Sakina Juzar

The Nara Palace site in Western Japan City recently hosted  a nighttime summer festival. The parade, called ‘Nara To-Kae’ reflecting the glamorous atmosphere of the Nara period, consisted of about 50 people wrapped in illuminated aristocratic costumes.

Additionally, there were several illuminated decorations set up, including roughly 8,000 candles lit near the Suzakumon gate to resemble the Milky Way. 

Nara To-Kae was first initiated in 1999. It is a major summer event in Nara, which attracts more than 900,000 participants each year, but has been recently held without spectators due to COVID-19.

The event is sponsored by many local companies who are dressed in Yukuta (a version of the ‘Kimono’). The festival sees candles lit to wish for the happiness of the visitors where the lump of wax that forms, at the base of the candle wick in the shape of a flower called “Toka” (燈花, lit ‘Light Flower’), is said to bring good luck when formed. 

Additionally, the festive atmosphere offers popular spots for photography such as Todaiji Temple, Ukimido, Sarusawa Pond and the 52 step staircase leading to the 5-story Pagoda  of Kofukuji Temple and Kasuga Temple Shrine. 

The event lights up various buildings in Nara Park, including its many UNESCO World Heritage sites. Participation in Nara To-Kae requires no reservations.