Feature Exhibition

Feature Exhibition

Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri : Art and Devotion

　The Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri is an annual festival where the Wakamiya Deity is carried from his Wakamiya Jinja within the Kasuga complex and to a temporary “travel abode” (otabisho) where he is entertained with numerous performances for a full twenty-four-hour day. The festival is famous for the procession of historic figures (furyū gyōretsu) honoring the Wakayama deity at the otabisho and for traditional performing arts, such as dengaku (field music), bugaku (court dance), and sarugaku (the predecessor of nō and kyōgen). The Heian-period origins of Onmatsuri are evidenced by records tracing back to Hōen 2 (1136). Its traditions have been protected and carried on through the generations, and this year marks its 890th observance.

　This exhibition is an ongoing project to introduce the history and rituals of the Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri as well as the art related to worship at Kasuga Taisha. Along with the shrine treasures, exquisite in their intricate craftsmanship, recent productions of these cultural properties are also on display. This year’s exhibition also introduces shunnichikō, which are local religious gatherings of nearby residents who come together to hang Kasuga Mandala and worship in front of it. Through numerous artworks related to the Kasuga faith, we are eager to present glimpses into the beautiful and sacred world of Onmatsuri, which includes the entire Yamato region (Nara prefecture).

National Treasure
Ancient Shrine Treasure of Wakamiya: Bronze Komainu Dog
Kasuga Taisha, Nara

Dates

Saturday, December 13th, 2025 to Sunday, January 18th, 2026

The museum is closed on Mondays, the holidays at the end and beginning of the year (Saturday, December 28th, 2025 to Thursday, January 1st, 2026), and Tuesday, January 13th, 2026, but it will be open on Monday, January 12th, 2026.

Venue

The West New Wing of the Nara National Museum

Hours

9:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Last entry is thirty minutes before closing.

*On the day of the Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri O-Watari-shiki (December 17th), the museum is open until 7:00 p.m.

Admission

General Admission700 JPY 
University Students350 JPY 
  • Free of charge entry to disabled certificate holders and an accompanying caretaker (upon presenting the certificate).
  • Free of charge entry to high School students and below; those under the age of 18; those 70 and above.
  • Free of charge entry to all guests on the day of the Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri O-Watari-shiki (December 17th).
  • For those bringing along with them a guest who is a high school student or under and/or under the age of 18, please enjoy a 100 yen discount on general admission and 50 yen discount on university students admission.
  • Admission includes entry to the Thematic Exhibition from the Permanent Collection “Newly Conserved Cultural Properties” (West New Wing | Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025 to Sunday, January 18th, 2026), Exhibitions from the Permanent Collection “Masterpieces of Buddhist Arts” (West New Wing), “Masterpieces of Buddhist Sculpture” (Buddhist Sculpture Hall) and “Chinese Ancient Ritual Bronzes” (Ritual Bronzes Gallery).

Organizers:

Nara National Museum, Kasuga Taisha, Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) Nara Station

Cooperation:

Bukkyo Bijutsu Kyōkai (Buddhist Art Foundation)

Through Corporate Partnership with:

DMG MORI Co., Ltd.