Festivals & Events

November Festivals & Events

November 1Tokushima

Oomahiko Shrine・Reidaisai (Annual Grand Festival)

The most important festival at Daibiko Shrine.

See details on the official site ›

Old calendar October (usually late November to early December)Shimane

Izumo Taisha (Izumo Grand Shrine)・Kannazai-sai (Festival of the Presence of the Deities)

A Shinto rite for the 'Month of the Deities' when gods from all over Japan gather. It is said that matchmaking rites are performed.

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November, 4th SaturdayYamaguchi

Hofu Tenmangu・Goshinko-sai (Hadaka-bou Matsuri / Naked Monk Festival)

One of Japan's three great Tenjin festivals. Naked monks carry the mikoshi and run up the stone steps.

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December Festivals & Events

December 31Hiroshima

Itsukushima Shrine・Chinka-sai (Fire-Quelling Festival)

A vigorous New Year's Eve rite where torches are used to ward off fire disasters.

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January Festivals & Events

January 1 onwardShimane

Izumo Taisha (Izumo Grand Shrine)・Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year)

First shrine visit to the Great God of matchmaking. During the three New Year's days, visitors come from all over the country.

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January 1 onwardHiroshima

Itsukushima Shrine・Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year)

New Year's visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Miyajima, greeted by the great torii gate and vermilion-painted buildings on the sea.

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January 1 onwardKagawa

Kotohiragu (Kotohira Grand Shrine)・Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year)

The first shrine visit of the year at 'Konpira-san'. Celebrate the New Year at the top of the 785 stone steps.

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January 1 onwardOkayama

Kibitsu Jinja (Kibitsu Shrine)・Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year)

Associated with the Momotaro legend. Famous for its National Treasure main hall and long corridor.

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January 1 onwardTokushima

Oomahiko Shrine・Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year)

The First Shrine of Awa Province, affectionately called 'Ooasahan'. One of the most popular New Year visits in Tokushima Prefecture.

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January 1 onwardEhime

Oyamazumi Jinja (Oyamazumi Shrine)・Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year)

Iyo-ku Ichinomiya (First Shrine of Iyo Province), head shrine of all Yamaji and Misama shrines in Japan.

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January 1 onwardKochi

Tosa Ichinomiya Tosa Shrine・Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year)

The first shrine of Tosa Province, affectionately known as 'Shinan-sama.' Famous for its unique 'Iritombo' (dragonfly-shaped) shrine layout.

January 1 onwardTottori

白兎神社・Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year)

Shrine associated with the 'White Hare of Inaba' myth. A place of prayer for matchmaking, linked to Japan's oldest love story.

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January 1 onwardYamaguchi

Hofu Tenmangu・Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year)

The deity of learning, enshrined at what is said to be Japan's first Tenmangu shrine.

See details on the official site ›

We're gradually expanding coverage starting with major shrines and temples. Dates may vary slightly from year to year, so please check official information before visiting.