Festivals
Tue, Dec 15 – Fri, Dec 18Procession from noon on the 17th
Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri
Kasuga Taisha Wakamiya Shrine and central Nara · Kansai
A festival dating to 1136, with a procession in historical costume through Nara on 17 December.
Festivals
Sat, Jan 9 – Mon, Jan 11
Toka Ebisu Festival at Imamiya Ebisu Shrine
Imamiya Ebisu Shrine, Osaka · Kansai
Free
Osaka's festival for business prosperity, where shrine maidens hand out lucky bamboo branches.
Extremely crowded.
Festivals
Sat, Jan 23Fireworks 18:15, burning from 18:30
Wakakusa Yamayaki (Mountain Burning)
Mt. Wakakusa, Nara · Kansai
Partly paidAfter dark
After fireworks, the whole grass-covered hill is set alight, visible across Nara.
Festivals
Mon, Mar 1 – Sun, Mar 14
Shuni-e (Omizutori) at Todai-ji Nigatsu-do
Nigatsu-do Hall, Todai-ji, Nara · Kansai
FreeAfter dark
A rite held without a break for over 1,270 years; huge torches are carried along the balcony each night.
12 March is especially crowded and entry is restricted.