お松明
Todai-ji, Nigatsu-Do Hall
• Mar 1–14

During Otaimatsu, priests run to and fro along the corridors of Nigatsu-do, one of the important structures of Todai-ji temple, waving huge pine torches. It is believed that if you are showered with these fire sparks, you will be protected from evil. This centuries-old ritual has been carried out every year since 752. The largest torch appears on the 12th.

Time: 7pm on the 1st to 11th & 13th, 7:30pm on the 12th, 6:30pm on the 14th
• Admission: Free
• Access: JR / Kintetsu Nara Stn, bus to Daibutsuden Kasugataisha-mae, 5-min walk
• todaiji.or.jp/contents/guidance/index.html#map