The most beautiful summer night scenery: The "Nara Lantern Festival" illuminates World Heritage sites with 20,000 candles

▲ The 20,000 candles of the "Nara Lantern Festival" bathe the lake surface and historic sites in a soft orange glow. (Photo / fromthe official Nara Lantern Festival fan page, the same applies below)

By reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Comprehensive report

Tired of dazzling fireworks during your summer trip to Japan? Then the "Nara Lantern Festival" might offer you a unique summer experience. Established in 1999, this year’s Nara Lantern Festival will adorn World Heritage sites such as Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, along with other historic landmarks in Nara, with 20,000 candles from August 5. Visitors can enjoy a different kind of heritage tour.

Nara, once the ancient capital of Japan, is an old city with a historical atmosphere no less rich than Kyoto’s. Especially around Nara Park, there is a collection of numerous World Heritage sites and beautiful scenery. The "Nara Lantern Festival," which can only be enjoyed at night, adds a touch of charm to these historic ruins.

▲ A whole row of candlelight stretches endlessly into the distance, adding a lively atmosphere to the night.

Coupled with the summer night scenic spot lighting event starting on the 19th, about 20,000 candles will be distributed across major scenic areas including Todai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Nara National Museum, Kasugano Open Space, Ukigumo Open Space, Ukimido and Sagiike Pond, Asaji-no-hara, Sarusawa Pond, and Nara Park. These will bathe Nara’s nights in a bright amber glow. On August 14 and 15, Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Todai-ji Temple will also hold the Chūgen Mantōrō (Mid-Year Lantern Festival) and the Mantō Sōju-e (Lantern Offering Ceremony) in conjunction with Obon. These events pray for the fulfillment of people's wishes and pay tribute to the souls of the departed.

"Nara Lantern Festival"

Dates:August 5–14, 2014
Lighting time:Every evening from 7:00 PM to 9:45 PM during the event period
Location:Around Nara Park, including Todai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Nara National Museum, Kasugano Open Space, Ukigumo Open Space, Ukimido and Sagiike Pond, Asaji-no-hara, Sarusawa Pond, and 10 other scenic areas

"Kasuga Taisha Shrine Chūgen Mantōrō"

Dates:August 14 and 15, 2014
Location:Inside Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Lighting time:7:00 PM to 9:30 PM

"Todai-ji Temple Mantō Sōju-e"

Dates:August 15, 2014
Location:Todai-ji Temple
Lighting time:From 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Admission fee:Adults 500 yen, elementary school students 300 yen
※The Great Buddha Hall will be open for free from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on the evenings of the 13th and 14th.

%If you wish, you can also visit the adjacent museum.