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December 15, 2025 at 9:00 am
Event date:
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December 18, 2025 at 5:00 pm
Event end:
The Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri takes place annually at Wakamiya Shrine, within the Kasuga Taisha Shrine complex in Nara. First held in the 12th century, the festival was originally created to ward off epidemics and later became a sacred celebration to pray for good harvests and health.
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Contact Jasumo Now →Spanning four days, it combines ceremonial Shinto rituals, historical parades, and traditional performing arts. The main day of celebration is December 17, which includes the famous Jidai Gyoretsu (period procession).
Festival Overview
- Festival Period: December 15–18, 2025
- Main Day (Hon-Matsuri): December 17, 2025
- Venue: Wakamiya Shrine (within Kasuga Taisha Shrine grounds), Nara City
Key Highlights on December 17
Jidai Gyoretsu (Period Procession)
- Time: Starts at 12:00 PM from the Nara Prefectural Office
- Participants: Around 500 people in authentic attire from the Heian (9th century) to Edo periods (19th century)
- Route: The parade proceeds toward Kasuga Taisha, showcasing historical clothing and traditional pageantry
Traditional Performing Arts
- Time: From approximately 3:30 PM until late evening
- Acts: Kagura, bugaku, sarugaku, and rock festival dances
- Significance: Recognized as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the Japanese government
Midnight Ceremonies
- Events:
- Senko no Gi – Welcoming the deities
- Kanko no Gi – Sending off the deities
- Etiquette:
- Lights are turned off
- Torches are lit
- Strict silence is observed
- No photography, flashlights, or talking allowed
Location & Access
- Main Venue: Wakamiya Shrine (within Kasuga Taisha Shrine complex), near Nara Park
- Address: 160 Kasugano-cho, Nara City, Nara 630-8212
- Access:
- Bus from Kintetsu Nara Station or JR Nara Station to Kasuga Taisha Honden stop (11–15 minutes), then a short walk
- Or take the Nara City loop bus to Kasuga Taisha Omotesando, ~10-minute walk
Admission & Viewing
- General Admission: Free
- Special Seating: Reserved seats available on December 17 along the Jidai Gyoretsu route (limited, paid option via Nara City Tourism Association)
Cultural Highlights
Performing Arts
- Enjoy centuries-old traditional Shinto music and dance, including kagura and bugaku
Jidai Gyoretsu
- A living history parade with volunteers in clothing from Japan’s major historical periods
Midnight Rituals
- One-of-a-kind experience under torchlight and in complete silence—a sacred atmosphere you won’t find elsewhere
Etiquette & Visitor Tips
- Respect silence during midnight ceremonies—no flash, photography, or loud talking
- Follow staff instructions and procession routes
- Events continue into late night—plan transport or lodging accordingly
- Arrive early to find a good viewing location
Quick Summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | December 15–18, 2025 |
| Main Day | December 17 |
| Main Events | Jidai Gyoretsu (noon), Senko & Kanko no Gi (midnight) |
| Venue | Wakamiya Shrine, Kasuga Taisha, Nara City |
| Admission | Free; reserved seats available for procession on Dec 17 |
| Access | Bus from Nara Station → Kasuga Taisha stop → Short walk |
| Highlights | Historical costumes, traditional arts, sacred rituals |
| Tips | Arrive early, follow ritual etiquette, check return transport |
Contact
Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri Preservation Society Office
160 Kasugano-cho, Nara City, Nara 630-8212
TEL: +81-742-22-7788
FAX: +81-742-27-2114
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