Sightseeing and events
Welcome to Nara
Welcome to Nara, the cradle of Japanese culture!
Nara was the first capital city of Japan in history. It is famous for its deer rambling around in Nara Park, and for its Great Buddha, one of the world's largest bronze Buddhist statues!
Nara Prefecture also has three world heritage sites, including places such as Kasuga-Taisha shrine, known for its thousand lanterns, or Horyu-ji temple, the world’s oldest remaining wooden structure.
In addition to this historical heritage, the prefecture has a beautifully preserved nature that displays all the beauty of Japan’s four seasons. During your stay in Nara City, don’t miss the exquisite wisteria blossoms in Kasuga-Taisha shrine and in Manyo Botanical Garden.
Great Buddha Hall, Todai-ji Temple
(Credit: Wiiii CC BY-SA 3.0)
Great Buddha Statue, Todai-ji Temple
(Credit: Gilles Desjardins CC BY-SA 4.0)
Kasuga-Taisha Shrine
(Credit: Domenico Convertini CC BY-SA 2.0)
Horyu-ji Temple
(Credit: 663highland CC BY-SA 3.0)
Deer in Nara Park
Exciting Events After the Congress: Aoi Matsuri Festival and EXPO2025
After the congress, be sure to experience the famous Aoi Matsuri, or Hollyhock Festival, held annually on May 15 in Kyoto. This vibrant parade features 500 participants dressed in historical costumes. Simultaneously, EXPO2025* will take place in Osaka, offering a unique opportunity to explore innovative installations about the future that will surely pique your interest.
*You can purchase a discounted ticket for EXPO2025 when you register for ISHR2025. Please note that once your ISHR2025 registration is complete, EXPO2025 tickets will no longer be available on our website. Make sure to plan accordingly if you wish to attend the exposition!
© Kok Leng Yeo
© Japanexperterna.se
Nara National Museum Special Exhibition:
Oh! KOKUHŌ, Resplendent Treasures of Devotion and Heritage
An exceptional exhibition in celebration of the Nara National Museum’s 130th Anniversary, with a full-scale exhibition of Japanese National Treasures.
You can admire some of the most prestigious Japan’s Buddhist and Shinto arts and artifacts, which reflect the devotion of ancient Japanese. It is very rare for a museum to gather so many National Treasures, and some of these pieces of art are rarely shown to the public. It is then a unique opportunity for you to discover more about ancient Japanese religious history and art.
More information:
https://www.narahaku.go.jp/english/exhibition/special/202504_kokuho/
© Nara National Museum
Kyoto National Museum Special Exhibition: Japan, an Artistic Melting Pot
This special exhibition, held in the Kyoto National Museum especially during the EXPO2025, brings together some of the greatest Japanese paintings, calligraphies and sculptures from every Japanese historical period. You can admire pieces such as Hokusai’s Great Wave off Kanagawa, or Sōtatsu's Wind God and Thunder God.
More information:
Japan, an Artistic Melting Pot / April 19–June 15, 2025 / Kyoto National Museum, Heisei Chishinkan Wing
© Kyoto National Museum