Nara Travel Guides

Discover the best travel guides, tips, and experiences for Nara

Showing 52 travel guides

Ubusuna no Sato TOMIMOTO Celebrates World Heritage Registration With Ancient Yamato Kaiseki Plan at Human Treasure Tomimoto Kenkichi's Birthplace

Ubusuna no Sato TOMIMOTO, a renovated kominka hotel in Nara's Ikaruga–Horyuji area and the birthplace of ceramic artist and first Living National Treasure Tomimoto Kenkichi, marks the World Heritage registration of the Asuka-Fujiwara Imperial Capitals with a special kaiseki plan themed on ancient Yamato history, available from September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027.

Aug 24, 2026

#News #Hotel +8 more

Nara

JW Marriott Nara Serves Up a Halloween Autumn Afternoon Tea in Black, Purple, and Orange

Flying Stag, the lounge bar at JW Marriott Nara, is offering a "Halloween Autumn Afternoon Tea" built around black, purple, and orange ingredients such as bamboo charcoal, black rice, purple sweet potato, and pumpkin, available September 1 to October 31, 2026.

Aug 19, 2026

#News #Afternoon Tea +4 more

Nara

Novotel Nara Pairs with Wagashi Shop Nara Shoraku for an Autumn Afternoon Tea from September 1

Novotel Nara is serving a Japanese-Western afternoon tea featuring wagashi from Nara's Nara Shoraku, autumn flavors like persimmon and Shine Muscat, and Nara-inspired savories, available at Social Lounge from September 1 to October 31, 2026.

Aug 18, 2026

#News #Afternoon Tea +4 more

Nara

Shaved Ice Now Delivered to Campfires at a Mountain Campsite Near Osaka

Starting August 17, 2026, Asatoretamago BASE, the campsite at KURAGARI Village on Mt. Ikoma, is delivering fluffy shaved ice straight to campers' sites, letting guests enjoy the treat by the campfire at an elevation of about 390 meters.

Aug 17, 2026

#News #Outdoor +6 more

Nara

FUJI JAPAN Opens New Nara Store, Where Travelers Handcraft Their Own Knife

TAIMATSU's cultural experience brand FUJI JAPAN has opened a new location in Nara, inviting visitors to choose their own blade and handle and craft an original knife by hand, inside the same building as knife specialty shop MUSASHI JAPAN Nara.

Aug 13, 2026

#News #New Opening +3 more

Nara

Crane Game Specialty Store Hunters Opens Its First Nara Location in Yamatokoriyama on August 8

Hunters, a crane game specialty store, is opening its first Nara Prefecture location in Yamatokoriyama City on August 8, featuring around 350 machines, a 3.6-meter twin Monster Catcher, and a free kids' play area.

Aug 7, 2026

#News #New Opening +4 more

Nara

Kashihara's Newly UNESCO-Listed Nara Site to Host "Manyo Hanabi supported by Anker" Fireworks Show, with JO1's KONO JUNKI as Official Ambassador

Kashihara City in Nara Prefecture, home to the freshly UNESCO-listed Asuka-Fujiwara sites, will hold the "Manyo Hanabi supported by Anker" fireworks show on November 22, 2026, as the evening finale of its 70th-anniversary "KASHIHARA SKY PALETTE" event, with JO1's KONO JUNKI serving as official ambassador.

Jul 30, 2026

#News #Events +3 more

Nara

KURAGARI Village's "Egg Café" Near Mount Ikoma Launches Summer-Only Menu on July 18, 2026

KURAGARI Village's "Egg Café," about 30 minutes from Osaka with views over Mount Ikoma and Kuragari Pass, is rolling out a summer-only menu from July 18 through October 31, 2026. The lineup includes fluffy omurice and tamago-kake gohan sets made with same-day eggs, plus shaved ice, seasonal sodas, and draft beer.

Jul 16, 2026

#News #Cafe +5 more

Nara

Zojirushi Ginpaku Onigiri Kintetsu Nara Opens July 22 With First-Ever Tamagomaru Dashimaki Tamago Collaboration

Zojirushi Mahobin's third onigiri specialty shop, Zojirushi Ginpaku Onigiri Kintetsu Nara, opens July 22, 2026, on B1 of Kintetsu Department Store Nara, serving onigiri and bento made with rice from its Enbu-daki rice cooker, including bento featuring dashimaki tamago from renowned shop Tamagomaru in a location-exclusive collaboration.

