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The Sarusawa Blog has been designed for both those planning on visiting Nara in the near future and lovers of Japan in general. Most of our articles focus on sightseeing spots, tourism, gastro-tourism, events, festivals and activities in Nara and suggested tours in regions all over the prefecture.
We also cover Japanese culture; ranging from serious articles on history to the more weird and wonderful side of the nation's psyche.
We hope you enjoy reading what we have to offer and please get in touch if you have any suggestions or requests on topics you would like us to cover.
Things To Do In Nara - March Events
Nara in March is all about Shuni-e celebrations and Hina Matsuri doll displays. The spectacular burning torches and water drawing at Nigatsu
NARA Visitor Center & Inn
7 min read
967 views
Things To Do in Nara - February Events
February in Nara starts with a number of festivals and events marking Setsubun, or the beginning of spring
NVC
7 min read
1,452 views
Things To Do in Nara - January 2025 Events
Welcome to 2025 and the Year of the Snake! The best way to start the new year in Nara is to stop by any of her historic shrines or...
NARA Visitor Center & Inn
7 min read
1,974 views
Unique Cultural Experiences in Nara
"Taiken." That is the Japanese word that translates to 'Hands-on experience' and it has become a leading buzzword for tourism in Japan.
NARA Visitor Center & Inn
17 min read
859 views
Uneme Matsuri Autumn Festival - Appeasing the Ghost of Sarusawa Pond
Is a festival sufficient consolation for a broken hearted soul? Celebrating love and life lost of the human spirit.
NARA Visitor Center & Inn
3 min read
1,288 views
Street Fighter Manhole Covers in Kashihara City
Kashihara City x Street Fighter!
Kashihara City is currently hosting a collaboration with Capcom's popular fighting game series, "Street Fi
NARA Visitor Center & Inn
3 min read
205 views
Things To Do In Nara - May Events
From April 29 to May 5 is the ‘Golden Week’ in Japan and traveling can be quite a trip! However, on the local scene, there are some nice...
NARA Visitor Center & Inn
6 min read
463 views
Yamanobe-no-Michi | A Walk Through Time on Japan's Oldest Road
The Yamanobe-no-Michi is part of Shinkaido, the most ancient road in Japan. It is a unique opportunity to experience the harmonious blend...
NVC
19 min read
580 views
Nosegawa Village: Japan's Smallest Village on the Way to Koyasan
Nosegawa Village Located on the southwestern edge of Nara Prefecture, Nosegawa Village is a mountainous village with an average elevation...
NVC
15 min read
506 views
Sumo Wrestling & Nara
Sumo wrestling & Nara go hand-in-hand. According to the Nihonshoki (or Chronicles of Japan), the first sumo match took place sometime...
NVC
3 min read
387 views
Murou Ryuketsu Shrine - the Dragon Deity & Amaterasu's Hiding Place
Located in Murou, Uda City, Murou Ryuketsu Shrine stands at the entrance of a valley that stretches nearly a kilometer along the Murou...
NARA Visitor Center & Inn
7 min read
538 views
Nara's Best Museums: The Prefecture
Nara Prefecture Welcome to Part 3 of our look at some of the best museums in Nara Prefecture. Parts 1 & 2 focused on Nara City while the...
NARA Visitor Center & Inn
14 min read
404 views
Triumphant Tanuki Testicles! Great Souvenir From Japan
Upon first glance one might assume they’re seeing things, a second glance may draw out rigid disbelief but closer inspection confirms the...
NARA Visitor Center & Inn
3 min read
1,888 views
Golden Week
Japan’s new fiscal year is not yet a month old, new company employees are in training, and many schools are not yet in their second week of
NARA Visitor Center & Inn
3 min read
235 views
Hina Matsuri - Girls' Day
In Japan, girls get their special holiday on the 3rd of March of every year.
NARA Visitor Center & Inn
6 min read
764 views
Take a 'Jinrikisha' Rickshaw Ride in Nara
Nara is a beautiful city that offers lots of fun and exciting things to do. One great ways to go sightseeing in Nara is by rickshaw.
NARA Visitor Center & Inn
3 min read
708 views
Japalantines Day - Valentine's Day in Japan
Matters of the heart are never simple - For a western male living in Japan, thanks to the concept of "giri choco," his first valentines...
NVC
2 min read
52 views
Omizutori | Todai-ji Temple, Nara
Todai-ji Temple's Nigatsudo in Nara City or February Hall, was originally built in the 8th century on the instructions of the priest...
NVC
3 min read
538 views
Setsubun: BEANS? SUSHI? SETSU-WHAT?
At the beginning of February laughing and squealing children throw handfuls of roasted beans at a teacher or parent wearing a demon mask.
NARA Visitor Center & Inn
3 min read
417 views
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