Matsutaki Matsuri (Osaki Hachiman-gu)

Event Overview

Every January 14th, Osaki Hachiman-gu hosts the Matsutaki Matsuri, a ritual with over 300 years of history and one of the largest New Year's closing ceremonies in the country. This sacred event involves burning ceremonial pine decorations (kadomatsu) and New Year ornaments in the "Goshinka" (sacred fire) to send off the deities that visited homes during the New Year. The ritual uses "Imibi" to ignite the flames. This tradition is designated as an intangible folk cultural property of Sendai City.

Highlights and What to Expect

The most breathtaking moment is the mystical fire ceremony that begins at sunset. Watching the kadomatsu and shimenawa (sacred ropes) being consumed by the flames in a corner of the shrine grounds is a truly spectacular sight. Another iconic tradition is the "Hadaka-mairi" (naked pilgrimage), where participants gather to pray toward the sacred fire. Visitors wearing white headbands (hachimaki) and holding paper in their mouths (fumi-gami) while carrying lanterns through the freezing winter air creates a powerful, high-energy scene that defines the winter landscape of Sendai.

Schedule

Matsutaki Matsuri is held annually on January 14th.

• *Prayer Reception**: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• *Fire Ceremony**: Begins around sunset

Venue and Access

The event takes place at Osaki Hachiman-gu.

• *JR Senzan Line**: The nearest stations are Tohoku Fukushi-dai-mae Station or Kunimi Station. It is approximately a 15-minute walk from Tohoku Fukushi-dai-mae Station.
• *Sendai City Bus (Special Service)**: Special shuttle buses operate from the Sendai Station West Exit Bus Pool (Platforms 13 and 14).
• *Return Trip**: You can use the special shuttle service from the Ryuhouji-iriguchi bus stop on your way back.

Participation Tips

As this is a sacred ritual, please note that items offered to the Goshinka fire must be limited to ritual-related objects (such as kadomatsu, pine decorations, or shrine offerings). Please do not offer non-ritual items like documents, photographs, or plastic products.

What to Bring, Clothing, and Etiquette

Since this event takes place during the peak of winter, please prepare thoroughly for the extreme cold. For those participating in Hadaka-mairi, traditional attire (such as white hachimaki or sarashi) is common. Because of traffic restrictions around the venue, please avoid driving and use public transportation instead. Please check the official website for further details.