Gochosai Festival

Event Overview

Gochosai is a sacred ritual held at Kehi Jingū, the guardian shrine of the Hokuriku region located in Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture. This traditional ceremony plays a vital role in determining the order of the 'Neriyama Hikiyama' floats for the grand autumn festival in September through a ritual known as 'rice divination' (kome-kuji). Deeply connected to the 1,300-year history of Kehi Jingū, this event offers a profound look into the enduring spiritual traditions of the local community.

Highlights & What to Expect

The main draw is the solemn and dignified atmosphere of the ritual performed within this prestigious shrine. Gochosai is more than just a ceremony; it is a crucial preparatory step for the September festivities. Watching the traditional process of deciding the festival's proceedings through rice divination provides a deep insight into the complexity of Japanese ritual culture. Additionally, Kehi Jingū is designated as part of the 'Oku no Hosomichi Scenic Beauty,' featuring stunning landmarks such as the grand Torii gate and the famous 'Chomeisui' (Long-Life Water) power spot. You can enjoy the spiritual energy of the ritual alongside the beautiful shrine grounds.

Schedule

Gochosai is held annually on June 16th starting at 11:00 AM. As this date serves as a crucial step leading up to the major September festival, it holds significant ritual importance. Please note that specific details of the ritual may change depending on the year, so we recommend checking the official website for the latest information.

Venue & Access

The event takes place at Kehi Jingū in Tsuruga, Fukui.

• *Location**: 11-68 Akebono-cho, Tsuruga, Fukui 914-0075
• *Public Transport**: Approximately a 15-minute walk from JR Tsuruga Station, or a 5-minute bus ride from the station (get off at the 'Kehi Jingū-mae' stop).
• *By Car**: About 10 minutes from the Tsuruga IC on the Hokuriku Expressway. Free parking for approximately 100 vehicles is available.

Visiting Tips

As Gochosai is a formal sacred ritual, it is important to observe the ceremony quietly and respectfully. Please be mindful of your movements and etiquette within the shrine grounds during the proceedings. The shrine grounds also feature various 'power spots' like the 'Chomeisui' spring; we recommend exploring the historical architecture and natural scenery before or after the ritual. It is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the traditional Japanese spirit and the changing seasons.

What to Bring, Dress Code & Etiquette

Since this is a shrine visit, we recommend wearing neat, modest clothing. Please maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor to honor the ceremony and those praying around you. Amulets (Omamori) and sacred stamps (Goshuin) are available from 8:45 AM to 4:45 PM. If you wish to request a formal prayer (Hatsuo-ryo), please prepare your offering in a traditional decorative envelope (Noshibukuro) and present it directly to the shrine office. For specific ritual preparations, please consult the official website.