Kotohogu Nara: A Journey Through Time and Space 2026

Why You Should Visit

Marking ten years since Nara City served as the 2016 Culture City of East Asia, this edition of the city's Kotohogu Nara art project places installations by three artists from Japan, China and Korea in historic spots: Todaiji Kannon-in, the old Tsubai Market, and Kitayama Juhachikendo, a Kamakura-period relief facility. During the core days of November 21–23, street performances at Gyoki Plaza in front of Kintetsu Nara Station, an international symposium, and talks and workshops in Naramachi add to the program. A good fit for travelers who want to pair autumn temple walks with contemporary art.

Essentials

location

Todaiji Kannon-in, Tsubai Market, Kitayama Juhachikendo, Gyoki Plaza in front of Kintetsu Nara Station, Naramachi Center and other sites in Nara City

period

November 7, 2026 (Sat) - November 29, 2026 (Sun)

cost

To be announced on the official website (some programs require no registration)

Links

Kobe · Gluten-free

Basque cheesecakeBaked with rice flour, no wheat. Whole 12cm, serves 2-3¥4,700 incl. shipping (Japan only)

access

Walk to each site from Kintetsu Nara Station. By car, use nearby coin parking lots.

TICKETS / REGISTRATION

Kotohogu Nara School (Nov 21–22) requires advance registration by November 10. Green Mountain College session 2 (Nov 22) needs no registration and you may come and go freely. Other programs will be announced on the official website.

NOTE

Artists and exhibition sites

Kimsooja (Korea): Todaiji Kannon-in
Tohru Nakazaki (Japan): Tsubai Market
Kenryou Gu (China): Kitayama Juhachikendo

Core period programs, Nov 21–23

East Asia International Symposium (artist talks and cross-talk)
Machinaka Butai street stage (Gyoki Plaza, Kintetsu Nara Station; selected theater groups and performers)
Kotohogu Nara School (Nov 21–22, Naramachi Center and nearby)
Green Mountain College session 2 "Sharing and a New Kind of Richness" (Nov 22, Naramachi Center lawn; Hiroshi Saito x Toru Koyamada)
Kotonara Lab club (Naramachi Center, community participation)

*Exhibition hours and fees and symposium/stage times will be posted on the official website

FAQ

When can I see the exhibitions?

The project runs November 7–29, with the core period of symposium and stage programs on November 21–23. Opening hours for each site will be posted on the official website.

Can I walk between the sites?

The sites are spread around Kintetsu Nara Station, Todaiji and Naramachi. Kitayama Juhachikendo lies northwest of Todaiji, while Tsubai Market and Naramachi Center are south of the station.

Do any programs require booking?

Kotohogu Nara School requires registration by November 10. The Green Mountain College session on November 22 needs no registration.

Calendar

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