Nara Traditional Crafts

1,300 Years of Artisan Skill

Nara is a land where diverse technologies were introduced from China and Korea during the Asuka and Nara periods, flourishing into many traditional crafts. These techniques have been passed from artisan to artisan for over 1,300 years.

Nara Fans

Nara fans are traditional crafts with over 1,300 years of history, said to have begun as offerings to Kasuga Taisha, characterized by elegant designs with openwork carving. Manufacturing process viewing and purchasing from Nara fan craftsmen is available.

Akahada Ware

Akahada ware, begun in Koriyama of Nara City (now Yamato-Koriyama City), is characterized by subtle yet warm clay texture. Akahada ware with "Nara-e" painting style decoration is known as Nara's representative souvenir.

Yoshino Woodwork and Forestry

Yoshino region is one of Japan's leading cedar and cypress producing areas, producing high-quality timber known as Yoshino cedar and Yoshino cypress. Yoshino woodwork produces crafts, building materials, and chopsticks (Yoshino cedar).