祭概要

国宝を舞台に、大松明の火の粉が舞う！
1260年以上も途切れず続く、古の法要

An ancient Buddhist ceremony where national treasures are lit up with Taimatsu torches
The sparks of the huge Taimatsu torches scatter on a national treasure!
An ancient Buddhist ceremony that has been carried on uninterruptedly for over 1,260 years

奈良の大仏で知られる東大寺に建つ、国宝「二月堂」。ここを舞台に行われる、752年の創始以来一度も途切れることなく引き継がれてきた法要が「修二会」です。3月1日から2週間にわたり、二月堂の御本尊である十一面観音に、国家の安泰と万民の豊楽を祈ります。期間中、毎夜19時（12日は19時半、14日は18時半）に催される「お松明」は特に有名。この行を務める練行衆の道明かりとして、大きな松明に火が灯され、参集した人々を湧かせます。

※お松明の前後は、混雑のため十分に見られない可能性があります（特に12日は交通規制あり）。
　3月12日深夜（13日の午前1時半頃）には、観音様にお供えするお香水を汲み上げる儀式「お水取り」の行列も見られます。


Nigatsudo Hall is a national treasure located in Nara's Todaiji Temple, which is famous for its Great Buddha statue. The Shunie Ceremony has been held here uninterruptedly since its founding in 752. Prayers for peace and security of the nation, and prosperity of the people are offered to the Eleven-Faced Kannon, the principal image of Buddha at Nigatsudo Hall, for two weeks starting March 1. The Otaimatsu torch fire ceremony, which takes place every night during this time at 7:00 p.m. (7:30 p.m. on the 12th and 6:30 p.m. on the 14th), is particularly famous. Large torches are lit up to guide the way for the line of priests and liven up those who assemble.

*The festivities might not be fully enjoyed around the time of the Otaimatsu torch fire ceremony as it becomes very crowded (especially on the 12th, when there are traffic regulations).　
The procession at the Omizutori ceremony, where perfumed water to be offered to the Kannon is drawn, can be seen late at night on March 12 (around 1:30 a.m. on the 13th).

東大寺 二月堂　
Nigatsudo Hall, Todaiji Temple

祭基本情報