Jul 15, 2026

#News #Onigiri / Rice Ball +4 more

Nara

A Hidden Stream Near Osaka — KURAGARI Village at Kuragari Pass on Mt. Ikoma

Just 30 minutes from central Osaka, a small natural stream at KURAGARI Village in the Kuragari Pass area of Mt. Ikoma offers a refreshing spot where children can wade in cool water, discover river creatures, and enjoy the serene landscape of historic terraced rice fields.

Jun 30, 2026

#News #Nature +6 more

Nara

Nara's Two Museums Join Forces for "Forms of the Capital" Exhibition This Summer

The Nara Prefectural Museum of Art and the Nara Prefectural Man'yo Cultural Museum are collaborating for the first time on a joint exhibition exploring the themes of "capital city" and "travel" through their combined collections.

Jun 21, 2026

#News #Museum +3 more

Nara

Sumikkogurashi Joins Special Exhibition "Nanto Butsuga — The Beauty of Nara's Tenpyo Era Revived" as Official Character with Collab Goods

Sumikkogurashi has been named the official support character for the special exhibition "Nanto Butsuga," a joint project with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, held at the Nara National Museum from July 18 to September 13, 2026. Collaboration merchandise featuring the characters alongside Buddhist masterpieces will be sold at the venue.

Jun 21, 2026

#News #Museum +2 more

Nara

Kintetsu Department Store Nara Hosts "Kakigori Fair" with 21 Rotating Shaved Ice Varieties from Aichi, Nara, and Osaka

Kintetsu Department Store Nara is holding a shaved ice fair from June 24 to 30, 2026, featuring three brands from regions associated with the Toyotomi clan — Aichi, Nara, and Osaka — with 21 varieties rotating daily. Reservations are required and available via the Kintetsu online shop.

Jun 20, 2026

#News #Department Store +4 more

Nara

Naramachi's Reservation-Only Restaurant "Kuranoma" Relaunches Its Menu with an All-Eel Kaiseki Course

Starting July 1, 2026, Kuranoma — a hidden, reservation-only restaurant inside a 140-year-old Nara townhouse — unveils a fully renewed kaiseki course and a new lunch-only option, both centered entirely on eel.

Jun 19, 2026

#News #Restaurant +6 more

Nara

JW Marriott Hotel Nara's Cultural Experience Programs Now Available to All Guests

Starting June 1, 2026, JW Marriott Hotel Nara has opened its popular cultural experience programs — sake brewing, tea ceremony, wagashi-making, Nara brush crafting, and hand-drip coffee — to all hotel guests, not just those booked on dedicated package plans.

Jun 12, 2026

#News #Hotel +6 more

Osaka

New Leather Goods Inspired by the Hinotori Limited Express Going on Sale at Kintetsu Stations on June 18

A four-piece collection of Tochigi leather accessories inspired by the Hinotori Limited Express goes on sale at Kintetsu GOTO-CHI stores and online from June 18, 2026, featuring handcrafted business card cases, IC card cases, pass cases, and a multifunctional keychain in a refined black and red design.

Jun 12, 2026

#News #New Product +3 more

Nara

One of Kansai's Finest Hydrangea Displays — Mt. Ikoma's Nukataenchi Ajisai Garden in Full Bloom from Late June

The Nukataenchi Ajisai Garden on Mt. Ikoma, located on the border of Higashi-Osaka City and Ikoma City, Nara, is expected to reach peak bloom from late June to early July. Colorful hydrangeas line a winding 1.5 km trail through the mountains.

Jun 6, 2026

#News #Nature +6 more

Nara

Nara Ikimono Museum Holds Rainy Season "Frog Shrine" Exhibition Starting June 6

Starting June 6, 2026 — known in Japan as "Frog Day" — Nara Ikimono Museum in Nara City is hosting a rainy season limited exhibition called "Frog Shrine." Visitors walk through a blue torii gate adorned with hydrangeas to meet the frogs that call this special shrine home.

Jun 6, 2026

#Events #Experience +5 more

Nara

JW Marriott Hotel Nara's Silk Road Dining to Host a 2-Day-Only Asian Buffet This June

Silk Road Dining at JW Marriott Hotel Nara is staging a two-day-only Asian buffet on June 6 and 13, 2026, followed by a summer-limited Asian Prix-Fixe Course Menu launching July 1.

