Watch Buddhist rituals of fire & water, Omizutori in Nara

Outdoors & Adventures | Nara, Japan

Watch Buddhist rituals of fire & water, Omizutori in Nara

By Native

Experience the annual Omizutori festival in March at Todaiji which is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara!

On Request

English

Fixed Date

Experience the annual Omizutori festival in March at Todaiji which is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara!

On Request

English

Fixed Date

Have you ever heard of the Water Drawing festival, "Omizutori"? Omizutori is an annual Buddhist festival held every March at Todaiji Temple in Nara, which dates back over 1250 years. It started in 752 when Todaiji Temple (famous for the giant Buddha Statue, "Daibutsu") was built during the Nara period. During the festival, priests confess people's sins before the eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva (the goddess of mercy), and pray for the productiveness of grain and for world peace as well. Omizutori was originally held during February in the old calendar. That's why the hall where rituals take place is called "Nigatsu-do" Hall ("Nigatsu" means February). The festival lasts 2 weeks and during the period young ascetics run the corridor of Nigatsu-do, holding up big pine torches in order to show priests in service the way to the Kannon Bodhisattva. Those who are showered with the fire sparks or pick up ember from the torches, are believed to be in good health throughout the year. The highlight of Omizutori is performed on the midnight of March 12th when priests draw water from a well down below Nigatsu-do as an offering to the Kannon Bodhisattva. This spring water is also said to have a special power to cure all diseases. Kansai people, especially Nara people await this festival so eagerly, because they believe that spring come as Omizutori is over. There are a lot of old buildings, historic monuments, and Buddha statues in Nara, which is included in the list of Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In this tour, our guide will show you the sights to be seen in Todaiji Temple and tell you the history of Omizutori. The price includes a ticket for Todaiji Museum, which offers you an opportunity to see national treasures in the Nara period. On top of that, feeding deer in Nara Park (Todaiji is located in the park) is worth trying! Come and enjoy Omizutori for your happiness and good luck in the coming year! You can see the festival every night from March 1 to March 14, but the highlight is on March 12 when all torches are lit.

Inclusive of

Entrance to Todaiji Museum
Guide fee

Location

Todai-ji Temple, 406-1 Zoshicho, Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan

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Know Before You Go

General Information:

Notes:

The highlight is on March 12 when all torches are lit

What to wear:

Nara in this period of March is bitterly cold. Be sure to wear warm clothing and suitable footwear to move along with the crowds

Cancellation Policy

You will be eligible for a refund if you cancel or make amendments within 8 days before the actual date of your activity. Native Transactions Fees & Charges May Applies

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