On the night of March 12 to 13, between 1:30 am and 2:30 am, priests descend Nigatsudo by torchlight to draw water from a special well that flows only once a year. This water, believed to have healing powers, gives Omizutori its name, though the entire two-week event is now called this.
After the water drawing, the Dattan ceremony takes place inside Nigatsudo. Priests blow horns, ring bells, and swing burning torches in a dramatic display. The event concludes around 3:30 am.
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Omizutori
1 of 2 in events in Nara
Omizutori (お水取り), also known as Shunie, is an ancient Buddhist event held annually at Todaiji Temple from March 1 to 14. For over 1250 years, this series of repentance rituals has been celebrated, making it one of Japan's oldest continuing traditions.
The event takes place at Nigatsudo Hall, a subtemple of Todaiji, located on a hill slope near the main hall. Omizutori is a deeply spiritual occasion that draws visitors seeking to witness its powerful rituals and the serene atmosphere of Todaiji Temple during the second month of the lunar calendar, which corresponds to March.
When
- When
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March 1 to 14
Otaimatsu
- What is Otaimatsu?
-
Otaimatsu is the highlight of the Omizutori festival. Every evening from March 1 to 14, giant six- to eight-meter torches are carried to Nigatsudo's balcony. As burning embers fall onto the crowd below, it’s believed to bring a safe year.
The number and size of torches change daily. On most nights, ten medium-sized torches are carried across the balcony, with the event lasting around 20 minutes, as visitors watch from the courtyard.
- Schedule
-
March 1-11: Starts at 19:00 and takes 20 minutes with 6m/40 kg torches
March 12: Starts at 19:00 and takes 45 minutes with 8m/70 kg torches
March 13: Starts at 19:00 and takes 20 minutes with 6m/40 kg torches
March 14: Starts at 19:30 and takes 10 minutes with 6m/40 kg torches
Other Events
Getting there
Omizutori is held at Nigatsudo, a ten minute walk uphill from Todaiji Temple's main building.
Resources
English
Shunie
Official website
Japanese
Shunie
Official website
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