The Ryuo Festival (Kairyuo Prayer Ceremony)
Area
- Photo : Courtesy of Kairyuoji
- Photo : Courtesy of Kairyuoji
- Photo : Courtesy of Kairyuoji
Memorial service praying for the success of those who soar like a dragon.
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The Ryuo Festival, also known as the Kairyuo Prayer Ceremony, is held annually on September 3rd at Kairyuo-ji Temple in Nara. This Buddhist ritual is dedicated to Ryuo (the Dragon King)—a guardian deity of water and the sea—who is believed to have the power to control weather, rainfall, and protect seafarers.
The festival commemorates the enshrinement of the Dragon King's spirit at the temple in 1844 (Tenpō 15). According to tradition, the dragon ascends to the heavens when the time is right, growing horns, claws, and legs—symbols of transformation, strength, and momentum. Attendees pray that they, too, may "rise like the dragon," seizing opportunities for success and personal growth.
*During the memorial service, it is not possible to move around the main hall (participation in the memorial service is possible).
*Those who worship will be given a protective talisman (limited quantity).
*Only a "Kairyuo" goshuin stamp will be given on that day.
- Kairyuoji Temple
- Kairyuoji Temple was established in 731 by Empress Komyo t…
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General Information
- Event period
- Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Memorial service: 14:00-15:00 - Event venue
- Kairyuoji Temple
- Address
- 897 Hokkeji-Kitamachi, Nara City, Nara, 630-8001
- Access
- From JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station, take a 14-minute bus ride to Saidaiji Station or the Air Self-Defense Force. Get off at "Hokkeji-mae" and walk for 1 minute.
Alternatively, from Kintetsu Yamato-Saidaiji Station, take a 10-minute bus ride to JR Nara Station, get off at "Hokkeji-mae," and walk for 1 minute. - Website
