Guide to Nara Prefecture Complex of Man’yō Culture

  

A comprehensive institute pertaining to ancient culture focused on the “Man’yō-shū,” suitably located in Nara, the birthplace of Man’yō.
A museum with three faculties： “Exhibition”, “Research and Study” and “Books and Information”

What is the “Man’yō-shū”?

“Man’yō-shū” (literally means “A Collection (shū) of Myriad Leaves (Man’yō)”) is the earliest existing poetry anthology in Japan.
In twenty volumes, it contains about 4,500 poems that were composed between the Asuka and Nara Periods (around the 7th and 8th centuries).
Supposedly, Otomo-no-Yakamochi and many other people were involved in its compilation, and the anthology was completed over 1,200 years ago, around the late 8th century. It features poems composed by Emperors/Empresses, aristocrats, public workers, conscripted soldiers called “sakimori”, and men and women whose names are not known.
Some popular themes of the Man’yō-shū poems are seasons (nature), love, and travel.
People from that time expressed their feelings of joy and sadness through these poems. This anthology is also a valuable source of information on the lives and customs of those days.

Man’yō Garden

The garden has collected trees and flowers that inspired the Man’yō poets. It also includes rebuilt ruins and monuments inscribed with Man’yō poems.

Museum Shop

Have a look at our original goods, souvenirs from Nara/Asuka, and seasonal items.

Café

Relax; enjoy your meal and the view of the Man’yō garden.

Access

Take the “Kame Bus” (for about 20 minutes) from the east exit of Kashihara Jingu-mae Station or from Asuka Station (both Kintetsu Railway), get off at Man’yō Bunka-kan Nishiguchi.
Phone: 0742-20-3100 (Nara Kotsu Bus Customer Service Center)

Alternatively, a 40-minute walk or a 10-minute taxi ride from the above stations

Information for Visitors

Admission: Free (*Fees are charged for exhibitions in the Nihonga Exhibition Hall)

Hours: 10:00～17:30 (Entrance closes at 17:00)

Closed: Mondays (The following weekday if the Monday falls on a national holiday); End and beginning of the year; Periods for display changes

Parking: Free

Capacity: 107 normal sized cars and 7 buses (Reservation is required for buses)

Nara Prefecture Complex of Man’yō Culture

10, Asuka, Asuka Village, Takaichi-gun, Nara Prefecture
634-0103 Japan
Phone: 0744-54-1850 / Fax: 0744-54-1852
https://www.manyo.jp/

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