Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri : Art and Devotion
Nara National Museum
Starts in 6 days
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The Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri is an annual festival where the Wakamiya Deity is carried from his Wakamiya Jinja within the Kasuga complex and to a temporary “travel abode” (otabisho) where he is entertained with numerous performances for a full twenty-four-hour day. The festival is famous for the procession of historic figures (furyū gyōretsu) honoring the Wakayama deity at the otabisho and for traditional performing arts, such as dengaku (field music), bugaku (court dance), and sarugaku (the predecessor of nō and kyōgen). The Heian-period origins of Onmatsuri are evidenced by records tracing back to Hōen 2 (1136). Its traditions have been protected and carried on through the generations, and this year marks its 890th observance.
This exhibition is an ongoing project to introduce the history and rituals of the Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri as well as the art related to worship at Kasuga Taisha. Along with the shrine treasures, exquisite in their intricate craftsmanship, recent productions of these cultural properties are also on display. This year’s exhibition also introduces shunnichikō, which are local religious gatherings of nearby residents who come together to hang Kasuga Mandala and worship in front of it. Through numerous artworks related to the Kasuga faith, we are eager to present glimpses into the beautiful and sacred world of Onmatsuri, which includes the entire Yamato region (Nara prefecture).
This exhibition is an ongoing project to introduce the history and rituals of the Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri as well as the art related to worship at Kasuga Taisha. Along with the shrine treasures, exquisite in their intricate craftsmanship, recent productions of these cultural properties are also on display. This year’s exhibition also introduces shunnichikō, which are local religious gatherings of nearby residents who come together to hang Kasuga Mandala and worship in front of it. Through numerous artworks related to the Kasuga faith, we are eager to present glimpses into the beautiful and sacred world of Onmatsuri, which includes the entire Yamato region (Nara prefecture).
Schedule | Dec 13 (Sat) 2025-Jan 18 (Sun) 2026 Opening Hours Information
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| Fee | Adults ¥700; University Students ¥350; High School Students and Under, Seniors 70 & Over, Persons with Disability Certificates + 1 Companion free. | ||||
| Website | https://www.narahaku.go.jp/english/exhibition/special/202512_on-matsuri/ | ||||
| Venue | Nara National Museum https://www.narahaku.go.jp/english/ | ||||
| Location | 50 Noborioji-cho, Nara-shi, Nara 630-8213 | ||||
| Access | 15 minute walk from exit 2 at Kintetsu-Nara Station on the Kintetsu line; From the East exit of Nara Station on the JR Kansai Main line, take the Nara Kotsu bus and get off at Himurojinja-Kokuritsuhakubutsukan. | ||||
| Phone | 050-5542-8600 | ||||
| Related images | Click on the image to enlarge it |
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