Heijokyo Autumn Sangaku Festa 2026

Dates & time: October 9, 2026 (Fri) - October 12, 2026 (Mon) 10:00–21:00 (Oct 9 opens at 11:00)
Fireworks: Oct 9–11, from 19:45 each night
cost: Free entry, no registration. Food and goods priced by each stall
Venue & access: Suzakumon Hiroba, Heijo Palace Site Historical Park Nara Kotsu bus to "Suzakumon Hiroba-mae" (from Kintetsu Yamato-Saidaiji Station south exit, Kintetsu Nara or JR Nara Station), right by the stop. On foot, about 20 minutes from Kintetsu Yamato-Saidaiji Station. Parking is limited, so use public transport.

There are 2 public restrooms within a 8-minute walk of Suzakumon Hiroba, Heijo Palace Site Historical Park. The map shows each with its walking time.

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

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Why You Should Visit

A free four-day autumn festival at Suzakumon Hiroba in the Heijo Palace Site Historical Park. Street performance modelled on sangaku, the entertainment of Nara's ancient capital, is the core, with food stalls from around Japan, an ancient-style market and an art select shop; after dark come a drone show and night bubbles, plus fireworks from 19:45 on the three nights of October 9–11. This is the third edition. On October 10 and 11, ZUTOMAYO also plays a solo open-air show at the Chodoin site in the same park, so the grounds stay busy all day. With the Suzakumon Gate as a backdrop, it is an easy festival to wander with family.

NOTE

Main programme

Sangaku street performance
Food stalls from around Japan
Heijokyo Ichikura: a market modelled on the markets of the Nara period
KIDS Banpaku in Nara (hands-on activities for children)
Nara Prefecture booth: "Inochi no Hakari", decarbonisation and hydrogen, and a food drive
Art select shop
After dark: drone show, night bubbles and projection mapping
Stalls supporting people with disabilities and SDGs activities such as "Spogomi" litter-picking

Fireworks

Three nights, Fri Oct 9, Sat Oct 10 and Sun Oct 11, from 19:45 each night
Oct 9 is a pre-show with priority for local residents
No fireworks on Mon Oct 12 (public holiday)

ZUTOMAYO collaboration

Oct 10–11: ZUTOMAYO special show "Bunka Denrai" at the Chodoin site in the same park (temporary open-air venue, ticketed)
Same days: free "Matsuri Area" on the plaza east of the Saeki Gate (10:00–17:30 planned) with 20+ food stalls, workshops, mini games, a side stage, photo spots and a stamp rally
A collaboration photo spot also stands at Suzakumon Hiroba
Nara stamp rally: limited-edition stamps at seven spots in Nara city, including the park's Tenpyo Umashikan and the Kintetsu Nara Station tourist information centre. Answer the survey via the QR code for a draw of 1,000 original stickers (the Gangoji stamp is out on weekends only)

※Last year about 140,000 people came over the four days. On Oct 10–11 concertgoers add to the crowds, and the park and nearby roads get busy

History Heritage Gourmet Free Cheap Family Photo Spots

出典: PR TIMES（一般社団法人文化・芸術・スポーツ振興会）

Kobe · Gluten-free

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FAQ

Do I need a ticket or reservation?

No. The Sangaku Festa is free with no registration. The ZUTOMAYO concert on October 10–11 is a separate event and needs a paid ticket.

Are there fireworks every night?

Fireworks run on three nights, October 9–11, starting at 19:45 each night. The 9th is a pre-show with priority for local residents. There are no fireworks on the final day, the 12th.

Can I come by car?

Parking is limited and the organisers ask visitors not to drive. Especially on October 10–11, when the concert is on, come by bus or on foot.

Does it go ahead in the rain?

Yes, it goes ahead in the rain. Outdoor shows such as fireworks and the drone show may change depending on the weather.