Jun 4, 2026

#News #Food & Drink +7 more

Nara

JW Marriott Hotel Nara's "Muscat Afternoon Tea" Launches July 1 with a Refreshing Green Summer Theme

A limited-time "Muscat Afternoon Tea" featuring fresh muscat grapes and seasonal ingredients comes to the Flying Stag Lounge & Bar at JW Marriott Hotel Nara from July 1 to August 31, 2026.

May 29, 2026

#News #Afternoon Tea +2 more

Nara

Hotel Nikko Nara Offers Accommodation Plan with Tickets to the Nanto Buddhist Paintings Exhibition

Hotel Nikko Nara is offering a special accommodation plan that includes admission tickets to the Nanto Buddhist Paintings exhibition, a joint project between the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and the Nara National Museum, held at Nara National Museum from July 18 to September 13, 2026.

May 19, 2026

#News #Hotel +5 more

Nara

Yamato Hanagoyomi 2026 — Nigiwai Marche to Accompany Iris Festival at Umamiike Hill Park

Umamiike Hill Park in Nara will host the "Nigiwai Marche in Umamiike Hanashobu" on June 6–7, 2026, featuring around 30,000 iris flowers across 100 varieties alongside a lively outdoor market.

May 19, 2026

#News #Events +3 more

Nara

Umenoyado Sake Brewery and Horiuchi Fruit Garden Launch New Fruit Liqueur Parfaits Starting May 18

From May 18, 2026, Horiuchi Fruit Garden is introducing a new collaboration parfait menu made with Umenoyado Sake Brewery's rich fruit liqueur. Three flavors — mango, strawberry, and peach — will be available at four locations across Nara and Osaka.

May 14, 2026

#News #Sweet / Dessert +5 more

Nara

Novotel Nara's Summer Rooftop Beer Garden Features Charcoal-Grilled Nara Pork and Free-Flow Drinks

Novotel Nara's 8F Rooftop Terrace hosts a limited-time summer beer garden from June 1 to October 31, 2026, with charcoal-grilled Baaku pork, international-inspired sides, and free-flow plans starting from ¥7,000.

May 7, 2026

#News #Hotel +6 more

Nara

NARA TSUTAYA BOOKS to Host "Yorokobu Teshigoto-ichi" Handcraft Market on April 25

About 40 vendors offering handmade goods and artisan foods will gather at the Nara Convention Center's Tenpyo Gallery on April 25, 2026, for the third edition of the Yorokobu Teshigoto-ichi handcraft market.

Apr 19, 2026

#News #Events +4 more

Nara

Two Early-Bird Stay Plans for Viewing Katsuragi Mountain's Azalea Season Without the Crowds

GOSE SENTO HOTEL in Nara's Gose-machi has launched two special stay plans timed to the peak azalea bloom at Mt. Katsuragi — one with a shuttle transfer and one by electric bicycle — both departing at 7 AM to beat the rush.

Apr 15, 2026

#News #Accommodation +6 more

Nara

Yakitori Land Yamatokoriyama Launches Weekday All-You-Can-Eat Starting March 31

Starting March 31, Yakitori Land in Yamatokoriyama, Nara is offering a weekday-only all-you-can-eat plan featuring over 60 menu items for 120 minutes at 3,300 yen per adult.

Mar 30, 2026

#News #Yakitori +4 more

Nara

Shika-Saru-Kitsune Building Marks 5th Anniversary with "Spring Deer Festival" in Nara, Apr. 10 – May 31

The Shika-Saru-Kitsune Building (Shikanosarukitsune Building) in Nara celebrates its 5th anniversary with a spring event featuring seven deer-themed experiences, including the iconic "shikayose" deer gathering, a guided walking tour, workshops, and limited-edition sweets.

Mar 23, 2026

#News #Events +5 more

Nara

VILLA COMMUNICO Launches Afternoon Tea Overlooking Mt. Wakakusa in Nara

Starting March 2026, the Michelin one-star gastronomy auberge VILLA COMMUNICO in Nara is offering an afternoon tea experience in its lounge with sweeping views of Mt. Wakakusa.

