Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri
Nara, Japan • 
Underrated
Underrated
Best months to visit
Dec
2°C – 12°C, cold and generally dry; winter conditions with clear skies, high crowds, peak season
2°C – 12°C, cold and generally dry; winter conditions with clear skies, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Festival involves walking, stairs, and uneven terrain; limited accessibility.
Festival involves walking, stairs, and uneven terrain; limited accessibility.
Value for money
High
Free admission, cultural experience makes it great value.
Free admission, cultural experience makes it great value.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Festival
Couples loved the traditional performances and historic processions. Truly unforgettable!
Cultural Delight
Visitors felt immersed in the centuries-old traditions. A unique experience for couples.
Procession Splendor
Couples were amazed by the Jidai Gyoretsu. The costumes and atmosphere were incredible!
Crowd Concerns
Travelers should expect large crowds, especially during the procession. Plan accordingly.
Limited Seating
Seating is limited, and reserved seats are expensive. Arrive early for good views.
Walking Intensive
The festival requires a lot of walking. Couples should wear comfortable shoes.
How to book
ViatorRECOMMENDED
Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
2h - 3h
4.8
from
USD 45
per_person
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GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
4h - 5h
4.9
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USD 70
per_person
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KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
5.0
from
USD 120
per_person
BOOK
Hours of operation
Monday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sunday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Experience the captivating imagery of Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
HIGH
2-12°C
Cold and generally dry; winter conditions with clear skies.
Cold and generally dry; winter conditions with clear skies.
Open
Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri is held December 15–18. Some events restrict photography and illumination; special seating may require advance booking and fee.
Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri is held December 15–18. Some events restrict photography and illumination; special seating may require advance booking and fee.
Recommended
December (15–18) is the only period the Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri is held, with authentic traditional performances, processions, and increased visitor activity. Shrine access and local transport are fully operational, but expect event-specific rules and higher prices for accommodation.
December (15–18) is the only period the Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri is held, with authentic traditional performances, processions, and increased visitor activity. Shrine access and local transport are fully operational, but expect event-specific rules and higher prices for accommodation.
January
LOW
0-9°C
Cold winter weather with occasional light rain or snow, crisp air, and mostly clear days.
Cold winter weather with occasional light rain or snow, crisp air, and mostly clear days.
Closed
Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri does not take place in January; no festival activities or related events are available.
Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri does not take place in January; no festival activities or related events are available.
Not recommended
January is off-season for the Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri. While Nara remains accessible and quiet, the festival is not held and related performances or processions are unavailable.
January is off-season for the Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri. While Nara remains accessible and quiet, the festival is not held and related performances or processions are unavailable.
February
LOW
1-10°C
Cold with occasional rainfall, possibility of light snow, and chilly winds.
Cold with occasional rainfall, possibility of light snow, and chilly winds.
Closed
The Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri does not occur in February; there are no festival-related activities.
The Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri does not occur in February; there are no festival-related activities.
Not recommended
February does not coincide with the Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri, so the festival is not available. Visitors will find a peaceful city but no access to festival traditions.
February does not coincide with the Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri, so the festival is not available. Visitors will find a peaceful city but no access to festival traditions.
March
LOW
3-13°C
Temperatures begin to rise, early signs of spring, occasional rain showers.
Temperatures begin to rise, early signs of spring, occasional rain showers.
Closed
Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri is not held in March; there are no festival events or performances.
Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri is not held in March; there are no festival events or performances.
Not recommended
March is still outside the festival period. While the city shows early spring activity, the On-Matsuri is not staged and festival experiences are unavailable.
March is still outside the festival period. While the city shows early spring activity, the On-Matsuri is not staged and festival experiences are unavailable.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Taxi
Recommended
Train
Recommended
Walking
Recommended
Car
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required