- Jan.
- Feb.
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- Jun.
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- Oct.
- Nov.
- Dec.
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Hatsumode
Date January 1
Location Todaiji Temple / NaraAt 0:00 AM on New Year's Day, the central gate of the Great Buddha Hall is open to the public and visitors can pay their respects for free until 8:00 AM. A viewing window also opens, allowing visitors to view the Buddha's face from outside.
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Oyumi-hajime festival
Date January4
Location Oyamato Shrine / TenriAfter the annual festival of the enshrined 8000 deity, the 'Oyumi-hatsushiki' (ceremony for the first bow) is held in accordance with the Ogasawara school manners. Zenzai is also served to visitors.
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Enma-moude
Date January 16
Location Byakugo-ji Temple / NaraIt is said to be the site of a mountain villa belonging to Imperial Prince Shiki, the son of Emperor Tenchi. January 16 and July 16 are the Enma Festival in Hell. This day is supposed to be the day when the lid of hell is opened, ogres are suspended and the dead escape from suffering. Visitors dedicate the Heart Sutra to the seated statue of the principal image Enma Daio in the treasure house and pray for good health and long life.
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Onda festival
Date January 18
Location Hirao Mikumari Shrine / Oudahirao, UdaA Shinto ritual to pray for a bountiful harvest. The action of rice planting performed on a special stage in front of the shrine is spectacular. "Wakamiya-san," a doll that prays for recovery from illness, appears at the end of the ritual. Designated an intangible folk cultural asset by the prefecture.
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Wakakusa-yamayaki
Date Fourth Saturday, January
Location Mount Wakakusa / NaraIt is one of the representative winter events of Nara, held at Mt. Wakakusa overlooking the city. The night sky of the ancient city is dyed and the whole mountain is raised in red, which is spectacular. Fireworks are also set off just before ignition.
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Happiness Corridor Nara-Rurie
Date Friday, February 8, 2019 - Thursday, February 14
（The schedule changes from year to year）
Wednesday, February 6, 2019 - Sunday, February 10 Location NaraThe "Happy Corridor Nara-Rurie" has become established as a new winter feature. Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofukuji Temple and Todaiji Temple, where special nighttime viewing is held, are connected by a fantastic cloister of light.
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Nara Grand Tea Party Juko-cyakai
Date Wednesday, February 6, 2019 - Sunday, February 10
（The schedule changes from year to year）
Location Hachisha-ji Temple and others, NaraHachisha-ji Temple（Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Todaiji Temple, Gangoji Temple, Daianji Temple, Saidaiji Temple, Toshodaiji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple, Hokke-ji Temple）・Hassouan（Nara National Museum）・Daijo-in Temple Garden Museum・House in Naramachi Lively
This event has been held since 2014 in honor of Juko, a native of Nara who originated wabicha (wabi tea ceremony) in Nara, the birthplace of the tea ceremony. Tea ceremonies will be held by seven schools of the tea ceremony, using the tea rooms of the Nara-Machi and eight temples and shrines, including World Heritage sites, as venues.
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Nigatsu-do Hall Shuni-e
Date March 1 - 14th
Location Nigatsu-do Hall of Todaiji Temple / NaraIt is popularly known as "Omizutori" and is known as an event heralding the arrival of spring. It was founded in the 4th year of Tenpyo Shoho (752) by Jicchu Kasho, a high-ranking disciple of Rouben Sojo, the founder of Todaiji Temple. Since then, for more than 1,200 years, it has been continued without interruption, and is said to be a "non-regressive practice".
Peerless flowers
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Cherry blossoms
Location Nara Park / Nara
Best viewing: Late March to late AprilThere are many types of cherry trees in Nara Park, which can be enjoyed for a long time from late March to late April. I especially recommend the light pink Naranoya Ezakura, which was also read in the Hyakunin Isshu.
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Shuni-e (Yakushi Keka Hoyo)
Date April 8
Location Shinyakushi-ji Temple / Nara1 large torches, the same ones used for Shuni-e in Todaiji's Nigatsu-do Hall, circle around the main hall, and cherry blossoms in full bloom and white walls are illuminated by torch flames. After that, a memorial service is held in front of the principal image, Yakushi Nyorai.
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Neri-kuyo
Date April 14
Location Taima-dera Temple / KatsuragiIt is the grand festival of the Taima-dera Temple and an event to reenact Chujo Hime's birth in the flesh. It reproduces the scene in which Seishi Bosatsu and 25 other Bosatsu welcome Chujo Hime back to this world and lead her to paradise. The afternoon sun reflects off the halo of the bodhisattva, creating a sense of divinity.
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Manju Festival
Date April 19
Location Kangoku Shrine、
Rin Shrine / NaraA festival to remember the virtues of Join Lin, who is said to be the founder of Japanese manju, and to pray for the prosperity of the confectionery industry. Confectionery vendors across the country offer home-made famous confections before the altar, and there is also a free tea ceremony after the ritual.
