Omizutori is the popular name for Shuni-e, a series of sacred Buddhist rites held at Todaiji’s Nigatsudo hall over the first two weeks of March, and one of Japan’s oldest ceremonies — performed every year without interruption since 752, over 1,270 years. Its most spectacular moment is the Otaimatsu each evening, when monks race along the hall’s wooden veranda swinging enormous flaming pine torches, showering embers over the crowd gathered below (sparks are said to bring good luck and blessing). The rites culminate in the Omizutori water-drawing ceremony itself in the small hours, marking the arrival of spring.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Nigatsudo, Todaiji, Nara |
| Hours | March 1–14 evenings (Otaimatsu ~19:00) |
| Admission | Free to view |
| Time needed | An evening |
| Best time | March 1–14; the 12th is the grandest |
What to See
- The Otaimatsu: giant flaming torches swung over the veranda.
- A shower of blessing embers over the crowd below.
- A 1,270-year-old rite unbroken since 752.
- The Nigatsudo hall and its hilltop view over Nara.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with a daytime visit to Todaiji and Nara Park.
- Pair with the view from Mount Wakakusa nearby.
- Read our Nara overview .
Getting There
- On foot: Nigatsudo is on the hillside above Todaiji in Nara Park.
- Timing: the Otaimatsu torches run in the early evening; arrive early for a spot.
Tips
Arrive well before the evening torch rite to get a good position below the Nigatsudo veranda, as it draws large crowds, especially on March 12, the grandest night (which is also the most packed — the quieter earlier nights offer a similar spectacle with more room). Dress warmly for the early-March night, and combine it with daytime Todaiji sightseeing to make the trip up the hill worthwhile.
