蹴鞠祭
Tanzan-Jinja Shrine, Nara
Apr 29

An elegant ball game that was popular among people of the court in early Japanese history takes place at the ancient Tanzan-jinja shrine. Mountains in fresh spring verdure provide the perfect setting for this traditional event called kemari. Wearing magnificent kimono, performers kick and pass the ball in a graceful manner reminiscent of the Japanese courts of old. Legend has it that Prince Nakano Oe first met his vassal Kamatari Fujiwara at a kemari game in the 7th century. To commemorate this historical event, Tanzan-jinja, the shrine that houses the deity Kamatari Fujiwara hosts the ancient ball game biannually in Spring and Autumn.

Time: 11am • Admission: ¥600 adults, concessions • Access: JR / Kintetsu Line Sakurai Stn, bus to Tanzan-jinja • tanzan.or.jp