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Tenpyo Tanabata Matsuri Heijokyo Tenpyosai Natsu

Tanabata Festival held fantastically around the Heijo Palace remains in the summer evening.

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During Nara Period, Yamanoue no Okura and other Japanese ambassadors might have brought one of the palace events “Kikoden” from China. The Japanese Tanabatatsume Festival was combined with it. Then, the mythology “Orihime and Hikoboshi” was blended in to make up Tanabata. The origin is said to be a lavish festival held at Heijo Palace on July 7th of the old calendar (current August).

The highlight of this festival is “Tenpyo Tanabata Procession'' where Princess Orihime and Hikoboshi march the Heijo Palace remains, followed by aristocrats. The line of people dressed in glowing Tenpyo attire is magical, evoking the grand historical romance. The candles are likened to the Milky Way and are lit up around Suzakumon Gate during the sublime “Tokae @ Suzakumon.”

Moreover, the venue also gathers a collection of gourmet foods suitable for a summer night. You can enjoy a wide array of cuisine, from shaved ice, known nationwide as a specialty of Nara, to local Nara craft beer and other local specialties.

Highlights

  • Recreated Tanabata Festival from Nara Period in Heijo Place.
  • An array of artistic lighting turns summer evening magical.
  • A lot of gourmet food such as Nara’s famous shaved ice or local craft beer.

Photos

  • “Tenpyo Tanabata Gyoretsu,” a glowing procession under the theme of Tanabata  *August 19 and 20, 2022 only

    “Tenpyo Tanabata Gyoretsu,” a glowing procession under the theme of Tanabata *August 19 and 20, 2022 only

  • “Tokae @ Suzakumon.” Nara’s summer event comes to the Festival grounds

    “Tokae @ Suzakumon.” Nara’s summer event comes to the Festival grounds

  • MirrorBowler beautifies the grounds with mystic illumination art

    MirrorBowler beautifies the grounds with mystic illumination art

  • “Tanabata Wishing Street.” Write your wish on the paper likened to a wooden tube excavated from Heijo Palace remains

    “Tanabata Wishing Street.” Write your wish on the paper likened to a wooden tube excavated from Heijo Palace remains

  • An event recreating the dedication of ice to Heijokyo  *August 20 only

    An event recreating the dedication of ice to Heijokyo *August 20 only

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Details

Name in Japanese
天平たなばた祭り 平城京天平祭 夏
Telephone
0742-25-0707 (Heijokyo Tenpyo Festival Planning Committee Office)
Schedule
August 18-20, 2023 4:00pm-9:00pm
Held at
4-6-1 Nijo-oji Minami, Nara City, Nara, Heijokyo remains, Suzakumon Square
Directions
From JR Nara Station / Kintetsu Yamato-Saidaiji Station, ride a free shuttle bus
Website
Official Website (Japanese)