Omizutori: Rigorous Training Continuing Over 1260 Years at Todaiji's Nigatsu-do Hall

A Traditional Ceremony Continuing for Over 1,270 Years

Todaiji Nigatsu-do's "Shuni-e," first performed in 752, is a Buddhist traditional ceremony that has continued for over 1,270 years without a single interruption despite wars and natural disasters. It is so closely tied to the arrival of spring in Nara that people say, "When Omizutori ends, spring comes to Nara." It is popularly known as "Omizutori" or "Otaimatsu," and is held every year from March 1 to 14.

Otaimatsu (Torch Ceremony)

During the Shuni-e period, giant torches race across the stage of Nigatsu-do every night to light the way for the priests known as rengyo-shu (the practitioners). Bathing in the sparks that scatter from the torches is said to bring a year free of illness and misfortune, and large crowds gather below Nigatsu-do. The "kago-taimatsu" (basket torches) of March 12 in particular reach about 8 meters in length and about 70 kilograms in weight, making them noticeably larger and full of impact.

Dates and Times for 2026

The main ritual runs from Sunday, March 1 to Saturday, March 14. The times and number of torches for Otaimatsu differ by day: March 1–11 from 19:00 (10 torches, about 20 minutes), March 12 from 19:30 (11 torches, about 45 minutes), and March 13 from 19:00 (10 torches, about 20 minutes). The "Omizutori" ritual that gives the event its name takes place late on the night of the 12th (around 1:30 a.m. on the 13th), according to official information from Todaiji and the Nara City Tourist Association. Please check the official Todaiji website for the latest information.

Meaning of Omizutori

The name "Omizutori" (drawing of the water) derives from the ritual of drawing "okozui," the sacred water offered to the principal image, from the "Wakasa-i" well in front of the hall. Tradition holds that the water is sent underground all the way from distant Wakasa (Fukui Prefecture), and it is a sacred ceremony in which the sins and impurities of the people are repented.

Views from Nigatsu-do

The stage of Nigatsu-do offers a sweeping view over the city of Nara, and on clear days you can see as far as the direction of Osaka — a spectacular scenic spot. It can be visited freely at any time outside the Shuni-e period as well, and has become one of the essential stops on a tour of Todaiji.

Viewing Tips

Otaimatsu is held every night from March 1 to 14, and March 12 in particular becomes extremely crowded. If you want to watch at a relaxed pace, the first half of the period on a weekday is recommended. Nights are cold, so dress warmly.

Practical Information

• Dates: Shuni-e is held every year from March 1 to 14. In 2026 (Reiwa 8) it runs from March 1 to 14, and the next one will be Monday, March 1 to Sunday, March 14, 2027 (Reiwa 9). Reiwa 9 marks the 1,276th time it has been held
• Otaimatsu times and number of torches: March 1–11 and March 13 = 19:00 (10 torches, about 20 minutes) / March 12 = 19:30 (11 torches, about 45 minutes) / March 14 = 18:30 (10 torches, about 10 minutes; they line up side by side along the railing)
• Omizutori: the ritual held late on the night of the 12th, at around 1:30 a.m. on the 13th
• Venue: Todaiji Nigatsu-do (406-1 Zoshi-cho, Nara City, Nara 630-8587)
• Nearest stations: From JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station, take the city loop bus and get off at "Todaiji Daibutsuden / Kasuga Taisha-mae," then 5 minutes on foot
• Parking: There is no visitor parking on the temple grounds. Not only private cars but taxis are also restricted from entering. Motorcycles and bicycles must be parked at the bicycle lot southwest of Nandaimon (you may not enter pushing them by hand either)
• Crowds and entry restrictions: The plaza below Nigatsu-do holds about 3,000 people. March 12 in particular is extremely crowded and dangerous, so entry restrictions are imposed and you may not be able to see the ceremony. On Saturdays and Sundays as well, visitors may be directed to the Second Viewing Area
• Photography rules: Tripods, monopods, stepladders and flash are prohibited around Nigatsu-do (including the entire rear approach). Please use the area at the west end of the Second Viewing Area for photography (one tripod per person)
• Listening (chomon): Listening from the tsubone (listening chambers) is open to all except on March 12 (on the 12th it is limited to members of the respective devotional associations)
• Traffic restrictions: On March 12, traffic restrictions are in place around Nara Park along with entry restrictions near Nigatsu-do

*The specific times and areas of the traffic restrictions, food stalls, restrooms, and how rain is handled are not published officially.*

(Sources: Todaiji official website, Nara City Tourist Association)