Guide
The Oshiroi Matsuri is a highly rare and traditional ritual held at Oyama Jinja in Haki Oyama, Asakura City, Fukuoka Prefecture. Based on the ancient legend that the 'Mountain God' is a female deity, this festival involves the deity being 'made up' to express gratitude for the new harvest and to pray for future prosperity. A unique custom involves applying 'shitogi'—a paste made from ground new rice and water—to the face, creating a vibrant and culturally significant scene of local devotion.
The most breathtaking moment is the 'Oshiroi-nuri' (powdering ceremony) during the festival's climax. After the priest performs purification rites and recites sacred prayers, local community members use large bowls of white 'shitogi' to apply the paste to the priest's face. The amount of white powder remaining on the face is traditionally used to divine the success of the year's harvest. This dynamic and visually striking ritual offers a deep, authentic glimpse into the spiritual and cultural life of rural Japan.
The festival is held annually on December 2nd. The typical schedule is as follows:
The event takes place at Oyama Jinja (Haki Oyama, Asakura, Fukuoka).
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Venue | Oyama Jinja |
The shrine is located in a beautiful, natural setting. As it is in a rural area, we recommend checking your driving route or public transport options in advance.
The Oshiroi Matsuri is a sacred Shinto ritual dedicated to preserving local traditions. Please observe the ceremony with respect, following the flow of the ritual. The act of applying the white powder is a very distinctive experience. Note that local traditions state the powder should not be dropped until one returns home and should not be brought near fire; please observe these customs with reverence.
As the festival takes place in December, please dress warmly. Since the ceremony is held outdoors, heavy clothing is highly recommended to combat the cold.