Visit Nara

Yakushiji Temple’s “Flower Ceremony” is one of its most important celebrations. Observed annually between March 25 and 31, to pray for the health and prosperity of the nation, the people of Nara associate the celebrations with the arrival of spring. Events over the period include taiko drumming, noh theater, and children’s parades. The temple interior becomes an explosion of color with flowers offered to the Medicine Buddha, Yakushiji’s object of veneration. The ceremony of oni-oi-shiki takes place on March 31. It is a lively affair symbolizing the defeat of evil, resulting in a colorful band of fire-bearing demons being cast out thanks to the protection of the Medicine Buddha and strength of Bishamon, the god of war and punisher of evildoers.