Mar 19, 2026

#News #Afternoon Tea +4 more

Nara

Yamato Hana Goyomi 2026 "Haruiro Marché in Uma-no-mi Tulip" to Be Held at Umami Hills Park

Around 310,000 tulips in approximately 100 varieties and some 550,000 nemophila blooms will color Umami Hills Park in Nara this spring, with food stalls, local specialty sales, guided tours, and character photo sessions planned throughout the event.

Mar 19, 2026

#News #Spring +4 more

Nara

Novotel Nara's Rooftop Terrace Hosts a Cherry Blossom Evening High Tea This Spring

The 8th-floor Rooftop Terrace bar at Novotel Nara will offer a limited-time "Cherry Blossom Evening High Tea" from April 1 to May 31, 2026, featuring Nara's local ingredients, sakura-infused dishes, and free-flow drinks including rosé sparkling wine or champagne.

Mar 18, 2026

#News #Afternoon Tea +6 more

Nara

Nara Itinerary -- A 1-Day and 2-Day Plan for Temples, Deer, and Old Streets

A practical day-by-day Nara itinerary covering Todai-ji, Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha, Naramachi, and Mount Wakakusa. Includes walking routes, admission prices, and how to get to Nara from Kyoto and Osaka.

Mar 14, 2026

#Travel Itinerary #Day Trip +7 more

Nara

Nara Hotel's West Wing to Reopen on September 2, 2026 After Major Renovation

Nara Hotel's West Wing is set to reopen on September 2, 2026, following a large-scale renovation. General reservations open from April 1, 2026 at 12:00 PM.

Mar 13, 2026

#News #Hotel +4 more

Nara

Things to Do in Nara -- Temples, Deer, and Ancient Streets

A practical guide to Nara covering Nara Park and its famous deer, Todai-ji's Great Buddha, Kasuga-taisha's lantern-lined paths, the old merchant streets of Naramachi, and local mochi shops -- with access from Osaka and Kyoto, admission prices, and tips for interacting with the deer.

Mar 10, 2026

#Day Trip #Daibutsu +10 more

Nara

Saryo Zeze Launches "Yin-Yang Five Elements Afternoon Tea" Beginning March 2026

Starting March 1, 2026, Saryo Zeze in Nara offers a year-round afternoon tea series themed around the Eastern philosophy of yin-yang and the five elements, with seasonal menus rotating through wood, fire, metal, water, and earth.

Feb 26, 2026

#News #Afternoon Tea +5 more

Nara

Wonder Steak Yamatokoriyama Offers 100 Yen Alcoholic Drinks During Special Promotion Week (February 20-28, 2026)

Wonder Steak Yamatokoriyama is offering a special drink promotion from February 20-28, 2026. Highballs, lemon sours, and wine sours are priced at just 100 yen (before tax), while the soft drink bar is half price.

Feb 18, 2026

#News #Restaurant +2 more

Osaka

Kandu Dainichi Celebrates 3,000 Sushi Chef Experience Participants with Special Kappazushi Discount

To celebrate 3,000 participants in the sushi chef job experience activity, Kandu Dainichi visitors can now enjoy a 200 yen discount at Kappazushi restaurants across the Kansai region through April 5, 2026.

Feb 5, 2026

#News #Sushi +4 more

Nara

Nara Railway Matsuri with Heijokyo Oimo Daisakusen Exhibition Takes Place at Heijokyo Historical Park

A railway festival combined with a sweet potato event will be held at Heijokyo Historical Park in Nara, featuring various food booths, kids' activities, and railway-related experiences for all ages.

Feb 5, 2026

#News #Events +2 more

Chiba

Pingu × KNT365 Collaboration Products Available at Select Tsutaya Bookstores

The world's most famous penguin Pingu collaborates with eco-friendly lifestyle brand KNT365. Exclusive products including bags and book covers available at select Tsutaya bookstores from February 6 to March 1, 2026.

Feb 3, 2026

#News #Shopping +2 more

Nara

Limited to 20 Servings Daily: Strawberry Afternoon Tea Blending Japanese and Western Flavors at Nara Royal Hotel

Restaurant Lounge Sentaki at Nara Royal Hotel is offering a special Strawberry Afternoon Tea until March 15, featuring the rich and sweet Kotoka strawberries from Nara Prefecture, with a delightful mix of Japanese and Western desserts.

