Nara has had a lot to do with ice since the time of Heijokyo Capital - People made ice in winter, kept it in Himuro (Ice storage), and provided it to the imperial court. Himuro Shirayuki Festival began in 2014 is a new festivity of shaved ice held in Kasugano, Nara City.
It is held in Himuro Shrine in Nara City, which enshrines gods of ice such as Tsuge no Oyamamushi no Mikoto and Nukata no Onakatsuhiko no Mikoto, worshiped by ice makers and refrigerator makers. The Festival begins with dedicating pure ice made with extra time and care and also its shaved ice.
In 2023, at the conclusion of the ritual, the stage is planned to move from Himuro Shrine to the Nara Park’s bus terminal to serve shaved ice to visitors. Each year, famous shaved ice / sweets shops participate. Himuro Shirayuki Week will be planned to serve the special shaved ice created for the festival. Note: A reservation ticket is required and popular shaved ice may be sold out early.
Highlights
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The festival of shaved ice in Nara, the city of ice since ancient days.
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A ritual of dedicating shaved ice is held at Himuro Shrine.
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Nationally famous shops participate to provide shaved ice each year.
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A reservation ticket is required. Get popular shaved ice early.
