Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri

Last Updated on December 18, 2024

What to expect at Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri 

This festival has been celebrated since 1136 and is one of the most formal and traditional festivals in Japan, having been designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property for its crossing ceremony and religious performances.

The origins of the festival date back to the years of 1132-1135 when years of heavy rains and floods caused successive famines and epidemics that spread throughout the country, to save the people the emperors and regents prayed for strong protection from the deity Wakamiya-sama.

After praying for aid from Wakamiya-sama, in 1136 they welcomed the divine spirit to Kasugano-cho and held a festival of thanks, which marked the beginning of the Onmatsuri festival.

The festival sees a collection of traditional events take place over the dates of the festival such as processions, ceremonies and rituals.

The festival also hosts traditional sporting events such as horse racing, Yabusame and dedication sumo.

A full timetable of events can be found on the official website.

When will Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri take place?

Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri will take place from the 15th December 2024 until the 18th December 2024 at a number of venues surrounding Nara’s Kasuga Taisha shrine.

A map of the event route/locations can be found here (Japanese only).

How much does Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri cost?

Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri is free to attend.

How do I get to Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri?

Nearest Station: Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri is best accessed from Kintetsu Nara Station using the Kintetsu Nara Line.

Alternatively, you can reach the event from Nara Station by taking the Yamatoji Line or the Nara Line.