Nara traditional Crafts Experience : Bugaku viewing Tour and Special Exhibition of Traditional Crafts, Temples, and Shrine of Nara

Traditional Crafts Experience and Experience Shinto rituals at Himuro Shrine

Traditional Crafts Experience: "Kogakumen mask workshop

In this workshop, participants can try painting a Kogakumen―a traditional mask used during Shinto rituals (Bugaku performances, etc.) at Nara's shrines and temples. Workshop participants will be led by instructor Ryudo Nakabo, an artist who has been making these masks for over 60 years. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience while listening to his interesting talk.

Ryudo Nakabo

“Kogakumen of Akishinoji Temple” created in this experience

≪What Are Kogakumen Masks?≫

Japan's Kogakumen masks were introduced from mainland Asia (China and the Korean Peninsula) in the early 7th century (around the time of Emperor Suiko) as a part of Buddhist art and the Buddhist religion. Presently, most of them are stored as treasures in Nara's shrines and temples.

Gigaku masks were first introduced from China and used for Gigaku dance performances at Buddhist temple memorial services. However, Bugaku gained popularity, eventually replacing Gigaku during the Heian Period (794-1185).

In recent years, they have become valued as ancient Japanese craftworks due to their artistic value.

Himuro Shrine : Experiencing Shinto Rituals 

Himuro Shrine: Experiencing Shinto Rituals

At Nara's historic Himuro Shrine, participants can enjoy watching Bugaku performances from special seats. As its name suggests (the character for "Hi" means ice in Japanese), Himuro Shrine is dedicated to ice. So, participants can also experience ice lanterns that are unique to this shrine.

(Left) Himuro Shrine Torii (Right) Himuro Shrine Worship Hall

≪Nanto-ryu bugaku≫

Nanto-ryu bugaku is a type of bugaku that has been passed down from generation to generation at the Nanto-ho Gakusho located at Himuro Shrine. During the Meiji period, the Mikata musicians from Nara, Osaka, and Kyoto were summoned to the country and became the current ``Gagaku'' of the Imperial Household Agency's Ceremonial Department.

On the other hand, there are musicians and dances that remained in Nara, and have been passed down to this day. That is "Nanto-ryu Bugaku."

*Nanto means "Nara". Because it is located south of Kyoto. It was also used to refer to Kofuku-ji Temple in Nara as a companion word to Enryaku-ji Temple (Hokurei) on Mt. Hiei, which straddles Kyoto and Shiga. Together they are called ``Nanto-Hokurei''.

Wearing an early music mask made by Ryudo Nakabo, we will watch traditional bugaku from Nara (titled ``Ugata Oga-ryu Nosori''). This theme has been passed down from generation to generation by the priest family of Himuro Shrine, and the dance is performed with violent movements called Soramai.

Bugaku at Himuro Shrine Worship Hall

≪Ice lantern≫

From around sunset, candles are lit in ice lanterns in the shrine grounds, creating a magical atmosphere. You will also experience this lantern offering.

ice lantern

Ice lanterns and the precincts

View exhibitions and sell crafts at Nara Crafts Museum

≪Nara Crafts Museum and Nara Crafts≫

Nara Crafts Museum exhibits and sells Nara's traditional crafts. Approximately 1,300 years ago, the capital (Heijokyo) was established in Nara, and it was called the final stop of the Silk Road, where cultures from all over the world flowed into Nara and various cultures developed. Many craft techniques were also introduced. Nara Kogei has passed down the techniques of those days to today, and at the Nara Kogei Museum, you can see exhibits of crafts from eight different fields.

Furthermore, even in modern times, there are many craftsmen who create crafts used in rituals at shrines and temples in Nara, and at Nara Crafts Museum, you can purchase the masterpieces of these craftsmen.

Nara Crafts Museum Exhibition Room (You can also purchase the crafts in the exhibition room *Some exceptions apply)

Nara Kogeikan Crafts Shop

Event date and time

Dates: November 1, 2023 (Wednesday), November 15 (Wednesday), December 1 (Friday), December 15 (Friday), January 15, 2024 (Monday)

Time (same as all schedule): Ends around 13:30-17:30

Meeting place: Nara Kogeikan 1st floor lobby

Price: 22,000 yen per person (tax included)

Participation method: Advance reservation required

Book your participation

Please send ①your name, ②number of participants, ③desired date of participation, ④nationality of participants, ⑤whether they live in Japan, and ⑥email address to the email address below.

【Email address】

public-service@shopro.co.jp

We will reply within 24 hours after receiving your email.

Event schedule

13:20 Meet up at Nara Kogeikan

13:30~ Nara Crafts Museum Craft Experience

　　　Try painting a Kogakumen mask a traditional Nara craft with  　　　instructor Ryudo Nakabo.

　　　Souvenir Shopping,viewing the exhibition.

15:45~ Nara Guided Walking Tour

16:30~ Himuro Shrine　

　　　 Introduction of the shrine, ice lanterns,and Bugaku performance

　　　Participation in an ice lantern ritual

17:30 End