Winter to Spring Festival
Near: Nara (Event is Free)
Event Date(s):
Jan. 31, 2025
Dates are subject to change without notice. Check with the official organizers before making travel arrangements.
The "Winter to Spring" Festival (in Japanese "Setsubun"; 節分) is a beautiful festival which dates back to 768 AD. The festival is held at the Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara. Each of the more than 3,000 lanterns at the timple in the precincts are lit up. The festival is also held in the summer, "Summer to Winter", in August 14th-15th. Most of the lanterns have been donated by normal citizens but some from actual samurai warriors in the Warring States Period. It is traditionally believed that the spirit world comes closer to our world at these times of year. Strips of paper with people's wishes inscribed on them are placed over the lanterns. It's thought that wishes may be granted on Setsubun.
160 Kasuganocho
Nara 630-8212 Japan
Website: Winter to Spring Festival Homepage
