OSAMU TEZUKA IN THE MUSEUM OF HISTORY OF NARA

And again we return to the Imperial Palace. Because it is here where there is the History Museum of Nara, just next to Suzakumon Gate.

The first thing that catches your eyes is the boat in the entrance, like a facade. Inside, they explain widely the significance of the ship, which played a special role in cultural exchanges between Japan and China. In one room a short anime that tells the story of the expedition from Nara to China is projected. From inside the museum you can access to the deck of the ship.

ship

ship

ship

The museum consists of a series of interactive contents that explain the history of Nara in a very entertaining way, focusing on the time of great splendor, called Nara Period, when Nara was the capital of Japan, the first in Japan history. Most of the videos are featuring Sento-kun, the friendly mascot of Nara, which also is welcoming the visitors at entrance. The videos are well made, some imitating the ancient Japanese paintings with great aesthetic taste. The pity is that only one of the films has English version. But still worth visiting.

The last projection (the one with English translation) is the most spectacular, with a huge screen that reinforces the great sights of Nara featuring the animated movie, that talks about the construction of the Great Buddha.

The museum houses a small temporary exhibition on manga god Osamu Tezuka, centered on one of his masterpieces: "Hi no tori" ("Phoenix"), with samples of promotional drawings in color, and large-size original pages, mainly the parts taking place in Nara Prefecture.

All of these, plus the fact that admission is free for foreigners (you have to show your passport) make this museum a very pleasant visit.

Hours: 9:00 to 16:30 (last admission 16:00) Closed Mondays.

The exhibition of Osamu Tezuka is until March 6.