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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.


NVC
7 min read
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
1,276 views


NARA Visitor Center & Inn
7 min read
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...
1,890 views


NARA Visitor Center & Inn
17 min read
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.
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NARA Visitor Center & Inn
3 min read
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.
1,211 views


NARA Visitor Center & Inn
3 min read
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
189 views


NARA Visitor Center & Inn
6 min read
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...
360 views


NVC
19 min read
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...
468 views


NARA Visitor Center & Inn
5 min read
Things To Do In Nara - March Events
The best thing to do in Nara in March is to witness the fire and water festival at Nigatsu-do Hall in Todai-ji Temple, known as...
540 views


NVC
15 min read
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...
455 views


NVC
3 min read
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...
321 views


NARA Visitor Center & Inn
7 min read
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...
469 views


NARA Visitor Center & Inn
14 min read
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...
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NARA Visitor Center & Inn
3 min read
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...
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NARA Visitor Center & Inn
3 min read
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
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NARA Visitor Center & Inn
5 min read
Hina Matsuri - Girls' Day
In Japan , girls get their special holiday on the 3rd of March of every year. The event, known as the Hina Matsuri, (Girls' Day) traces...
618 views


NARA Visitor Center & Inn
3 min read
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.
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NVC
2 min read
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...
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NVC
3 min read
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...
488 views


NARA Visitor Center & Inn
3 min read
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.
413 views
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