Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri brings historical costumes, sacred music and dance to Nara. Kagura, dengaku and bugaku use different times and settings, so choose the performances that interest you.
Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri dates
Usually December 15–18; main procession and performances on December 17
Usual annual timing
Dates and times use JST. Usual timing is not a confirmed next-edition schedule. Read the organiser’s programme for start times, tickets, postponements and cancellations.
Where to watch
Nara · 奈良
Kasuga Taisha’s Wakamiya and the Otabisho by Omotesando
春日大社若宮・御旅所
Wakamiya is within Kasuga Taisha. The Otabisho performance site is separately located along the approach. The daytime procession and night rites use different schedules.
The directions below use one representative location, not every venue entrance or the complete procession route. Use the official venue map for your ticket or programme.
Getting there by train or bus
Reach Kintetsu Nara or JR Nara from Kyoto or Osaka, then travel towards Kasuga Taisha. Use the official map to distinguish the shrine, procession streets and Otabisho.
Planning your visit
For procession and theatre in one day, compare their times before choosing a viewing place. Staying only at Wakamiya misses performances at Otabisho.
This is an editorial travel suggestion, not a claim of a personal visit or a guarantee of the programme. When travelling from Canada, use your Japan arrival date to select the festival day.
What to look for
- Traditional performing arts
- Historical procession
- Wakamiya rites
History and traditions
The Wakamiya rite has continued since the Heian period, preserving forms such as kagura, dengaku and bugaku.
Photo: Lovelin6th · CC BY-SA 4.0. Original or supplied reduced image; no additional edits. See the original file for its date and context.
Nearby places to consider
Naramachi · ならまち
Nara's old town, with machiya buildings and small shops.
Walk the district by day before your chosen shrine performance; late-night rites require a separate transport plan.
The description and suggested visit refer to the first attraction listed. Other links are separate nearby options; festival traffic and opening hours may affect your plans.
Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri questions
When is Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri?
Usually December 15–18; main procession and performances on December 17. Usual annual timing is not confirmation of the next edition.
How do I reach Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri by public transport?
Reach Kintetsu Nara or JR Nara from Kyoto or Osaka, then travel towards Kasuga Taisha. Use the official map to distinguish the shrine, procession streets and Otabisho.
Are the procession and traditional performances simultaneous?
They use different venues and times. Consult the official timetable for the procession and the particular Otabisho performance you want to attend.
Official programme and sources
- Official reference · onmatsuri.kasugataisha.or.jp ↗
- Official reference · www.kasugataisha.or.jp ↗
- Official reference · www.city.nara.lg.jp ↗
Shared source records reviewed October 3, 2026. Some official pages are in Japanese. JapanLiveNow’s English guide is independently edited; the organiser’s latest announcement takes precedence.