Taima-dera Neri Kuyo

Taima-dera Neri Kuyo is a traditional spring ceremony held at Taima-dera Temple in Katsuragi City, Nara Prefecture. It is known as one of the best-known spring events of the Yamato area in Nara and is especially noted for its slow procession across the bridge.

Its formal name is Shōjūraigō Neri Kuyō Eshiki, but local people have long referred to it by names such as Neri Kuyo, Oneri, and Taima Renzo.

Highlights of Taima-dera Neri Kuyo

According to tradition, this ceremony reenacts the moment when Chujo-hime was welcomed to the Pure Land by Amida Buddha and attendant bodhisattvas. Chujo-hime is a legendary noblewoman closely associated with Taima-dera and the Taima Mandala, which she is said to have woven from lotus threads.

One of the ceremony’s most distinctive features is the slow procession across the bridge, which gives the event its unique atmosphere.

Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan

In 2024, Taima-dera Neri Kuyo was designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.

The designation recognizes the distinctive style of the slow bridge procession and the way the event has developed in connection with a legend handed down in the local community.

Event Information

Date & Time
Around 4:00 p.m. on April 14

Venue
Taima-dera Temple grounds
(1263 Taima, Katsuragi City, Nara Prefecture)

Access

• About a 15-minute walk from Taimadera Station on the Kintetsu Minami-Osaka Line
• A free temporary parking area is available nearby at Nara Taima Kenmin Undojo

Please note that the number of parking spaces is limited, so visitors are encouraged to use public transportation whenever possible.

On the day of the event, the section from the Taima-dera Intersection to the Nio Gate of Taima-dera Temple will be closed to vehicle traffic.

Notes

For safety reasons, the use of camera tripods is not permitted.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

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