Kariuchi Ancient Board Game Tournament 2026

Dates & time: November 29, 2026 (Sun) 13:00–15:30 (reception from 12:30)
Price & booking: Free Competition Division: apply via the park's online event form from Oct 1, first come first served, until 15:00 the day before. Challenge Division: sign up at the venue on the day.
Venue & access: Lawn in front of Heijo Palace Izanai-kan, Heijo Palace Historical Park (multipurpose room inside Izanai-kan if it rains) From Kintetsu Yamato-Saidaiji Station, take Nara Kotsu bus No. 160 or 163 (about 6 min) to "Suzakumon Hiroba-mae", or walk about 20 min from the station's south exit. By car, use the paid Transportation Terminal parking lot in Suzakumon Hiroba.

There are 1 car parks within a 12-minute walk of Lawn in front of Heijo Palace Izanai-kan, Heijo Palace Historical Park (multipurpose room inside Izanai-kan if it rains), and 2 public restrooms within 8 minutes. The map shows each with its walking time.

Facility data comes from OpenStreetMap. It does not include opening hours, fees or availability.

Calendar

Add it to your calendar so you can check back on it later.

Google Calendar Apple Calendar (.ics)

We hope it gives you a reason to head out together.

X FB LINE

Why You Should Visit

Kariuchi is a board game similar to sugoroku that was played at Heijo Palace and in the Nara-period capital. Using objects unearthed in excavations, the Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties reconstructed its lost pieces and rules, and this tournament is played with that reconstruction on the lawn in front of Heijo Palace Izanai-kan. There are two divisions: a Competition Division for 32 individual players who apply in advance, and a Challenge Division for 30 individuals or teams who sign up on the day. Both are free, and it's a hands-on way to play a game from 1,300 years ago.

NOTE

Divisions:

Competition Division: individual play, 32 players (advance application only)
Challenge Division: individuals or teams, 30 groups (on-the-day sign-up)

About kariuchi:

A sugoroku-like board game played at Heijo Palace and in the Nara-period capital
Pieces and rules reconstructed by the Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties from excavated objects

Organisers:

Organised by Heijo Palace Historical Park
Co-organised by the Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties
Supported by NPO Heijo Palace Site Support Network

※Enquiries: Heijo Palace Site Management Center 0742-36-8780

History Heritage Culture Art Free Cheap Family

出典: 国営平城宮跡歴史公園公式サイト

Kobe · Gluten-free

Events

Where to go next

View Recommended Events →

11/14

Carelympic Nara

Tenpyo Hall & Tenpyo Plaza, Nara Prefectural Convention Center

10/24

Little Mama Festa Nara

Nara Prefectural Convention Center, Halls B & C (Nara City)

10/24 - 10/25

Nara Craft Festival

Nara Kogeikan (Nara Crafts Museum)

11/3

Heijokyo Tenpyo Procession to Todai-ji 2026

JR Nara Station – Sanjo-dori – Todai-ji – Kasugano Enchi (Nara Park)

11/7 - 11/8

Nara Deer Antler Cutting Ceremony (Shika no Tsunokiri)

Rokuen deer enclosure antler-cutting arena, Kasuga Taisha grounds (Nara Park)

Next 11/7 +6 more

Kobe Port Weekend Fireworks 2026–27 | Weekend Fireworks off Meriken Park

Meriken Park

Next 10/18 +10 more

EAT LOCAL KOBE Farmers Market

Higashi Yuenchi Park, Chuo-ku, Kobe

10/10 - 11/30

Moomin × Kobe Port Tower: a part of KOBE

Kobe Port Tower and 20+ locations across Kobe

FAQ

Can I join if I've never played kariuchi?

Yes. The Challenge Division takes sign-ups on the day, for individuals or teams. The Competition Division is individual play with 32 places by advance application.

What happens if it rains?

It moves indoors to the multipurpose room in Heijo Palace Izanai-kan.

Is there a fee?

No. Both divisions are free.