Around Nara Park:
Dec. 5 (sun) Nara Marathon 2010
8:30-15:00 @Nara-city
During marathon hours some bus lines, including the ones that goes to Todaiji Temple, may be cancelled or change their routes. Keep in mind about traffic irregularities, if you are coming on this day.
Dec. 14 (tue) Butsumyo-e in Todaiji Temple
8:30-12:00 @ Nigatsudo Hall
Monks recite the names of Buddhist deities to repent all sins of that year. Cannot see the ritual itself, but can listen to the chanting.
Dec. 15 (wed) – Dec. 18 (sat) Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri
@Kasuga Grand Shrine and other places
This is a festival held since 1136. The deity of Wakamiya shirne makes his once a year trip to his vacation house near the city centre. Foods and dances are offered to the deity. On Dec. 17, there is a very good chance to see various Japanese traditional performing arts.
Dec. 16 (thu) Special viewing of 3 National Treasure Statues in Todaiji Temple
1) 10:00-16:00 @Kaisando Hall, Portrait Statue of Roben, free
On this day a commemoration ceremony for Roben, the first Chief Abbot of Todaiji Temple, is held. After the ceremony a statue of Roben is out for the public viewing. National Treasure. Usually not open to the public.
2) 8:00-16:30 @Sangatsudo Hall, Shukongo-jin Statue, 500yen
Shukongo-jin is a deva protecting Buddhism. National Treasure. Usually not open to the public.
3)11:00-16:00 @Shunjo-do, Portrait Statue of Chogen, 500yen
Chogen is a monk who made a great contribution to Todaiji Temple. National Treasure. Usually not open to the public.
Dec. 31 (fri) Ooharaeshiki in Kasuga Grand Shrine
15:00~ @ Haraedo Shrine near the second torii gate
A purification ceremony. Purifies body and soul to welcome a new year in a fresh state.
Dec. 31 (fri) Joyanokane
Joyanokane is the bell that rings out the old year. The bells are struck on the New Year’s Eve at many temples throughout the country.
24:00~ @Todaiji Temple
Fisrt 800 people on a line can ring a bell. A numbered ticket is handed out near the belfry from around 23:00. Stay in the line, until you ring the bell. If you leave the line, you cannot strike the bell even if you have a ticket.
The bell of Todaiji Temple weights 26tons. You ring out the bell with a group of 8 people!
23:30~ @Kofukuji Temple
Fisrt 200 people can ring a bell. A numbered ticket is handed out from 23:00.
Other area:
Dec. 8 (wed) Ominugui in Horyuji Temple
10:00~ @ Golden Hall, Lecture Hall and the Hall of Dream
Cleaning of Buddhist statues before a new year
Dec 15 (wed) Ominugui in Toshodaiji Temple
9:00~ @ Golden Hall
Cleaning of Buddhist statues before a new year
Dec. 29 (wed) Ominugui in Yakushiji Temple
13:00~ @ Golden Hall and other halls
Cleaning of Buddhist statues before a new year
In the morning mochi (sticky rice cake) for a new year is made. Hot water used to pound mochi is reused to clean statues.
Dec. 31 (fri) All-night-long Sutra Copying in Yakushiji Temple
20:00~ @Sutra Copying Hall, 2000yen~
A peaceful way to end/start a year
Dec. 31 (fri) Joyanokane
Joyanokane is the bell that rings out the old year. The bells are struck on the New Year’s Eve at many temples throughout the country.
23:45~ @Saidaiji Temple
Everyone who wishes to ring a bell can do so.
23:30~ @Toshodaiji Temple
Fisrt 108 people can ring a bell. A numbered ticket is handed out at the entrance from 23:00.
23:30~ @Yakushiji Temple
Everyone who wishes to ring a bell can do so. A numbered ticket is handed out at Higashisobo (east monk’s dormitory) from 23:00. You ring a bell with a group of 5 people. Early strikers may receive mochi, sticky rice cakes.
Sue
-NARAWALK guide
