What other travelers are saying about Omizutori (Shunie)
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We visited Todaji Temple today, and it was a wonderful experience. We took a train to get here, which was very convenient. The surrounding park is huge and lively, with many school kids on day trips, creating a pleasant vibe. The temple itself is beautiful, and deer are everywhere, making the walk even more enjoyable. Don’t miss the delicious ice cream, and make sure to shop at the nearby metro station—especially the French bakery for some great food. Overall, it was a fantastic day!
We were an Indian family visiting Japan in hot August. What a blessed beautiful Buddha temple!
We visited Nara for just this and the deers. I loved the way the sanctity of the temple is maintained with silence & respect.
We purchased tickets at the main entrance to visit the temple. There's a hot centre pathway towards the temple. Do drink the holy water provided outside the temple, very clean & refreshing.
The massive Buddha statue will put you in awe.
Right outside the temple is a occult figure, whose part you touch & then you touch your own body, your ailments are relieved, as written.
There's lot of souvenir shopping, got few Todaiji folders & fans. Near exit had a popsicle stick & then when feeding the deers enjoyed a matcha ice cream.
Total time to visit is about an hour. We went at Noon!
The wooden temple is amazing and truly beautiful to see. When you first see it, it feels like you are stepping back into another time. It is a very strong building that has lasted for many, many years, which really shows how skilled the original builders were. The detailed carvings in the wood are incredible, and you can spend a long time just looking at them.
Inside, the giant bronze Buddha is absolutely wonderful. It's so big and peaceful, and it makes the whole hall feel very calm and special. You can almost feel a powerful, quiet energy in the room when you stand in front of it. It’s hard to believe that people could build something so huge a long time ago, using only old tools and their hands. Everything is made with so much care, showing the amazing skills from the past. It really makes you appreciate all of their hard work and dedication.
However, the one downside is that the place is very crowded with all kinds of tourists, from local families to travelers from across the globe. The walk from the station to the temple is always very busy, and it's hard to move around without bumping into other people and the many deer that roam freely in the area. While the deer are cute, they can be a bit pushy when they are looking for snacks from visitors. The crowds can be a lot to handle, but they also make the place feel alive and full of energy. It is definitely worth it to see something so amazing and historic; you just need to be patient with the crowds.
Visiting Tōdaiji Temple was such an amazing experience!
You can’t miss this place when you’re in Nara — it’s home to the Great Buddha, one of the largest bronze statues in the world.
Even outside the temple, the views are breathtaking and perfect for beautiful photos.
A truly peaceful and unforgettable place to visit. 🏯✨
In the ancient city of Nara,
a temple complex breathes with centuries.
The Great Buddha Hall,
vastest timbered heart on earth,
rises like a hymn in wood and silence.
Within,
a colossus of bronze—
Rushana, radiant Buddha,
sixteen meters of stillness,
gazes into eternity.
This is the seat of Kegon wisdom,
a jewel on UNESCO’s sacred list.
And though pilgrims and travelers
move in steady streams,
the air yet hums with spirit—
a quiet vastness
where time bows low.
Omizutori takes place every year from March 1st to March 14th, culminating in the most significant rituals in the last few days.
The primary rituals of Omizutori include the dramatic fire ceremony called Otaimatsu, where giant torches are lit and paraded along the balcony of Nigatsu-do, and the sacred water drawing (Omizutori) from the Wakasa well on the final morning, believed to purify the temple and its devotees.
Omizutori is believed to cleanse the sins of people, bring about personal renewal, and ensure a year of peace and health. It is a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal for those who participate or observe.
Tourists are welcome to view the ceremonies and experience the event, though active participation in the rituals is generally reserved for the monks at Todaiji Temple.