Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri

Traditional performing arts can be enjoyed at this annual festival held since the 12th century. Named after the Wakamiya shrine that resides in the larger Kasuga-Taisha shrine complex, this On-Matsuri was originally held to pray for a rich harvest and good health. Spanning 4 days, the main events actually take place on the 17th. Visitors can enjoy kagura performances, traditional dances and bugaku (traditional Japanese court music), considered an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the Japanese government. One of the highlights is undoubtedly the ‘Jidai Gyoretsu’ (Period Procession), where 500 volunteers dressed in traditional costumes represent the successive eras from the Heian period (9th century) through to the late Edo period (19th century).