Omoshiro History Festival 2026 in Asuka

Dates & time: October 17, 2026 (Sat) - October 18, 2026 (Sun) 11:00〜16:00
Price & booking: Free admission (Iroha ni Token exhibition at Gallery Tsujiichi ¥500, free for elementary school age and under; blade-signature engraving viewing ¥1,500) No booking needed to enter. The real-sword handling and engraving viewing require advance booking (deadline Oct 13); the sword handling also accepts walk-ins if slots remain.
Venue & access: Asuka Kazebutai stage, Ishibutai area of Asuka Historical National Government Park, and other venues From Kintetsu Kashiharajingu-mae Station, take the Asuka loop bus (Aka-Kame) about 25 minutes to the Ishibutai stop; the venue is right there. Drivers use nearby paid car parks (public transport is recommended)

There are 4 public restrooms within a 8-minute walk of Asuka Kazebutai stage, Ishibutai area of Asuka Historical National Government Park, and other venues. 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

Now in its 15th year, this autumn festival brings together towns and villages from central and southern Nara to show off their local history. On the Asuka Kazebutai stage right beside the Ishibutai Kofun, two days of programs include a gathering of Nara's mascot characters, a talk on the Asuka-Fujiwara World Heritage sites, a comedy show and a lecture by a master swordsmith. This year's special exhibition, Iroha ni Token, adds a chance to hold a real Japanese sword and watch a blade signature being engraved. There is also a food and shopping area, and admission is free, so it fits easily into a day of exploring Asuka's ancient tombs.

Programs

Timetable & Map

NOTE

Iroha ni Token special exhibition

Gallery Tsujiichi: swords from ancient times to the present (paid)
Inukai Manyo Memorial Museum: swordsmith's tools (free)
Both about a 7-minute walk from Asuka Kazebutai; 11:00–16:00 on both days

Hands-on

Touch a real sword: both days 11:00–15:30, about 20 minutes per person, free
Blade-signature engraving viewing: both days 11:30–15:30, about 10 minutes per person

Food and shopping

The food and shopping EXPO area sells local food, sweets and products. Food is paid with vouchers
Preschool children who bring a completed World Heritage coloring sheet get a ¥300 voucher for the venue (one per child)

History Heritage Culture Art Family Free Cheap Events Festivals

出典: PR TIMES（株式会社奈良新聞社）

Kobe · Gluten-free

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FAQ

Is admission free?

Yes. Only the Gallery Tsujiichi exhibition (¥500, free for elementary school age and under) and the engraving viewing (¥1,500) cost extra, and food is paid with vouchers.

Can I join the sword experience on the day?

The real-sword handling is by advance booking (deadline Oct 13) but takes walk-ins if slots remain. The engraving viewing requires advance booking.

Is there anything for kids?

Yes: a mascot character get-together and a clown and balloon art show. Preschool children who bring a completed World Heritage coloring sheet receive a ¥300 voucher for the venue.