Obusama Omi-nugui Ritual
大仏さまお身拭い
Experience the sacred ritual of purifying the Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple on August 7th."Obusama Omi-nugui" is a special ritual held at Todai-ji Temple in Nara, within the Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden)—one of the world's largest wooden structures.
Highlights
About Obusama Omi-nugui Ritual
- Architectural Grandeur: Experience the overwhelming scale and solemnity of the Great Buddha Hall, one of the world's largest wooden buildings.
- Spiritual Connection: Connect deeply with Japanese culture through Sutra Copying (Shakyo), offering your personal prayers to the Great Buddha.
- Living Tradition: A rare chance to witness the sacred purification of the Great Buddha, a tradition preserved through the centuries of Nara's history.
Photo gallery
All photosSchedule
August 7, 2026 07:00 – August 7, 2026 09:30
Weather forecast
Mon
8/3
33°/27°
100%
Tue
8/4
33°/26°
18%
Wed
8/5
34°/25°
27%
Thu
8/6
33°/27°
27%
Fri
8/7
34°/26°
45%
Sat
8/8
31°/25°
57%
Sun
8/9
29°/24°
59%
Plan your stay & activities
Tips
Etiquette
Photography, sketching, and flashlight use are prohibited inside the hall. Please refrain from using tripods or taking group photos.
Sutra Copying
You can practice sutra copying at Shizudo Hall; these works are offered to the Great Buddha on August 7th. Contact the temple in advance for groups of 10 or more.
Before & After the Event
Reitaisai Festival
Experience the Reitaisai, a traditional ritual held at a historic shrine in Nara. Witness the profound beauty of Japanese spiritual culture and traditional Shinto ceremonies amidst a breathtaking historical landscape.
Held in the same area in 2026-07
Special Exhibition: Nanto Buddhist Paintings — Reviving the Beauty of Nara's Tenpyo Era
Experience the treasures of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston in Nara! A special exhibition tracing the history of Nanto Buddhist paintings. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Tenpyo era.
Held in the same area in 2026-07
Tawarakacho Citizen Summer Festival: Kion Matsuri
Experience the Kion Matsuri on July 18–19, 2026. This traditional festival around Tsushima Shrine offers a wonderful way to feel the essence of a Japanese summer and the vibrant spirit of the local community.
Held in the same area in 2026-07
