Kansai

Tenpyo Tanabata Festival (Heijo-kyo Tenpyo Festival, Summer)

Saki-cho, Nara (Heijo Palace Site)

Venue: Suzakumon Plaza, Heijo Palace Site Historical Park

Aug 21 – Aug 23, 2026

Held at the World Heritage Heijo Palace Site, the Tenpyo Tanabata Festival (Heijo-kyo Tenpyo Festival, Summer) fills the vast grounds of the Nara-period capital with a magical display of light. Inspired by the idea that Tanabata was already observed in the Nara period, it stages large light objects, illuminations, and a 'Tokakai' candle display of countless flames around the restored Suzakumon Gate and open fields. A procession of people in Tenpyo-era costume, stage events, and a market let visitors enjoy a summer night while imagining the ancient capital, wrapped in starlight and historical romance.
Light objects and candlelight before the Suzakumon Gate
Access

About 20 min walk from Yamato-Saidaiji Station (Kintetsu), or the Gurutto Bus

Hours

Around 17:00–21:00

Admission

Free (some programs charged)

TanabataHeijo PalaceIlluminationTenpyo

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