Shuni-e (Omizutori) at Todaiji Temple
High crowdKansaiNara, Nara
Date
March 1-14
Region
Kansai
About this festival
Shuni-e is an annual ceremony held at Nigatsu-do Hall of Todaiji Temple in Nara from March 1 to 14. Each night a large torch is waved from the hall balcony in the Otaimatsu rite, and the Omizutori water-drawing rite takes place around 1:30 a.m. on March 13. Todaiji lists the ceremony as having been started at Nigatsu-do in 752.
Highlights
- โOtaimatsu torch rite nightly at 7:00 p.m. (7:30 p.m. on March 12, 6:30 p.m. on March 14)
- โMarch 12 is the busiest night, with the longest torch session
- โOmizutori water drawing around 1:30 a.m. on March 13
- โFree admission for individuals
Getting There
Bus about 7 minutes from JR or Kintetsu Nara Station to Daibutsu-den Kasuga Taisha-mae, then about 10 minutes on foot to Nigatsu-do Hall
Plan your visit to Shuni-e (Omizutori) at Todaiji Temple
Find hotels near Shuni-e (Omizutori) at Todaiji Temple
- โ Free cancellation on most rooms
- โ Compare 28M+ properties
- โ No booking fees
โฐ Lock in before prices rise โ this week's rates may not hold
Browse tours in Nara
- โ Skip-the-line e-tickets
- โ Mobile voucher, no printing
- โ Free cancellation up to 24h
โฐ Mobile voucher instantly โ skip the ticket line on arrival
Check Japan Rail Pass prices
- โ 7, 14, 21-day pass options
- โ Activate within 1 year
- โ Free shipping worldwide
โฐ Must be bought BEFORE arrival โ tourists only
