Culture Takatori Castle Festival 2026 Kim Bergström Each November, the historic town of Takatori in Nara Prefecture celebrates its proud samurai heritage with the Takatori Castl...
Accommodation Hoshinoya Nara Prison Opening in 2026 Kim Bergström When you think of luxury accommodation stays, a prison probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind. However, Hoshino Re...
Culture Historic Nara Sites Aim to Join UNESCO List Kim Bergström In an exciting development, Japan has officially recommended the ancient capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara (located in present-d...
Culture Shimoichi Hatsuichi Festival 2026 Kim Bergström Supermarkets and convenience stores are modern-day conveniences, but historically, hatsuichi (first market) events were place...
Culture AN ANCIENT ART Alessio Pompeo This article tells the tradit of the Katana and the Samurai, symbols of power and honor in ancient Japan. It discusses the hi...
Culture A Journey to West Nara Tom Roseveare The West Nara area is a cultural pocket of rich historical and cultural significance, located in the northwestern part of Nar...
Culture Nara Ikimono Museum Kim Bergström The Japanese word ikimono translates to living creatures in English, and the soon-to-open Nara Ikimono Museum will allow visi...
Culture A Rabbit’s Wisdom in Nara Japan Travel Satoshi was born in the Chinese year of the Rabbit, a modest animal with very desirable traits. For Satoshi, the 12-yearly cy...
Culture Nara Kingyo Museum Elena Lisina The unique goldfish Nara Kingyo Museum is dedicated to the ancient art of goldfish breeding and the artistic presentation of ...
Culture Oyumi Hajime Festival 2027 Kim Bergström Nara's Oyamato Shrine holds their annual Oyumi Hajime Festival on January 4th. The purpose of the festival is to pray for goo...
