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World Heritage Kasuga Taisha Shrine / Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri Festival
World Heritage Kasuga Taisha hosts a traditional event in Nara that has been carried on for over 900 years!
The "Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri" is held at Wakamiya, a subordinate Kasuga Taisha Shrine. It's a grand festival praying for a bountiful harvest and the peace and comfort of all people. Nowadays, the rituals begin in July, with the main events taking place from December 15th to 18th.
In 1135, due to heavy rains, floods, and subsequent famines and epidemics, the regent Fujiwara no Tadazane built a magnificent main shrine on the present site, of the same scale as the Omiya Main Shrine, to appeal to the divine power of Wakamiya for the salvation of all people.
The start of the "Onmatsuri" comes from the following year (1136), when Tadazane invited the divine spirit to Kasugano and devotedly served a grand festival, praying for the divine assistance of Wakamiya.
The festival has been held continuously for nearly 900 years without interruption.
Highlights
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It's such a grand event that it can be said to be the culmination of Nara's annual tourist activities.
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The "Owatari-shiki" ceremony, held on December 17th, features a powerful procession of about 1,000 people and 50 horses, all in colorful costumes.
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The festival has been held without interruption for nearly 900 years.
Photos
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![The "Owatari-shiki" procession, one of the largest historical parades in Japan]()
The "Owatari-shiki" procession, one of the largest historical parades in Japan
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![About 1,000 people and around 50 horses walk to the festival venue]()
About 1,000 people and around 50 horses walk to the festival venue
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![The 'Otabisho Festival', where various performances such as sacred kagura performances, Dengaku, sarugaku (a noh performance), and Bugaku dances are offered without interruption"]()
The 'Otabisho Festival', where various performances such as sacred kagura performances, Dengaku, sarugaku (a noh performance), and Bugaku dances are offered without interruption"
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 世界遺産 春日大社／春日若宮おん祭
- Address
- 160 Kasuganocho, Nara City, Nara
- Telephone
- 0742-22-7788
- Schedule
- December 15th to 18th
- Access
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Take the bus bound for "Kasuga Taisha Honden" from JR Nara Station and get off at "Kasuga Taisha Honden", which is right by the shrine.
*During the festival period, the contents of the rituals differ each day, with the main rituals taking place on December 17th. For more details, visit the official website. - Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)