Heijokyo Tenpyo Procession to Todai-ji 2026

Dates & time: November 3, 2026 (Tue) Procession departs around 13:00, ends around 16:00
Market stalls & Tenpyo costume experience (Ukigumo Enchi) 10:00–16:00
cost: Free to watch from the roadside
Venue & access: JR Nara Station – Sanjo-dori – Todai-ji – Kasugano Enchi (Nara Park) The procession starts in front of JR Nara Station. Todai-ji and Kasugano Enchi are about a 20-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, or take a Nara Kotsu bus from JR/Kintetsu Nara Station to "Todaiji Daibutsuden / Kasuga Taisha-mae". No parking for visitors; use public transport.

There are 5 public restrooms within a 8-minute walk of JR Nara Station – Sanjo-dori – Todai-ji – Kasugano Enchi (Nara Park). The map shows each with its walking time.

Facility data comes from OpenStreetMap. It does not include opening hours, fees or availability.

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Why You Should Visit

An autumn procession in which participants dressed in 8th-century Tenpyo costume walk through central Nara to Todai-ji in memory of Emperor Shomu and Empress Komyo, who founded the temple. Leaving JR Nara Station around 13:00, the parade follows Sanjo-dori and the Kasuga Taisha approach, pays a visit inside the Great Buddha Hall, and continues to Kasugano Enchi. Imperial guards lead the way, followed by gagaku musicians and male and female nobles; look for the replicas of Shosoin treasures carried by the ladies. Brown rice called Kin no Ibuki from Wakuya, Miyagi, joins the procession and is offered to the temple. You can watch from the roadside, and Ukigumo Enchi hosts Nara-period market stalls and a costume try-on.

NOTE

Route: departs in front of JR Nara Station around 13:00 → Sanjo-dori → Kasuga Taisha approach → Ukigumo Enchi → visit inside Todai-ji Great Buddha Hall (memorial service) → Kasugano Enchi → ends at Nara Kasugano International Forum IRAKA around 16:00.

Line-up: Emperor Shomu and Empress Komyo at the centre, led by imperial guards, followed by gagaku musicians, male and female nobles, and a guard troop. The ladies carry replicas of Shosoin treasures.

Kin no Ibuki offering: brown rice from Wakuya, Miyagi Prefecture, joins the procession and is offered to Todai-ji. Wakuya is said to be where Japan's first gold was produced in the Nara period and sent for the casting of the Great Buddha.

At Ukigumo Enchi: Nara-period market stalls and a Tenpyo costume try-on (10:00–16:00).

Notes: cancelled in severe weather. Applications to walk in the procession have closed. Check the official site or X (@tenpyoyamato) for the latest passing times.

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出典: 平城京天平行列実行委員会公式サイト

Kobe · Gluten-free

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FAQ

Do I need a reservation or ticket to watch?

No. The procession can be watched freely from the roadside. If you want to go inside the Great Buddha Hall, Todai-ji's regular admission applies.

What happens if it rains?

It is cancelled in severe weather. Check the official site or X (@tenpyoyamato) on the day.

Can I come by car?

There is no visitor parking, and roads along the route get busy during the procession. Come on foot or by bus from JR or Kintetsu Nara Station.