Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri Explained | Nara’s Grand Historical Parade

The Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri is one of Japan’s oldest and most prestigious traditional festivals, held every December in Nara.
This video focuses on the Owatari-shiki, the grand sacred procession in which over 1,000 participants dressed in period costumes from the Heian to Edo eras walk from central Nara to Kasuga Taisha’s Wakamiya Shrine.

Highlights
• A spectacular historical procession featuring priests, warriors, courtiers, musicians, and seven shrine maidens (miko)
• Authentic costumes representing nearly 900 years of Japanese history
• A rare opportunity to witness a living Shinto ritual preserved almost unchanged since the 12th century

History
The festival began in 1136, when prayers were offered to the deity of Wakamiya Shrine to end epidemics and natural disasters. It has continued annually for nearly 900 years.

Access
The procession starts near central Nara and proceeds toward Kasuga Taisha.
Nara is easily reached from Kyoto or Osaka by JR or Kintetsu trains.

Trivia
• Participants walk silently, following strict traditional rules
• Costumes are carefully maintained to historical accuracy
• The procession alone takes several hours to pass

Admission
Viewing the procession is free of charge along public streets.

Official website:
https://onmatsuri.kasugataisha.or.jp/


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