Joya Sai (New Year's Eve Festival)
除夜祭
Experience a sacred New Year's Eve at Tamaki Jinja, a World Heritage site in the Kumano Sanzan area, filled with the powerful resonance of Joya…Every year on December 31st, Tamaki Jinja holds the "Joya Sai" (New Year's Eve Festival) to mark the end of the year. This is a vital ritual to welcome the new year in a sacred atmosphere.
Highlights
About Joya Sai (New Year's Eve Festival)
- Prepare for extreme cold: The rituals take place in a very cold mountain environment. We strongly recommend bringing a heavy jacket, gloves, and heat packs (Kairo).
- Bring Cash: Ensure you have enough cash (coins and small bills) for amulets, Ema, and offerings.
- Check the Schedule: Ritual times vary (e.g., Joya Taiko vs. Shinshun Ichiban Taiko). Please plan your arrival based on the specific event you wish to see.
Photo gallery
All photosSchedule
December 31, 2026
Weather forecast
Mon
8/3
25°/20°
100%
Tue
8/4
25°/19°
36%
Wed
8/5
24°/19°
49%
Thu
8/6
24°/20°
100%
Fri
8/7
22°/20°
97%
Sat
8/8
25°/18°
65%
Sun
8/9
24°/17°
73%
Plan your stay & activities
Tips
Payment
Cash is required for amulets and Ema; credit cards are not accepted.
English Support
Limited; please prepare in advance.
Reservations
No reservation needed for entry, but special items are first-come, first-served.
Clothing
Extremely cold due to high altitude; heavy winter clothing is mandatory.
Essentials
Bring plenty of cash.
Etiquette
Maintain silence and respect during sacred rituals.
Travel
Be cautious of weather and road conditions in the mountainous area.
Before & After the Event
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Held in the same area in 2026-07
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Held in the same area in 2026-07
