Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri Festival 2026

Dates & time: December 15, 2026 (Tue) - December 18, 2026 (Fri) Varies by day (the Otowatari procession starts at noon on Dec 17)
cost: Paid special viewing seats are set up at three spots along the Otowatari route (prices and sales announced on the official site).
Venue & access: Kasuga Taisha, Otabisho and other sites, Nara From JR or Kintetsu Nara Station, about 11–15 minutes by Nara Kotsu bus bound for "Kasuga Taisha Honden".

Calendar

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Why You Should Visit

The annual festival of Wakamiya, an auxiliary shrine of Kasuga Taisha, has been held without a break since 1136; 2026 marks the 891st edition. It runs for four days from December 15, with December 17 as the main day. At midnight the deity is carried to the temporary Otabisho shrine along an approach with every light put out, and at noon the Otowatari procession of performers in costumes from the Heian to Edo periods sets off from in front of the Nara Prefectural Office. Through the evening, kagura, dengaku, seinoo and bugaku are performed at the Otabisho. It is designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.

Programs

Timetable & Map

NOTE

Viewing tips:

The main day is Dec 17, with rites running from the midnight Senko-no-gi to the late-night Kanko-no-gi.
Senko-no-gi and Kanko-no-gi take place in darkness; photography and flashlights are not permitted.
The Otowatari route is shown on the official route map (PDF).

※Inquiries: Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri Preservation Society, 0742-22-7788

History Heritage Culture Art Sightseeing Full Day

出典: 春日若宮おん祭公式サイト（春日大社）

Kobe · Gluten-free

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FAQ

When and where does the Otowatari procession start?

It leaves the Nara Prefectural Office plaza at noon on December 17, passes the former Kofukuji South Gate and the first torii, and reaches the Otabisho around 14:30.

Can I take photos at the midnight Senko-no-gi?

No. The rite is held in darkness with every light on the approach put out, and photography and flashlights are not permitted. The same applies to the Kanko-no-gi from 23:00.

How late do the performances at the Otabisho continue?

On December 17, offerings from kagura to yamato-mai run from about 15:30 to 22:30. On the 18th, the Goen-no Noh begins at 14:00.