New Year’s Bonfire (Sagicho-shinji)
左義長
The Sagicho-shinji ritual burns New Year's decorations on January 15 at Tsurugaoka Hachimangū shrine in a purifying fire believed to cleanse impurities and bring a bountiful harvest.
〒 248-8588How to get there
鎌倉Enoshima Electric Railway Line · Yokosuka Line11 min walk from the station
The Sagicho-shinji ritual, also known as Tondo-yaki or Dondon-yaki, is a folkloric event held annually at Tsurugaoka Hachimangū shrine on January 15 at 7:00 AM by the Genji Pond. New Year's decorations, kadomatsu, and other items that have been offered to the shrine are collected and burned in a purifying fire. This festival is believed to cleanse impurities and bring about a warm spring and a bountiful harvest for the year.
Getting There
You might also like
Oiso Sagicho Festival
A National Important Folk Cultural Property, this Little New Year fire ritual purifies homes and communities through burning traditional new-year decorations.
17 Jan 2027Oiso · Kanagawa
Atsukishinmei Festival
Fire-lit pillars adorned with sacred paper stand on beaches as the community performs ceremonial dances twice daily, seeking protection from illness and calamity.
11 Feb 2027Yanai · Yamaguchi
Kamiari Festival
Once a year the gods of Japan are said to abandon their shrines for Izumo, where a season of quiet rites welcomes, hosts, and finally sends them home again.
18–25 Nov 2026Izumo · Shimane
Kumano Taisha
Kumano Taisha, Izumo's "birthplace of fire", holds sacred hikiriusu and hikirigine fire-drills, a startling rice-cake ritual, and Susanoo's comb festival for Princess Inada.
Matsue · Shimane
Iwami Kagura
Each autumn in western Shimane, shrine stages host Iwami Kagura – sacred dances performed through the night, from ceremonial pieces to a battle with a serpent.
Shimane · Chugoku
Kibitsu Jinja
Major Okayama shrine dedicated to Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto, a legendary prince credited with defeating an ogre and bringing peace to the region, foundations of the Momotaro folktale.
Okayama