Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri
ReligiousKansai(Nara)
Annual eventDates
2026-12-15 — 2026-12-18
Venue
Kasuga Taisha Shrine & Wakamiya Shrine
Admission
Free
Crowd Level
Moderate crowdAncient Shinto festival at Kasuga Shrine with 900 years of unbroken tradition.
Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri is one of Japan's oldest continuously held festivals, dating back to 1136. The four-day celebration features sacred Kagura dances, a grand costumed procession recreating historical eras, and Noh performances under torchlight at the ancient shrine grounds. It is designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Highlights
Grand costumed procession (Owaatari) with 1,000+ participants recreating Heian to Edo eras; Torchlight Noh performances at the ancient shrine; Sacred Kagura dances and traditional court music offerings
Access
JR or Kintetsu Nara Station, then Nara Kotsu bus to Kasuga Taisha Honden-mae (approx. 15 min). Walking from Nara Station takes about 30 minutes through Nara Park.
Tips for Visitors
The Owaatari procession on December 17 is the main highlight — arrive early to secure a viewing spot along Sanjo-dori. Torchlight Noh on the 17th evening is free but seating is limited. Dress warmly as temperatures drop significantly at night.