening of the Gangoji Institute for Empirical Research on the Transmission of the Dharma and Hirayama Ikuo's Great Tang Dynasty Western Regions Wall Paintings
[Nara Wakakusayama Twilight & Night Scenery Viewing Bus]

◇Operates on Saturdays during the event period
   ●Departs from JR and Kintetsu Nara Stations
   ●Reservation required

Winter Nara Sake
Available with World Heritage 25th Anniversary Commemorative Labels

Nara Winter Sake

Brands from various sake breweries in Nara, such as 'Masuhira,' 'Toyohagi,' 'Harushika,' 'Ume no Yado,' and 'Shōjō,' are products that are sold annually during the winter season with a common label. This allows for various tasting experiences, including comparison tastings and enjoying it warm or chilled. This year, in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of World Heritage registration, these products will be available with special World Heritage labels.

Price: 1,188 yen each (tax included)
Release Date: October 15, 2023 (Sunday)

  • NARA-KASUGAYAMA SHUZOU(Nara City)Masuhira Junmai-Daiginjo

    Masuhira
    Junmai-Daiginjo
    NARA-
    KASUGAYAMA
    SHUZOU
    (Nara City)

  • NARA-TOYOSAWASHUZOU(Nara City)Toyohagi Junmai-Daiginjo

    Toyohagi
    Junmai-Daiginjo
    NARA-
    TOYOSAWA
    SHUZOU
    (Nara City)

  • S.IMANISHI(Nara City)Harushika Junmai-Daiginjo

    Harushika
    Junmai-Daiginjo
    S.IMANISHI
    (Nara City)

  • UMENOYADO BREWERY(Nara City)Ume no Yado Junmai-Daiginjo


    Ume no Yado
    Junmai-Daiginjo
    UMENOYADO
    BREWERY
    (Nara City)

  • KITAMURA SYUZO(Nara City)Shōjō Junmai-Daiginjo


    Shōjō
    Junmai-Daiginjo
    KITAMURA
    SYUZO
    (Nara City)

Nara Sparkling Sake Highball

The 'Nara Sparkling Sake Highball,' organized by the Nara City Tourism Association, Nara City Restaurant Association, and the Committee for Toasting with Ancient Capital Alcohol, is a highball cocktail made by mixing Nara's local sake with carbonated beverages. It offers a refreshing way to enjoy Japanese sake.
Even those unfamiliar with sake will find it easy to enjoy the taste. It is available at hotels, restaurants, and bars within Nara city.

Exploring World Heritage Sites with Digital Reproduction of Historical Maps

Nara's Historical Maps on Your Smartphone: Journeying through the Edo Period (circa 1700) with Digital Reproduction
Using the digital historical map app 'Sumakochi,' which reproduces the Edo period (around 1700), you can easily compare modern maps and historical maps on your smartphone. The GPS function allows you to accurately locate yourself, making it an ideal tool for history enthusiasts and map lovers exploring the city.
Naramachi, with its cafes, souvenir shops, and traditional townhouses, and Kitamachi, a new tourist spot extending north of Kintetsu Nara Station, are both perfect for strolling. How about taking a leisurely walk through the city while looking at the restored ancient maps of Nara-era Naramachi and mid-Edo-period Kitamachi?
Both historical maps can be downloaded to your smartphone. Currently, guided historical map tours, including Kohfukuji Temple, Naramachi, and Kitamachi editions, are being held and receiving positive feedback.

Historical Map Downloads and Printed Map Sales Start
Price: 500 yen and up (download)
Release: Autumn 2023~

and more…