Skip to content
Chikyu-sai Festival

Guide

Chikyu-sai Festival

5 min read

Event Overview

Chikyu-sai is a traditional festival held at the historic Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, Hiroshima, to celebrate the beginning of the New Year. A major highlight of this event is the performance of "Bugaku"—a traditional Japanese dance—offered after the solemn Shinto rituals. This provides a rare opportunity to experience a profound sense of spiritual clarity within the majestic atmosphere of the shrine.

Highlights & What to Expect

The true essence of the festival lies in the Bugaku dance performed following the main ceremony. Five distinct pieces of Bugaku are scheduled to be performed, allowing you to experience the elegance and refined movements of classical Japanese aesthetics firsthand. Immerse yourself in the deep cultural traditions of Japan while surrounded by the stunning architectural beauty of Itsukushima Shrine.

Schedule

The event will take place on Monday, January 5, 2026.

  • *Start Time**: 05:30~
  • *Program**: Following the main ritual, five pieces of Bugaku will be performed.

Venue & Access

The venue is Itsukushima Shrine. To reach Miyajima, please follow these steps:

  • *Ferry**: Take a ferry from Miyajimaguchi Pier to Miyajima Pier (approx. 10 minutes).
  • *Walking**: Once you arrive at Miyajima Pier, walk to Itsukushima Shrine.

Visitor Tips

Chikyu-sai is a traditional event that begins very early in the morning. The Bugaku dance is scheduled to take place after the main ritual. As this is a sacred ceremony, please maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor to honor the participants. Since a ferry is required to reach Miyajima, we recommend checking the ferry timetable in advance.

What to Bring, Clothing & Etiquette

  • *Clothing**: Temperatures on Miyajima in early January are quite low. Please dress warmly and bring heavy winter clothing to stay comfortable.
  • *Fees**: A fee of 300 JPY is required for entering the shrine area. Please check the official website for details.
  • *Reservations & Payments**: Please check the official website or contact the shrine directly regarding reservation requirements and detailed pricing.