Category: Events

The new green leaves are bright in the rainy season. Also, May~July is the season for baby deer to be born in Nara Park. You can get close to newly born baby deer at “Rokuen”「鹿苑」 (Deer shelter). They are so cute! If you are lucky, you might even be able to watch a deer being born. There’s a special food...

Omizutori (Water Drawing Festival) is officially known as “Shuni-e”. From its beginnings at Todai-ji Temple in 752, Shuni-e has continued down to the present day without pause (as of 2018, 1267 times and counting!) and will continue as long as Todai-ji Temple exists. It was formerly held February 1st~15th on the old lunar calendar, but today is held from March...

Today is Setsubun in Japan. Setsubun celebrates the coming of Spring. Setsubun Festivals are held in many places across Japan. Here you can see the celebration at historical Gango-ji Temple in Naramachi.   Saito Ohgoma-kuyo: People can walk on the cinders of the holy fire, offering prayers to ward off evil and invite good luck. Take care of the smoke and sparks from...

The “Shika-senbei” (Deer Cracker) Throwing Tournament is held at Mt. Wakakusa-yama several times a year.      Deer standing by to catch a cracker! Mega-size senbei are used, and you can win a prize for throwing one over 20m or 30m. You can have a maximum of 3 throws, but throwing them is a real challenge, especially when it’s windy!...

  One of the most popular events in Nara. Many thousands of people come to watch the ritual burning of the winter grasses on Mt. Wakakusa-yama. The event is preceded by various ceremonies during the day and a spectacular fireworks display starting from 18:15. Then, the main burning begins… There are many good viewing points throughout Nara Park and the...