【Valentine’s Day Special】Nara Glass Art Light Exhibition

Text & Photos by E Cat

NaraBesides feeding deer and visiting ancient temples, it's also a wonderful spot for light displays. As Valentine’s Day approaches, to send blessings to couples in love, this yearNarawill once again hold a large-scale 7-day light show — “Corridor of Happiness’NaraGlass Art Exhibition.” During the event, visitors can enjoy an LED garden illuminated by millions of colorful lights set up around Kasuga Taisha, Kofuku-ji, Todai-ji,NaraNational Museum, andNaraPark, along with various lighting ceremonies, music performances, and lantern events, creating a romantic atmosphere everywhere.

Must-visit Point 1:NaraKasugano International Forum Blue Light Garden

The usually solemnNaraKasugano International Forum will be transformed into a blue light garden during the Glass Art event. The entire lawn will be covered with vibrant LED lights in blue, white, and red, creating a stunning sight.

Must-visit Point 2: Kasuga Taisha Lighting Ceremony

Located withinNaraPark, Kasuga Taisha enshrines deities including Futsunushi-no-Kami, Takemikazuchi-no-Kami, Ame-no-Koyane-no-Kami, and Himegami, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The shrine is known for displaying over 10,000 long-life lanterns donated by worshippers. Twice a year, the shrine holds lighting ceremonies: once during the summer Obon festival (August) and again during the winter Glass Art event (February), when the shrine is brilliantly lit up, offering a magnificent view.

Must-visit Point 3: Todai-ji Mirror Pond 3D Light Show

Todai-ji’s Mirror Pond is famous for its mirror-like stillness.Japaneselight artists have taken advantage of this feature by installing a 3D projection system around the pond, displaying a series of auspicious patterns. Standing by the pond, you can watch the water surface and its reflections simultaneously display dynamic 3D projections, creating a unique and moving visual experience.

Additionally, the organizers will place numerous disco balls along various pathways. When illuminated with different colored lights, it feels as if you are walking through a forest filled with fireflies.

Corridor of Happiness’NaraGlass painting

Dates: February 8 to February 14, 2016
Locations: Kasuga Taisha, Kōfuku-ji, Tōdai-ji,NaraNational Museum andNaraPark
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Transportation: From Hong Kong to Kansai International Airport, then take the Nankai Electric Railway from Kansai Airport to Namba Station, and transfer to the KintetsuNaraLine toNaraStation.

Acknowledgement: HK Express