Nara Promotion

iPhoto dataCameraCanon PowerShot G10Focal length6mmAperturef/2.8Shutter1/13sISO200Taken29 Oct 2009, 17:35

Next year, 2010, Nara will be celebrating 1300 years since it was the capital of Japan as 平城京 (Heijo-kyo). A number of events are scheduled throughout the year with special events from April.

As part of the Nara tourist promotion for this 1300 year event, I came across an event at the station, where they had せんとくん (Sento-kun) taken part in the festivities.

iPhoto dataCameraCanon PowerShot G10Focal length6mmAperturef/2.8Shutter1/15sISO200Taken29 Oct 2009, 17:07

iPhoto dataCameraCanon PowerShot G10Focal length6mmAperturef/2.8Shutter1/25sISO200Taken29 Oct 2009, 17:08

The Sento-kun character has come under quite a bit of criticism for his design and looks, but that hasn't stopped him becoming one of the more popular Yuru-kyara in Japan.

iPhoto dataCameraCanon PowerShot G10Focal length6mmAperturef/2.8Shutter1/15sISO200Taken29 Oct 2009, 17:07

For those who had a Suica Card, you could swipe your card and try to win a mobile phone strap. Lots of people lining up to give this a go.

iPhoto dataCameraCanon PowerShot G10Focal length6mmAperturef/2.8Shutter1/25sISO200Taken29 Oct 2009, 17:11

Looks like this year long festival could be quite interesting. There are likely to be quite a few tourists coming in from overseas to check out Nara. You will be able to see the World Heritage listed Temple of Horyuji as well as Japanese gardens, hot springs, arts and crafts and of course the famous Nara Deer.

More Information

• 1300 Heijo-kyo Page
• With Sento-kun Explanation (English)

Are you planning a trip to Japan in 2010? Did you know about the Nara Festival for 1300 Heijo-kyo?