Calendar of Japanese Festivals in March

March (Yayoi)

Flower of the Month: Momo (Peach) and Nashi (Pear)

3rd Sat. of March - 1st Sunday of May, Kyoto:	Special opening, Ginkakuji Visitors are allowed to see the Hojo (Abbot's Quarters), Togudo and Roseitei Pavilion
March 3, Nationwide:	Hina Doll Festival Wishes are expressed for the future happiness of girls. A set of dolls dressed in costumes which were worn in the royal court in ancient times are displayed together with peach blossoms as decoration.
March 1-April 3, Kyoto:	Hina Matsuri, Hokyoji Temple Exhibition of collection of antique hina dolls.
March 1- 31, Nara:	Unveiling of Bato Kannon statue in Daianji Temple 10 min bus from Nara St (0742-61-6312)
March 1-14, Nara:	Shuni-e (Omizutori), Todaiji The "Second Month Rites." Highlight on March 12, with the Omizutori Water Drawing ceremony and Pine Torch rite (at 19:00). The pine torches can also be seen on March 1-7 (also 19:00), when the crowds are considerably smaller).
March 12 Nara:	Unveiling of the Jizo statue in Denkoji Temple 10 min on foot from Nara St (0742-22-5873)
March 13, Nara:	Kasuga Matsuri, Kasuga Shrine Series of rites in honour of Kasuga's tutelary deities (the clan gods of the Fujiwara family). Performance of ritual dance called yamato-mai by eight young girls holding branches of the sakaki tree.
March 15, Inuyama:	Honen Matsuri, Tagata Shrine Famous fertility festival.
March 15, Kyoto:	Nehan-e, Seiryoji and Tofukuji Anniversary of Buddha's Death.
March 20 - April 7, Nara:	Unveiling of Eleven-faced Kannon Statue in Hokkeji Temple.
March 21 - May 20, Kyoto:	Unveiling of the Kishijoten statue at Joruriji Temple.

[ Calendar Home ]
[ Japan Pages Home ]
[ Books on Japan | Haiku Stones | Japan Travel | Temple Pilgrimage ]