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)

The Todai-ji temple in Nara is the largest wood structure in the world. The temple, originally built in 752, is famous for housing the Great Buddha, a ginormous bronze statue. This UNESCO World Heritage site marked the adoption of Buddhism as the state religion. It was incredibly impressive to visit. And I witnessed a marriage proposal too!

Francine Laura

Mar 15, 2025

This is an amazing Temple 😍 Not only for the religious people, the temple has been named Humanity Heritage and it definitely deserves it. The atmosphere of the entire compound is extraordinary, the architecture, history and religious significance makes it a perfect spot to visit Do not missed the opportunity to experience this wonderful feeling 100% recommended

Antonio Perez Coss

Mar 26, 2025

Beautiful temple inside Nara Deer Park and a must see while in Nara. It’s definitely worth the trip coming up from the park and checking out this temple. Tickets are under 1000 yen and come with a bundle with the museum. The Buddha is spectacular to look at and view. The structure made of wood is amazingly gorgeous.

Anthony Plaxen

Feb 20, 2025

Spectacular temple! Entrance fee of 800Yen and totally worth it! The impressive temple building guards a huge Buddha statue with two others on its side. Built during the Nara period, this temple truly highlights any visit to Nara. Get your Goshuin stamp here and get good fortune by crawling through a really tight hole.

Nikita Nymeros

Mar 12, 2025

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.