January 6, 2015
Spectacular traditional events in Nara!
Satoru Yoshizawa, Nara National Museum
Winter in Nara is wonderful, because you can witness traditional events that have continued for 1000 years.
The On-Matsuri occurs on December 17 at the Kasugataisha Shrine, and Omizutori occurs between late February to early March at Nigatsudo in Todaiji Temple. Both events are very old festivals that have continued uninterrupted to this day. Even though it is a festival, it is not a noisy affair, and is focused on modest ceremonies in front of Gods or Buddhas wishing for abundant crop and peace on Earth. Everybody, including those who oversee or perform the ceremonies, has an air of solemnity. The Nara National Museum will open an exhibit on traditional events that will allow you to appreciate the rich history of these ceremonies and be "cleansed" through the exhibit experience.
A picture scroll depicting festival ceremonies at Kasuga-Wakamiya Shrine
(middle volume, Kasugataisha Shrine, Nara)
The exhibit titled "On-Matsuri and the Sacred Art of Kasuga" (open from December 9, 2014 to January 18, 2015) is an exhibit to introduce the On-Matsuri and the celebration for Wakamiya God of Kasugataisha Shrine. On midnight of December 17, the Wakamiya God leaves the main shrine to a temporary shrine called Otabisho for a one day stay. Events such as court dances and music, ritual dances, horse racing, and horseback archery dedicated to the God take place, and the people of Nara who serve at the event appear before the God like a period procession. The On-Matsuri started in 1136 during the Heian Period, approximately 880 years ago. The exhibition features picture scrolls depicting images of the festivities as well as accessories for the place that the ceremonies take place.
Milestone (Kasugataisha Shrine, Nara)
The exhibit titled "Omizutori" (open from February 7, 2015 to March 15) introduces the ceremony shrouded in mystery known as "Omizutori" that takes place at Nigatsudo in Todaiji Temple. The monks chant as if invoking an incantation in front of the main statue of Buddha in Nigatsudo, the Ekadaza Mukha (hidden Buddha), and perform various ceremonies including prostrations. These ceremonies started in 752, approximately 1260 years ago. This exhibit introduces the ritual implements and clothing used in the ceremonies, as well as works of art depicting the faith.
These traditional events are unlike any other in the world. Come and experience the timeless history during winter at Nara!
Nigatsudo historical picture scroll (last volume; Todaiji Temple, Nara)
Nara National Museum
50 Noborioji-cho, Nara City 630-8213
- Telephone
- 050-5542-8600 (NTT Hello Dial)
- Access
- From Kintetsu Nara Station, walk east for 15 minutes on Noboriji-cho
Board the City Loop Bus (No. 2) from JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station and get off at "Himurojinja / Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan" bus stop. - Museum Hours
- 9:30 to 17:00 (last admission is 30 minutes before closing)
- Holidays
- Closed on Mondays (If it is a statutory holiday, museum will be closed the following day. If there are consecutive days, the closure will follow the last day of the holiday.)
- Admission
- General: 520 yen (410 yen)
University students: 260 yen (210 yen)
*Parentheses indicate rates for groups over 20
*Free admission for high school students, students younger than 18, and seniors over 70 (proof of age required).
*Free admission for disabled persons and their caretaker (disabled certificate required). - Website
- http://www.narahaku.go.jp/english/index_e.html
Special Exhibition: On-Matsuri and the Sacred Art of Kasuga
December 9, 2014 to January 18, 2015
- Museum Hours
- 9:00 to 17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
- Holidays
- Closed on Mondays (If it is a statutory holiday, museum will be closed the following day. If there are consecutive days, the closure will follow the last day of the holiday.); January 1.
- Admission
- General: 520 yen (410 yen)
University students: 260 yen (210 yen)
*Parentheses indicate rates for groups over 20 with a group leader.
*Free admission for high school students, students younger than 18, and seniors over 70 (proof of age required).
*The group rate applies to adults accompanying children (middle school-aged and younger).
*The admission also allows entry to the exhibit “Jeweled Buddhist Arts” (open from December 9) at the new West Hall.
*Those whose 20th birthday is between April 2014 and March 2015 have free access to the exhibit on January 12 (Coming of Age Day).
*During January 2 to 4, 2015, those in possession of flyers handed out within Kasugataisha Shrine have free admission to the exhibit.
*The Buddhist Sculpture Hall will not be open as it is under construction. - Website
- http://www.narahaku.go.jp/exhibition/past.html#exhib2014
Special Exhibition: Omizutori
February 7, 2015 to March 15, 2015
- Museum Hours
- 9:00 to 17:00 (last admission is 30 minutes before closing)
*Open until 20:30 from February 8-14 (during Nararurie)
*Open until 18:00 from March 1-11, 13, 14 (during Otaimatsu at Nigatsudo)
*Open until 19:00 on March 12 (Day of Kagotaimatsu at Nigatsudo) - Holidays
- February 16, 23
*Open on February 9, and March 2, 9 - Admission
- General: 520 yen (410 yen)
University students: 260 yen (210 yen)
*Parentheses indicate rates for groups over 20 with a group leader.
*Free admission for high school students, students younger than 18, seniors over 70 (proof of age required), and disabled people in possession of a certificate (and one caregiver).
*The group rate applies to adults accompanying children (middle school-aged and younger).
*The admission fee will be half of the general admission for married couples visiting on February 22 (the 22nd of every month is designated as Married Couples’ Day)
*The admission also allows entry to the exhibit “Jeweled Buddhist Arts” at the West Hall.
*The Buddhist Sculpture Hall will not be open as it is under construction. - Website
- http://www.narahaku.go.jp/exhibition/past.html#exhib2014