What this is
Monks passing through a towering reed-grass ring before the Great Buddha of Nara — that is the heart of this ancient purification ritual at Todai-ji. Rooted in the summer purification ceremony known as Nagoshi no Harai, the Kejoe ritual involves prayers offered to Vairocana Buddha for protection from illness and misfortune. The roughly two-metre ring of woven reed is both the ritual's centrepiece and its most striking visual.
Who should go
Anyone visiting Nara in late July with an interest in living Buddhist tradition rather than just sightseeing. Early risers will get the most from it — the ceremony begins at 8am.
Good to know
Todai-ji charges a standard admission fee to enter the Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden), typically ¥600 for adults — pay at the gate on the day, and cash is the safest option as card acceptance at the entrance can be inconsistent. The hall is one of the largest wooden structures in the world and can feel crowded later in the day, so arriving at opening for an 8am ceremony is a genuine advantage. Photography of the ceremony may be permitted from a respectful distance, but avoid using flash or obstructing monks. The surrounding Nara Park is free to walk through and the deer are active in the early morning, making the walk to the temple particularly pleasant at this hour.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.