Nara City Tourism Association

The Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri Festival is an annual event held at the Wakamiya Shrine, situated within the grounds of Kasugataisha Shrine. In 1136, during the late Heian Period (794–1185), Regent Fujiwara no Tadamichi visited the Wakamiya Shrine and conducted a ritual to pray for peace and tranquility across the land, bountiful harvests, and harmony among people on behalf of Yamato Province (now Nara Prefecture). Since then, the festival has been celebrated every year without interruption. This year marks the 890th occurrence of the festival (2025). A wide variety of Shinto performing arts are presented as offerings, along with solemn rituals conducted in the middle of the night. Today, this festival is recognized as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, preserving traditional Japanese culture and customs for contemporary audiences.

The Owatari-shiki ceremony—a parade featuring participants dressed in historical costumes from various periods of Japanese history, spanning the Heian to the Edo Period—begins at noon on December 17. The parade winds through the streets of Nara City, where it can be observed from the roadside. 

Additionally, special seating will be provided at three locations along the route, allowing you to enjoy the procession comfortably (a fee is required, operated by the Nara City Tourism Association).