Peerless flowers
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Cherry blossoms桜
Location Nara Park / Nara
Best viewing: Late March to late AprilThere are many types of cherry trees in Nara Park, which can be enjoyed for a long time from late March to late April. I especially recommend the light pink Naranoya Ezakura, which was also read in the Hyakunin Isshu.
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Keika
Location Toshodaiji Temple
Miedo Kyukaen / Nara
Best viewing: Mid-April to MayA famous flower from Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, the hometown of Jianzhen Wajo, which was given to him by the Chinese Buddhist Association in 1963 (1963), 1,200, the year of his death. It has lovely white flowers similar to those of the hydrangeas. There are only a few shares in limited locations in Japan.
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Peony
Location Hasedera Temple / Sakurai
Best viewing: Late April to early MayHase-dera Temple is also known as the flower temple. As many as 7,000 ornate peonies of about 150 species decorate the grounds. It is said to have been presented by Madame Bato, the wife of Emperor Kiso of the Tang dynasty.
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Fuji
Location Kasuga Taisha Shrine / Nara
Best viewing: Late April to early MayBeautiful wisteria blooms in the grounds, including the famous' Sunazuri no Wisteria '. At Manyo Botanical Garden (Shinen), you can enjoy 200 wisterias of about 20 species. This year, in particular, wisteria will stand out against the brand-new vermilion color of the shrine building, which has undergone a Shikinen Renovation.
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Ice festival
Date May 1
Location Himuro Shrine / NaraThis is a traditional event that originated in 710, when an ice chamber, or ice storage, was set up at the foot of Mount Kasuga, upstream of the Yoshiki River, to enshrine a deity. Ice makers and sellers from all over the country attended. After the festival, there is an offering of bugaku (Japanese court dance and music) on the stage, which can be appreciated.
Peerless flowers
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Keika
Location Toshodaiji Temple
Miedo Kyukaen / Nara
Best viewing: Mid-April to MayA famous flower from Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, the hometown of Jianzhen Wajo, which was given to him by the Chinese Buddhist Association in 1963 (1963), 1,200, the year of his death. It has lovely white flowers similar to those of the hydrangeas. There are only a few shares in limited locations in Japan.
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Peony
Location Hasedera Temple / Sakurai
Best viewing: Late April to early MayHase-dera Temple is also known as the flower temple. As many as 7,000 ornate peonies of about 150 species decorate the grounds. It is said to have been presented by Madame Bato, the wife of Emperor Kiso of the Tang dynasty.
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Fuji
Location Kasuga Taisha Shrine / Nara
Best viewing: Late April to early MayBeautiful wisteria blooms in the grounds, including the famous' Sunazuri no Wisteria '. At Manyo Botanical Garden (Shinen), you can enjoy 200 wisterias of about 20 species. This year, in particular, wisteria will stand out against the brand-new vermilion color of the shrine building, which has undergone a Shikinen Renovation.
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Rose
Location Ofusa Kannon / Kashihara
Best viewing: Mid-May to JuneThis is an annual event of Ofusa Kannon that has been held since 1995. In spring and autumn, when roses are at their best, visitors can enjoy 4,000 roses of about 3,800 species. Events such as a special exhibition of temple treasures are also held.
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Saegusa Festival
Date June 17
Location Isagawa-Jinja Shrine / NaraIt is a time-honored festival that was already designated as a national ritual in the 'Taiho Code' enacted in 701 by Emperor Monmu. Pray to quell the plague. The sacred sake of black and white sake, called 'Son' and 'Hotogi,' is truly served, and its surroundings are richly decorated with lilies blooming on Mt. Miwa, and it is offered to the gods to the sound of elegant music. A miko (shrine maiden) holds a beautiful "three-branched lily" and dances the "umazake miwa no mai" (dance of umazake miwa) splendidly among the four of them.
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Firefly
Date Mid to late June
Location Upper Saho RiverOne of the Eight Views of Nanto. Even today, fireflies can be seen in the "Daibutsuike Pond" behind the Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple and in the upper reaches of the Saho River.
Peerless flowers
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Rose
Location Ofusa Kannon / Kashihara
Best viewing: Mid-May to JuneThis is an annual event of Ofusa Kannon that has been held since 1995. In spring and autumn, when roses are at their best, visitors can enjoy 4,000 roses of about 3,800 species. Events such as a special exhibition of temple treasures are also held.
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Hydrangea
Location Yatadera Temple / Yamatokoriyama
Best viewing: June to early JulyThe round hydrangea petals are said to resemble the jewels held by the deity Jizo, and 10,000 hydrangea flowers of about 60 different species cover the grounds in honor of the principal image Jizo Bosatsu.
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Gion Festival
Date Saturday and Sunday in mid-July
Location Tsushima Shrine / Tawaramoto-cho, Isoki-gunIt is an annual festival commonly known as' Gion-san '. The festival has been held on a grand scale since ancient times based on the 'wealth of wealth' that has earned it the nickname 'Osaka of Yamato.'. It is still crowded with people.
