UpcomingFestivals & FireworksNara

Joya Sai (New Year's Eve Festival)

Name: Joya Sai (New Year's Eve Festival)
Start: 2026-12-31
End: 2026-12-31
Location: Tamaki Jinja Shrine

除夜祭

Experience a sacred New Year at Tamaki Jinja, a World Heritage site, with the powerful sounds of Joya Taiko drums.

Official site

Nara Festivals & Fireworks

Schedule

December 31, 2026

Guide8 min read

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

World Heritage KumanoJoya Taiko DrumsNew Year Rituals

Read the guide

Venue

Tamaki Jinja Shrine

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 photos

Weather forecast

Fri

9/18

19°/15°

Sat

9/19

22°/17°

25%

Sun

9/20

22°/18°

59%

Mon

9/21

22°/16°

62%

Tue

9/22

24°/14°

14%

Wed

9/23

23°/12°

55%

Thu

9/24

21°/11°

25%

See full forecast

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.

Find stays & activities

Where to stay nearby Nearby activities & tickets

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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.