Dontosai Festival
どんと祭
An annual winter ritual in Sendai features the ceremonial burning of New Year decorations followed by a sacred pilgrimage procession in traditional attire.
Every year on January 14, the Donto-sai (also called Matsutaki Matsuri or Saitoku-sai) takes place across Sendai - most prominently at Osaki Hachimangu, the Hachiman shrine founded by Date Masamune in the early 1600s. With over 300 years of history, it’s the region’s largest event of its kind.
At dusk, towering piles - sometimes reaching four to five meters - of old New Year decorations, including shimenawa (sacred ropes made of rice straw or hemp), kadomatsu (traditional Japanese New Year decorations,), and omamori (amulets), are ceremonially set afire within the shrine precincts. This sacred flame, known as the goshinbi, is believed to cleanse impurities, grant good health, and ensure family safety for the coming year .
As the bonfires blaze, hundreds of participants clad in white loincloths and headbands perform the renowned Hadaka-mairi (naked pilgrimage), circling the shrines in solemn procession. Witnessing the roaring flames and chanting pilgrims is a powerful sight that draws cheers from the crowd .
Prior to the burn, Shinto priests conduct a purification ceremony that blesses the offerings and the sacred fire. Visitors stand before the flames to absorb its purifying energy, praying for freedom from illness, family well-being, and prosperity in the new year.
The shrine grounds come alive with street food stalls offering warming treats - sweet amazake, grilled yakitori, hot oden, and more - perfect for warding off the January chill . It’s a night of deep tradition, communal warmth, and sensory wonder inspiring both locals and visitors.
