Art&Culture in Nara
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Nara
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Nara
Recommended new articles
3 results
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The Mysterious Stone Structures of Asuka
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- There is still a lot of mystery surrounding Asuka's dense history but it is stone structures of Asuka that baffle historians the most. These stone structures are believed to originate from as far back as the Tumulus Period with haniwa figures like the Saru-shi (monkey stones) displaying different characteristics to more popular Buddhist structures. Hunting for the stone structures when exploring Asuka is an enjoyable experience in itself. However, if the weather is playing up check out the impressive museums in Asuka for some good insight into what is known about Asuka's strange stone structures. Possibly the most famous stone structure in Asuka is Kame-ishi (Tortoise Stone), a must-see attraction and cherished site amongst locals. This massive granite sculpture with the face of a smiling tortoise is a sort of representative of Asuka - even the local Kame bus is named after it. Like almost all of the stone structures in Asuka, there is little knowledge on when, why or who created Kame-ishi. Legend has it that Kame-ishi used to face east instead of southwest and if the structure was to turn west (in the direction of Nara) the entire Yamato area would sink in mud. Kame_Ishi Historians estimate that Kame-ishi was created in the 7th century and has certain links to the other stone structures found in Asuka. Just around the corner from the Asuka-dera Temple is another tortoise-shaped structure called Kamegatasekizoubutsu. In addition, the lattice-shaped indentations visible on Kame-ishi are like those found on Masuda no Iwafune. Masuda no Iwafune, a stone structure believed to be an ancient astronomical observation site, is possibly the most bizarre giant stone in Asuka. Kame_Ishi ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Nara
- 2017.06.22
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Artisans of Nara: Nara-Fude
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- Once an essential part of any stationary set, fude calligraphy brushes are now less a part of everyday life and more recognized for the artistic pursuit of traditional writing. Now with only twenty to thirty craftsmen left producing fude from animal hair, there’s a renewed sense of purpose to preserve this craftwork. Brush making originally appeared during the Heian Period under the school of Kiyokawa Sakanai from Nara where the production of sumi black ink flourished. The craft was further developed by the monk Kukai, and in 1977, Nara-fude, the tradition of brush making in Nara was designated as a Traditional Art Craft. Born and raised in Nara, Tanaka Chiyomi was a housewife when she applied for a government program that funded and trained new craftsmen in brush making. Never having been involved in craft making throughout her entire life, suddenly Chiyomi felt she had found her calling, and was eventually certified as the first female Nara-fude Japanese Traditional Craftsman.Chiyomi strives to encourage more awareness and active use of the Nara-fude by organizing workshops, especially for people who are interested in experiencing shodo (calligraphy). One of Chiyomi’s happiest moments is when someone purchases a brush that she originally thought would not be popular, further motivating her to create original brushes using various materials. As for Nara itself, she is positive about the increase in foreign tourism, but doesn’t want the area to change. The city doesn’t have high buildings, and has a quiet, peaceful, and traditional atmosphere. Many of the tourists who visit her shop are actually painters, as her brushes can create lines that normal paintbrushes cannot. In fact, even Chiyomi herself doesn’t do calligraphy, as her mentor advised her that if she does she will only make brushes for her own tastes at the expense of her customers. ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Nara
- 2017.03.22
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Artisans of Nara: Nara Uchiwa
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- Tadashi Ikeda, one of the last Nara Uchiwa craftsmen, shares his thoughts about the local craft revival and what makes Nara a special place to visit. Paintings and woodblock prints depicting beautiful geisha holding uchiwa (Japanese fans) go back centuries, and the uchiwa created by Nara craftsmen are known specifically for embodying both beauty and practicality. Typically with fans you get only one of these two elements, but Nara uchiwa evolved from pure functionality to incorporate elaborate design and details, and became its own form of the craft. Artisans of Nara: Nara Uchiwa We met with sixth generation Nara uchiwa craftsman Tadashi Ikeda who, at only twenty-five years old, is part of a local revival of craftsmanship seeking to preserve these methods. In fact, there are only two Nara uchiwa craftsmen left in Japan, and the other happens to be Tadashi’s mother. Their shop, Ikeda Gankoudo, opened over 150 years ago and uses dyed washi paper, which is then hand-cut with intricate designs. Artisans of Nara: Nara Uchiwa／／ Many craftsmen in Japan can be quite stubborn, and have the attitude that creating something beautiful in itself will attract customers, so there’s no need to promote their work. Being young, Tadashi is taking the opposite approach. He’s doing events and workshops, and spreading his family’s methods to others to show what real, not mass-produced uchiwa are supposed to be.Like much of his generation, Tadashi is much more open to tourists from abroad, and eager to share his craft with them. Still, he recognises that it’s a challenge to gain recognition with overseas people about the Nara area. In his opinion, if they focus too much on tourism, such as changing street signs to English, they will become the ‘second Kyoto’ and lose the ambiance that makes Nara special. Artisans of Nara: Nara Uchiwa ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Nara
- 2017.03.22
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Recommended spots
112 results
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- Nara National Museum
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4.5473 Reviews - Museum / Science Museum
- Nara Pref. Narashi Noboriojichou 50
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Nara National Museum held special exhibitions periodically. Entry fee required but the artifacts displayed thereat were valuable. Worth the visit.
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- Naramachi Mechanical Toy Museum
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4.072 Reviews - Museum / Science Museum
- Nara Pref. Narashi Inyouchou 7
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The mechanical toy museum is a must! Its free, which feels weird after having enjoyed our visit so much. The lady who was showing us around was very pleasant and spoke good english. Personally we...
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- The Kitora Tumulus Mural Painting Interactive Museum (Shijin-no-Yakata)
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4.563 Reviews - Reference/Local/Exhibition/Literature Museum
- Nara Pref. Takaichigunasukamura Abeyama 67
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I believe I read that some work was being done to the actual tomb. The museum was impressive and explains whats what. The park is nice with clean restrooms, a souvenir shop with snacks and...
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- Naramachi Museum
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4.061 Reviews - Reference/Local/Exhibition/Literature Museum
- Nara Pref. Narashi Nishinoshinyachou 14
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A small museum with huge passion. A rather eclectic collection of things from old Nara. Felt refreshing after visiting the more obvious sites with the crowds. Spent maybe 30-45 mins in there and I...
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- Irie Taikichi Memorial Museum of Photography Nara City
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4.042 Reviews - Art Museum
- Nara Pref. Narashi Takabatakechou 600-1
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Its a bit of a walk from the main sites, but well worth it. There were two excellent exhibits and the building itself is contemplative and beautifully done. There was also a bird exhibit possibly...
Nara Areas
With a reputation almost as stellar as that of Kyoto, Nara is a must-visit for those searching for the remains of "traditional Japan." The largely green Nara city holds the majority of the prefecture's treasures, such as the iconic Todai-ji Temple, in which a 15-meter tall Great Buddha sits, and Nara Park, where deer flock to befriend passersby. While mountains are by no means hard to come by in this area, for hiking with a reward, head to the Kii Mountains' Yoshino district in spring, when the hillsides put on an impressive display of white and pink cherry blossoms.
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