Jan 29, 2026

#News #Afternoon Tea +4 more

Nara

Experience the Birthplace of Hinamatsuri at World Heritage Heijo Palace - Heijokyo Hiina Festival Opening Ceremony

From February 21 to April 12, 2026, the historic Heijo Palace in Nara hosts Heijokyo Hiina Festival, celebrating the origins of Japan's traditional Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival) with a grand 51-day event featuring hina doll displays, traditional ceremonies, and illuminated night experiences.

Jan 27, 2026

#News #Events +6 more

Nara

Novotel Nara Launches Valentine's & White Day Stay Plan with Premium Chocolates and Craft Cocktails

Novotel Nara presents a limited-time accommodation package for couples and friends, featuring special craft cocktails made with Nara's brand strawberries, premium chocolates from Gateau des Bois, and late checkout until noon.

Jan 22, 2026

#News #Hotel +4 more

Nara

Shinobu Saito Picture Book Original Art Exhibition Opens at Nara Prefectural Library

The Nara Prefectural Library and Information Center is hosting an exhibition featuring 69 original illustrations from beloved picture book creator Shinobu Saito's "Acchyan A ga Tsuku" series, including a special talk and signing event.

Jan 20, 2026

#News #Art / Design +1 more

Osaka

New "Koto Nara Chocola" Featuring Nara's Kotoka Strawberries Launches at Kintetsu Stations and Online

Kintetsu Retailing introduces a chocolate collection featuring Nara's premium Kotoka strawberries, Unshu mandarins, and Yamato Kabuse tea. Four varieties launch January 20th at station shops and online.

Jan 19, 2026

#News #Chocolate +5 more

Nara

Adorable Bite-Sized Delights in a Charming Box: 120-Year-Old Kamaboko Shop Launches Limited Valentine's Day Satsumaage Gift Sets

Uoman Shoten, a traditional kamaboko shop with 120 years of history, has launched a limited Valentine's Day gift set of their popular Truffle Chocolate-Style Satsumaage for online orders. Available in red and blue box options, each features four unique varieties.

Jan 17, 2026

#News #Food & Drink +5 more

Nara

Novotel Nara Launches Special Tea Ceremony Stay Package at Historic Hokkeji Temple

Novotel Nara is offering an exclusive accommodation plan featuring a traditional tea ceremony at Hokkeji Temple on February 15, 2026, combining cultural immersion with modern hotel comfort.

Jan 16, 2026

#News #Hotel +3 more

Nara

Nara's Local Craft Chips "Yamato Karari" Hits 20,000 Boxes Sold in Six Months, Expands to 25 Stores

Rellionte Co., Ltd.'s craft chip brand "Yamato Karari," launched in spring 2025, has surpassed 20,000 boxes in cumulative sales. The snacks use Nara-grown produce and are now available at 25 stores across the prefecture.

Dec 26, 2025

#News #Food & Drink +3 more

Osaka

Kansai-Limited Potato Chips! Comparing Two "Kansai Dashi Soy Sauce" Flavors

Discover two delicious varieties of Kansai-exclusive potato chips, both featuring the regional "dashi soy sauce" flavor but with completely different taste profiles!

Oct 3, 2025

#From Our Team #From Hina +2 more

Nara

Nara Prison Museum Opens April 27, 2026

The historic Nara Prison, a significant cultural property, will be transformed into a unique museum operated by Hoshino Resorts, opening to the public in spring 2026.

Sep 25, 2025

#News #Museum +3 more

Nara

Experience Japanese Sake, Food, and Tradition in a Special One-Day Event

A special collaboration event between NIPPONIA HOTEL Nara Naramachi and Nara Toyozawa Brewery will be held on October 5, 2025, celebrating UNESCO recognition of traditional sake brewing techniques.

Sep 10, 2025

#News #Sake / Alcohol +1 more

Tokyo

9 things to do in Japan in October

When traveling, you want to include things in your itinerary that you can only see or experience during that specific time. This time, we introduce the state of Japan in October, events, and recommended spots for those who are interested. *Please note that the event schedules introduced may change. Check the official website of the […]

Sep 10, 2024

#Autumn / Fall leaves #Experience +7 more

Tokyo

8 things to do in Japan in September

When traveling, you want to include things in your itinerary that you can only see or experience during that specific time. This time, we will introduce the conditions, events, and recommended spots in Japan in September for those who are interested. *Please note that the dates of the events introduced may change. Please check the […]

Sep 9, 2024

#Autumn / Fall leaves #Experience +8 more