There are lots of food stalls around the shrine selling festival-only treats. Watching the festivities while snacking is just so much fun.
Verified [Verified] denotes information that has been published with confirmation of its owing parties.
World Heritage Site Kasuga Taisha / Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri
A Nara tradition held at World Heritage Site Kasuga Taisha for more than 900 years!
3.24
1
The Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri is held at Wakamiya Shrine, an auxiliary shrine of Kasuga Taisha.
This grand festival has long been celebrated to pray for abundant harvests and peace and well-being for all. Today, its rituals begin in July, with the main ceremonies taking place from December 15 to 18.
In 1135, heavy rain and flooding caused repeated famines and widespread epidemics. To save the people, Regent Fujiwara no Tadamichi sought the divine protection of Wakamiya and built a magnificent main sanctuary on its present site, matching the Omiya Main Sanctuary in scale.
The On-Matsuri began the following year, in 1136, when Wakamiya’s divine spirit was welcomed to Kasugano and an elaborate festival was held to pray for divine protection.
The festival has been held without interruption for nearly 900 years.
Highlights
-
This grand event is considered the culmination of Nara’s annual calendar of visitor attractions.
-
The Owatari-shiki Procession on December 17 is an impressive sight, featuring about 1,000 people in colorful historical costumes and 50 horses.
-
The festival has been held without interruption for nearly 900 years.
Photos
-
The Owatari-shiki, one of Japan’s largest historical processions
-
About 1,000 people and 50 horses make their way to the temporary festival site
-
The Otabisho Festival, where traditional performing arts such as shrine kagura, dengaku, sarugaku, and bugaku are offered continuously
Reviews
1
Some reviews are AI-translated.
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 世界遺産 春日大社／春日若宮おん祭
- Address
- Kasuga Taisha, 160 Kasugano-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture
- Phone
- 0742-22-7788
- Dates
- December 15–18
- Access
-
From JR Nara Station, take a bus bound for Kasuga Taisha Honden and get off at the Kasuga Taisha Honden bus stop; the shrine is just steps away.
The rituals vary each day during the festival period, with the main ceremonies held on December 17. See the official website for details. - Official website
- Official website (Japanese)