Ju-shichi-ya & Ju-shichi-ya Bon Dance at Todai-ji Nigatsudo

About this event

The 17th of every month is the ennichi (sacred festival day) of Kannon (Goddess of Mercy), and the 17th day of the 8th lunar month in particular is called "Ju-shichi-ya" (Seventeenth Night), for which various memorial services and events have historically been held at Kannon pilgrimage sites nationwide. At Todai-ji Temple's Nigatsudo Hall, the "Ju-shichi-ya" memorial service is held every year on September 17 by lighting tens of thousands of lanterns inside the hall. Following the service, the "Ju-shichi-ya Bon Dance" takes place in the open plaza below the hall, which anyone can join freely. Surrounding the main hall of Nigatsudo, approximately 400 lanterns adorned with prayers and drawings are placed, enveloping the area in a solemn atmosphere. The Bon dance is performed to Kawachi Ondo and Goshu Ondo music from around 6:30 PM to about 9:00 PM. Even if you are not interested in the Bon dance, visiting just to view the myriad of lanterns illuminated inside the hall and cloisters is well worth the trip.

Venue

Todai-ji Temple Nigatsudo Hall

406-1 Zoshicho, Nara, Nara 630-8211