Visit Nara

Tondo (sometimes also called dondo) is a fire ritual carried out across Japan in the new year that involves burning pine decorations and other New Year's pharaphernalia. The one held at Kisshoso-ji is not only one of the biggest in the country, but is also said to date back 1,300 years. Distinguishing Chihara Otondo from other similar festivals are the enormous torch-shaped structures that tower at 6-meters tall and weigh 700kg each. They are sent up in smoke in prayer for a bountiful harvest and good fortune in the year ahead.