Orders

Omizutori (Shunie)

Name: Omizutori (Shunie)
Address: 406-1 Zōshichō, Nara, 630-8587, Japan
Rating: 4.6

4.6 (200)・Tourist Attraction・Place Of Worship・Point Of Interest・Establishment

Omizutori, also known as the Water-Drawing Festival, is one of Japan's oldest and most spectacular Buddhist ceremonies. Held annually in early March at the historic Todai-ji Temple in Nara, this event has been celebrated for over 1,250 years, drawing crowds from across Japan and around the world.

The highlight of Omizutori is the dramatic and awe-inspiring fire ceremony, where massive torches, some weighing over 50 kilograms and measuring up to 8 meters long, are carried by monks up the temple's balcony. As the torches are paraded around and their embers cascade down in a shower of sparks, it is believed that these sparks cleanse the spectators from sin and impurities. The event symbolizes the arrival of spring and is thought to purify the temple and its visitors, ushering in a new year of renewal and growth.

On the final night of the festival, a quieter but equally significant ritual takes place, where sacred water is drawn from a well within the temple grounds. This water is said to have miraculous properties, ensuring good health and a long life for those who drink it.

Hours:

7:00 PM (March 1-11)

7:30 PM (March 12)

7:00 PM (March 13)

6:30 PM (March 14)

Closed:

Annually

Available:

Once a year

Minimum Age:

All Ages are welcome

Fees:

No Admission fee

Hours

Monday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Thursday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Saturday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Sunday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Phone

+81 742-22-5511

Website

www.todaiji.or.jp

The area

Address

406-1 Zōshichō, Nara, 630-8587, Japan

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What other travelers are saying about Omizutori (Shunie)

Absolutely amazing UNESCO world heritage site. The Buddha hall is grandiose in scale and there is a section where you can crawl through a pillar which was super unique and fun. There is a small museum which helps you understand the history of the site and was good enough for it's size. As usual there are many sections which are cordoned off from the public. I was surprised that they had signs here of all places informing the public to not approach the baby fowl/deer as the mothers abandon the baby if they get touched. I think this should be posted in more places. The Nara 🦌 outside the temple also make the entire experience very fun.

Vignesh M

Nov 30, 2024

A stunning piece of history! Definitely visit here if you’re in Nara. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Hall was, until the ‘90s, the world’s biggest timber structure and is awe-inspiring. The 15m tall Buddha inside is also a sight to behold. Try to fit through the hole in the pillar at the back of the hole to be granted good health and luck! The surrounding gardens are beautiful and filled with deer. A must-visit!

Sara

Nov 21, 2024

The highlight of visiting Nara Deer Park is Todaji Temple. It's a historical culture site. It is a massive structure. You enter from the left and exit the right. There are explaining the history of the Temple inside. The Buddha is huge. At one corner, one of the pillars has a hole that you can try to crawl through. It is said the diameter of the hole is the same as the nose hole of Buddha. The entrance fee is 800 yen.

peter liew

Dec 30, 2024

One of the most monumental places I’ve ever seen. Looking at the great Buddha statue changed my perspective for the art forever. The gardens are beautiful. I wonder how would this place look like with no crowd.

koko die

Dec 29, 2024

A beautiful Big Hall building and impressive, huge Buddha statues. It's a wonderful temple but with the number of visitors it's almost a "Disneyland" feeling, and not a place of worship. I trust the entrance & souvenir fees will be put to good use for restoration and the needy. It's was a privilege to visit.