About the festival
Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri preserves music and dance offered to the shrine's deity. Its processions, nighttime rites and traditional performances use different places and times.
Who is it for?
Travelers interested in classical music, dance and shrine ritual traditions.
Photo: Lovelin6th · CC BY-SA 4.0
Original date: 2014-12-17. Original image or Commons thumbnail; no additional edits.
Dates and times
Usually 15–18 December; main procession and performances on the 17th
Usual season; next dates not confirmed. Times use JST. See the official programme for session times and changes.
Venue and parade route
Nara · 奈良
Wakamiya is within Kasuga Taisha. The Otabisho performance site is separately located along the approach. The daytime procession and night rites use different schedules.
春日大社若宮・御旅所
The map pin marks a reference venue, rather than every entrance or the full parade route.
Getting there by train or bus
- Travel from Kyoto or Osaka to Kintetsu Nara or JR Nara, then toward Kasuga Taisha. Choose the shrine, route or Otabisho stage for your program.
What to see
- Traditional performing arts
- Historical procession
- Wakamiya rites
History and origins
The Wakamiya rite has continued since the Heian period, preserving forms such as kagura, dengaku and bugaku.
Planning your visit
Our editorial suggestions for planning your trip.
Choose a particular performance rather than treating every rite as an open stage show. Nighttime rituals have their own viewing rules.
Places to visit nearby
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.
These stops and the suggested order are editorial recommendations. Check each venue's opening hours and festival-day road closures before travelling.
Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri: common questions
When is Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri?
Usually 15–18 December; main procession and performances on the 17th This is the usual season, rather than a confirmed timetable for the next edition. Times are Japan Standard Time (JST).
Where does Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri take place?
Wakamiya is within Kasuga Taisha. The Otabisho performance site is separately located along the approach. The daytime procession and night rites use different schedules.
How do I get to Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri by public transport?
Travel from Kyoto or Osaka to Kintetsu Nara or JR Nara, then toward Kasuga Taisha. Choose the shrine, route or Otabisho stage for your program.
Are all the traditional performances at Wakamiya Shrine?
Many offerings are performed at the Otabisho. Match your event and time to the shrine's venue guide.
Official sources
- Festival and visitor guide 1 (onmatsuri.kasugataisha.or.jp) ↗
- Festival and visitor guide 2 (www.kasugataisha.or.jp) ↗
Sources reviewed: .