Omizutori (Todaiji Nigatsudo Fire Ritual)
Monks brandish giant flaming torches along Todaiji's Nigatsudo balcony each March, showering sparks over the crowd in a 1,200-year-old rite.
When · Where
- When
- 2026/03/12 10:00 – 2026/03/12
- Where
- Todaiji Nigatsudo Hall, Nara（406-1 Zoshi-cho, Nara City, Nara）
- City
- Nara
- Getting there
- Bus from Kintetsu Nara Stn toward Todaiji Daibutsuden
- Price
- Free
Good to know for visitors
- Getting there
- Bus from Kintetsu Nara Stn toward Todaiji Daibutsuden Open directions in Google Maps ↗
- Booking & entry
- Free to attend — details on the official page (button above).
- Language
- Mostly in Japanese — a translation app on your phone helps.
- Good for
- culture seekers, groups of friends, date night
Highlights
- Giant burning torches carried along the balcony
- Showers of sparks said to bring good fortune
- One of Japan's oldest continuous Buddhist rituals
Background & story
Part of the Shunie rites at Todaiji since 752, Omizutori marks the coming of spring; the torch-lit nights (Otaimatsu) run through early March, peaking on March 12.
Good to know
Torch-lighting happens nightly in early March; the grandest is the night of March 12. Arrive early and dress warmly for the crowds.