Known more familiarly as “Omizutori” (water-drawing ceremony) or “Otaimatsu” (torch ceremony), this is a Buddhist ceremony that heralds the arrival of spring. On the night of March 12, scented water to be offered to the Buddha is drawn from a well, which is why the ceremony is know as Omizutori. The name Otaimatsu comes from the large pine torches that ascetic monks use to light the way to Nigatsudo. The principal object of worship at Nigatsudo at Todaiji temple is the 11-faced Kannon. People come to make a confession to the Kannon, and this ceremony has been performed since the year 752 without a break. Otaimatsu March 1st to11th 7:00pm ~ March 12nd 7:30pm ~ March 13rd 7:00pm ~ March 14th 7:30pm ~