Fujikiri Matsuri (Daizen-ji Temple)

Event Overview

The Fujikiri Matsuri (Fujikiri Eishiki) is a traditional ritual held at Daizen-ji Temple in Yamanashi Prefecture, boasting over 1,300 years of history. The festival is based on the legend of the ascetic practitioner En no Gyosha, who defeated a giant serpent. The climax of the event is the 'Great Serpent Slayer' ceremony, where a massive vine root—roughly 1.8 meters long and shaped like a serpent—is severed from the sacred tree to drive away misfortune and bring blessings. This event is recognized as a National Selected Intangible Folk Cultural Property, highlighting its immense historical and spiritual value.

Highlights & What to Expect

The most breathtaking moment is the 'Great Serpent Slayer' ritual. Amidst the rising smoke of the Shito Goma fire ritual, participants shoot an arrow at the 'eye' of the serpent and eventually sever the massive vine root, creating a truly powerful spectacle. Visitors can also experience the deep-rooted culture of Shugendo (mountain asceticism) through the Tengu Festival procession, the elegant dances of the Chigo (children), and the traditional mountain priest (Yamabushi) dialogues.

Schedule

The festival-related rituals take place over several days. The main ceremony schedule is as follows:

• *May 2**: 08:00 Fujitori (Vine cutting)
• *May 4**: 08:00 Hatate (Flag raising)
• *May 5**:
• 14:00 Tengu Festival (Procession from Yakushido to Gyojado, ritual music at Gyojado, and the offering of the serpent to the sacred tree)
• 15:00 Chigo Procession & Goma Fire Ritual (Procession from Rakuyado to Yakushido)
• 16:00 Mountain Rituals & Chigo Dance (Movement from Yakushido to Chigodo, Yamabushi dialogue, and ritual dances with sacred bows and swords)
• 16:30 The Great Serpent Slayer (The climax: smoke from the Shito Goma, shooting the serpent's eye, and severing the vine root)

Venue & Access

The event is held at the Shingon Shuchei-ha Kakuozan Daizen-ji Temple.

Participation Details

This is a solemn religious event. If you wish to participate in the Goma Fire Ritual or the Chigo Procession, advanced registration is required. Participation in the Chigo Procession must be arranged in advance via telephone, FAX, or mail.

What to Bring & Etiquette

Please keep the following in mind when attending the rituals:

• *Footwear**: If you are participating in the Chigo Procession, please wear comfortable walking shoes as there are stone steps to climb. Traditional costumes for the children are provided.
• *Reservations**: Participation in the Goma Fire Ritual and Chigo Procession requires prior application. Please check the official website for details.
• *Etiquette**: This is a highly sacred religious ceremony. Please maintain a respectful attitude and respect the sanctity of the ritual and the surrounding environment at all times.