Shunie Hanaesiki Ceremony

Event Overview

Shunie Hanaesiki is a historic spring ritual held at Yakushi-ji Temple in Nara. While the main Shunie-e rituals traditionally occur in February, Yakushi-ji observes this tradition from March 25th to March 31st according to the lunar calendar. This ceremony is dedicated to praying for national prosperity, bountiful harvests, and the well-being of all people. Known as 'Hanaesiki' (Flower Ceremony) due to the offering of ten types of exquisite flowers, it is a beautiful way to welcome the spring season in Nara.

Highlights & What to Expect

The most captivating moments of this event are the solemn 'Six-O'Clock Rituals' and the high-energy 'Oni-oi Ceremony' on the final night.

• *Exquisite Paper Flowers**: Approximately 1,600 handcrafted paper flowers, dyed with natural herbs, decorate the front of the Kondo (Golden Hall). This tradition is rooted in historical prayers for healing and recovery from illness.
• *Dramatic Oni-oi Ceremony**: On the final night, 'Oni' (demons/spiries) wielding torches move energetically through the temple grounds. This ritual is designed to drive away the 'Oni' that represent human worldly desires and suffering, creating a visually stunning and intense spectacle.
• *Diverse Cultural Programs**: Visitors can experience various traditional arts, including tea offerings, music offerings, Bugaku (ancient dance), and the much-anticipated Chigo (child) procession.

Schedule

The event runs from Wednesday, March 25, 2027, to Tuesday, March 31, 2027. Key events include:

• *March 25 (Wed)**: 13:00~ Saito Daima-goma (Fire Ritual) / Venue: In front of Fudo-do
• *March 26 (Thu)**: 13:00~ Incense Offering, 14:00~ Music Offering / Venue: In front of Kondo
• *March 27 (Fri)**: 14:00~ Hyakka-no (Flower Offering Performance) / Venue: In front of Kondo
• *March 28 (Sat)**: 12:45~ Chigo Procession, 14:00~ Bugaku Dance / Venue: In front of Kondo
• *March 29 (Sun)**: 12:45~ Chigo Procession, 13:00~ Flower Offering, 14:00~ Offering Dance / Venue: In front of Kondo
• *March 30 (Mon)**: 13:00~ Tea Offering / Venue: Kondo
• *March 31 (Tue)**: 13:00~ Tea Offering, 18:30~ Ritual Offering, 19:00~ Closing Ceremony, 20:30~ Oni-oi Ceremony / Venue: Kondo, Kondo-higashi, and in front of Kondo

Venue & Access

The event is held at Yakushi-ji Temple in Nara.

• Directly accessible from Nishinokyo Station on the Kintetsu Kashihara Line.
• From JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station, take a bus bound for 'Nara Prefectural Comprehensive Medical Center' (approx. 18 mins) and get off at the stop near the temple.