Setsubun-e
On February 3 (the day before the beginning of spring according to the lunisolar calendar), a grand ceremony called Setsubun-e is conducted, which attracts many visitors each year. Praying for world peace, affluence for every person, abundant crops, and good luck, leading sumo wrestlers and actors and actresses appearing in NHK’s period drama for the year throw soybeans in front of the Main Hall.
Drum Festival
In mid April, a grand drum festival is held along the front approach to Naritasan and in front of the Great Main Hall. A number of skilled drum teams gather from across Japan to demonstrate Japanese drum performances, the origin of Japanese traditional performing arts. A drum parade, where performers parade while playing Japanese drums, is also held along the front approach to the temple.
Takigi Noh
On the day before the third Sunday of May, an outdoor stage is built in front of Komyodo Hall, a nationally important cultural property, where Takigi Noh (literally firelight Noh) is performed. Noh and Kyogen that are performed in the firelight are truly otherworldly and enchant many visitors.
Gion-e
In early July, a summer festival called Gion-e is held. It is a big festival representing Narita, which attracts over 400,000 people each year. After dances with musical accompaniment are performed in front of the Great Main Hall, a portable shrine from Naritasan and ten floats representing surrounding towns parade through the city.
