Introducing exciting summer events in Nara!

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In this article, we’d like to introduce some exciting summer events happening in Nara.

Our company is based in Nara Prefecture, where many attractive events take place throughout the season.
Nara is a popular destination for international visitors, and although the summer can be quite hot, we’d love to share some must-see events perfect for those looking to fully experience Nara in the summertime!

Summer Deer Gathering (Nara Park, Nara City)
Nara Tokae Lantern Festival (Nara Park, Nara City)
Special Exhibition of the Kitora Tumulus Murals (Asuka Village, Kitora Tumulus)

Summer Deer Gathering (Nara Park, Nara City)

What is “Shika-yose” (Deer Gathering)?

Shika-yose is a unique event held at Tobihino, a grassy field located just south of the Kasuga Taisha Shrine approach in Nara Park.
At the sound of a natural horn being played, dozens of deer emerge from the forest, drawn by its gentle melody.

As a reward for coming, the deer are given their favorite treat—acorns.
This peaceful and heartwarming scene, found only in Nara, offers a glimpse of the special bond between people and deer.
We invite you to experience this serene moment in the fresh, crisp air of a Nara morning.

(Adapted from the Nara Deer Preservation Foundation website)

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I had the chance to attend the Shika-yose (Deer Gathering) on the morning of July 20th.

The event starts at 9:30 AM and lasts for just 30 minutes, making it a relatively comfortable experience even during the hot summer season.
Although it’s an outdoor event, you can watch from the shade of the trees, so I highly recommend it if you're visiting Nara in summer.

The deer gathered at the sound of the horn.

The deer enjoyed their reward—acorns!
There were even some fawns, which were absolutely adorable, and The staff was amazed by how many deer gathered.

I also spotted a vehicle from the Nara Deer Preservation Foundation!
You’ll find their deer-themed donation boxes in many locations throughout Nara Prefecture.

If you come across one, please consider making a donation to support the well-being of Nara’s beloved deer.

Nara Tokae Lantern Festival (Nara Park, Nara City)

What is Tokae?

The Nara Tokae Lantern Festival began in 1999. Held in the serene, World Heritage surroundings of Nara, it illuminates the prayers and hopes of visitors with the soft glow of thousands of candlelights.

“Tokae” refers to a flower-shaped flame that forms at the tip of a wick—an auspicious sign in Japanese tradition.

For just ten nights in summer, countless candle “flowers” bloom across the vast greenery and historic landscape of Nara.
Each candle is lit with the heartfelt wish that all who visit Nara Tokae will find happiness.

(Adapted from the official Nara Tokae website)

This is another wonderful event held in Nara Park, perfect for enjoying the evening!
The photo was taken during my visit last year.

This year, the festival will take place from August 5th to 14th, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM.

The candles are lit in various areas throughout Nara Park, each offering a unique atmosphere.
If you have time, be sure to explore multiple spots and enjoy the beautiful candle “flowers” across the park.

For details on dates, locations, and more, please check the official Nara Tokae website.

Special Exhibition of the Kitora Tumulus Murals (Asuka Village, Kitora Tumulus)

Special Historic Site: Kitora Tumulus Mural Exhibition (Asuka Village, Kitora Tumulus)

The Kitora Tumulus is a small circular burial mound located in the ancient royal and noble burial area south of Fujiwara-kyō. It is believed to have been constructed in the late 7th to early 8th century.
At the center of the tumulus is a stone chamber built from 18 blocks of tuff stone.

In 1983, a vivid and colorful mural was discovered inside the stone chamber, confirming Kitora Tumulus as the second known burial mound with murals in Japan, following the Takamatsuzuka Tumulus.
In 2000, the site was designated as a Special Historic Site.

National Treasure: Murals of the Kitora Tumulus

Inside the stone chamber of the Kitora Tumulus are murals depicting the Four Divine Beasts, the Twelve Zodiac Animals, an astronomical chart, and images of the sun and moon.

The Four Divine Beasts are mythological creatures that guard the four cardinal directions of the heavens. The murals correspond to these directions: the Azure Dragon on the east wall, the Vermilion Bird on the south wall, the White Tiger on the west wall, and the Black Tortoise on the north wall.
Unlike the Takamatsuzuka Tumulus, where the Vermilion Bird on the south wall was lost due to grave robbery, the Kitora Tumulus murals are the only ones in Japan to preserve all four Divine Beasts.

Beneath the Four Divine Beasts are the Twelve Zodiac Animals with human bodies and animal heads. Starting from the Rat at the center of the north wall and moving clockwise, three figures are placed on each wall according to their corresponding directions. Currently, six animals can be identified: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Horse, Dog, and Boar.

The ceiling features an astronomical chart with circles indicating the celestial equator and ecliptic. The sun is depicted in gold leaf on the east side, and the moon in silver leaf on the west side.
This astronomical chart is considered the oldest surviving full Chinese-style star map in the world.

All five mural surfaces were designated as a National Treasure in 2019 (Reiwa 1).

(Adapted from the Shijin-no-Yakata website)

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The mural exhibition event at Kitora Tumulus is held four times a year. This summer, the event will take place from Saturday, July 26th to Sunday, August 24th, 2025. During this period, the displayed mural will be the Astronomical Chart.

Participation in this event requires prior registration. Please check the official mural exhibition website for details and to apply. We look forward to welcoming you.

Thank you very much for reading until the end.

We hope this gives you a great option for enjoying your summer outings in Nara’s hot season.
Wishing you a wonderful and enjoyable summer!