Guide
Donton-sai is a traditional Shinto ritual held to pray for family safety and good health for the coming year. During this ceremony, New Year decorations such as pine ornaments and sacred arrows are burned in a grand ritual fire. Held annually on January 15th at Morioka Hachiman-gu in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, this event is a deeply rooted local tradition used to purify the old and welcome the new season.
The most breathtaking sight is the massive pile of New Year's decorations and sacred arrows being consumed by intense flames, creating a dramatic display of light and heat. Simultaneously, you will witness the 'Hadakamari' (naked pilgrimage), a tradition dating back to the Edo period. Men, dressed in traditional loincloths with white cloth wrapped around their midsections, process toward the shrine led by glowing lanterns. This powerful display of spirit and tradition is a quintessential Japanese winter experience.
The festival takes place on January 15th. The main rituals and ceremonies occur throughout the morning. Please note that the specific timing of the fire and processions may shift slightly depending on weather conditions or the ritual's progress.
The event is held at Morioka Hachiman-gu (13-1 Hachimanchō, Morioka, Iwate).
Donton-sai is a sacred Shinto ritual rather than just a public spectacle. When watching the fire ceremony or the procession, please remain respectful and avoid obstructing the ritual space. As this event takes place during the peak of winter, please ensure you are prepared for extremely low temperatures.