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)

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

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

I loved this place. Such a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the attraction. It is situated inside Nara park. Very easy to walk to. Very busy even in the winter but queues moved quickly. We paid to enter and see the giant Buddhas which was well worth it.

Matt Bernal

Jan 10, 2025

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

After having visited loads of temples and shrines across Japan, I would say that this one was among the top-3. It's very big and the scenery that surrounds it adds up to the overall experience. Not to be missed if you ever visit Nara.