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Enmamode/p>
Date July 16
Location Byakugo-ji Temple / NaraIt is said to be the site of a mountain villa belonging to Imperial Prince Shiki, the son of Emperor Tenchi. January 16 and July 16 are the Enma Festival in Hell. This day is supposed to be the day when the lid of hell is opened, ogres are suspended and the dead escape from suffering. Visitors dedicate the Heart Sutra to the seated statue of the principal image Enma Daio in the treasure house and pray for good health and long life.
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Onpara-matsuri Festival
Date July 31
Location Tsunakoshi-Jinja Shrine (an auxiliary shrine of Omiwa-Jinja Shrine) / SakuraiAt Amigoshi-Jinja Shrine, an auxiliary shrine of Okami-Jinja Shrine, 'Nagoshi no Oharae' (the great summer purification) is held as an onpara-matsuri (purification festival). There are sacred horse pullers and rituals to pass through the Chino ring while chanting old songs, and at night there is an Onpara-matsuri Hono Fireworks Festival where you can see fireworks floating in the light over the large torii gate of Omiwa Shrine.
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Nara Lantern Festival
Date Early to mid-August
（The schedule changes from year to year）
Location NaraIt has been a popular summer feature in Nara since 1999. 20,000 candles light up in the vast Nara Park.
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Chugen Mantoro
Date August 14 and 15
Location Kasuga Taisha Shrine / NaraThis event has been held for about 800 years. All 3000 lanterns will be lit.
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Manto Kuyo-e
Date August 15
Location Todaiji Temple / NaraThis event started in 1985. At night, the main gate is open and visitors can pay their respects for free.
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Nara Daimonji Okuribi
Date August 15
Location Hibino in the precincts of Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Mt. Takamado / NaraIt started in 1960. This is an event for the war dead from Nara Prefecture.
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Jizo-e Manto Kuyo
Date August 23 and 24
Location Gango-ji Temple / NaraGangoji Temple is also a World Heritage Site. The Hoko-ji Temple (Asuka-dera Temple), the oldest authentic Buddhist temple in Japan, was moved when the capital was moved to Heijo-kyo. Surprisingly, some tiles from the Asuka period still remain on the roof. For the Jizo-manto memorial service, the Children's Festival will be held on the 23rd, and the Jizo-bon Manpuku Kuyo Yume Festival, an annual food event, will be held on the 24th. In the main hall (Gokurakudo), calligraphy and picture lanterns by famous people from various fields are displayed, which is one of the pleasures of the temple.
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Okina Maispan
Date October 8
Location Narazuhiko Shrine / NaraA folk art handed down in Narazakacho, Nara City. It is said to be the original text of Nohgaku and is designated as an important intangible folk cultural property of the nation. It is said to have begun about 1300 years ago when 2 sons danced to pray for Kasuga no Okimi's recovery from illness. The masks used are old masks said to have been used as early as the 15 th century, and are usually kept at the Nara National Museum.
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Daimoku-tate
Date October 12
Location Yahashirajinja Shrine / Kamifukawa, Nara CityA folk art (storytelling) handed down in the Yabashira-Jinja Shrine in Kamifukawacho, Nara City. 1975: It was designated as the first Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. It was designated a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009. A Shinto ritual performed mainly by young people as young as 17 at the eve of the festival on the 12th. The story is told with a unique melody and conveys the appearance of medieval entertainment to the present.
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Shosoin-ten
Date Late October to mid-November
（The schedule changes from year to year）
Location Nara National Museum / NaraThe Shosoin Treasure House is normally closed to the public, but once a year a special exhibition of the Imperial treasures is held at the Nara National Museum. A number of treasures, including the items that Empress Komyo dedicated to the Great Buddha as a tribute to Emperor Shomu, are on display, attracting a large crowd every year.
Peerless flowers
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Autumn leaves
Location Shoryakuji Temple / Nara
Best viewing: NovemberAn ancient temple with beautiful autumn leaves, also called 'Nishiki no Sato' since ancient times. It is also known as the birthplace of seishu (refined sake), and the preparation of shubo (bodaimoto) is still carried out today.
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Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri Festival
Date December 15 to 18
Location Kasugataisha Sessha
Wakamiya-Jinja Shrine / NaraThis event is believed to have originated in 1136, when Fujiwara no Tadamichi prayed for a bountiful harvest. Since then, it has never been broken. A festival to entertain Kasuga no Wakamiya at the inn for a day and let her show her power. It is a festival held over several days, mainly on the 17th. On the 17th, a variety of events will be held 24 hours a day, from the "Senko-no-gi" ceremony that begins at 0:00 AM to the "Kanko-no-gi" at midnight. At the otabisho, a variety of Shinto rituals and performing arts, including dengaku, hosonotoko, sarugaku (noh) and bugaku, are offered until close to 11:00 PM. It is a grand festival held by the whole nation of Yamato.