Joya Sai (New Year's Eve Festival)

Event Overview

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. As a part of the Kumano Sanzan World Heritage site, Tamaki Jinja is a highly prestigious shrine. In the afternoon of New Year's Eve, the "Toshiware no Ohara" (Great Purification of the Year) is performed, a ritual where sins and impurities are transferred to dolls to purify the mind and body, preparing visitors to enter the New Year with a clean heart.

Highlights & How to Enjoy

The main highlight of Joya Sai is the "Joya Taiko" (New Year's Eve Drums) that resonates through the night. The powerful drumming by the local group "Kokon" echoes through the silent mountains, leaving a deep impression on all who visit. Additionally, during the "Shinshun Ichiban Taiko" held from New Year's Eve night until midnight on January 1st, participants can strike the drum 108 times (one strike per person) to celebrate the new year. The first 108 visitors are also eligible to receive a special New Year's Ema (votive tablet). It is a rare opportunity to experience the profound sound of Japanese culture amidst a solemn ritual.

Schedule

The following is the typical schedule for Joya Sai and related rituals (please note that times may vary depending on the year):

• *Dec 31, 3:00 PM –**: Toshiware no Ohara (Purification Ritual)
• *Dec 31, Afternoon –**: Joya Sai (New Year's Eve Festival)
• *Jan 1, 12:00 AM (Midnight) –**: Shinshun Ichiban Taiko (108 drum strikes per person)
• *Jan 1, 7:00 AM –**: Saidan-sai (New Year Celebration Festival)

Venue & Access

The event takes place at Tamaki Jinja, located deep in the mountains of Nara Prefecture. Due to its high altitude, the shrine is surrounded by lush, natural scenery.

We recommend checking public transportation and road conditions in advance, as the shrine is located in a remote mountainous area and travel requires caution.

Visitor Information

Joya Sai is a solemn ritual held in a quiet, sacred environment. Please be respectful of the atmosphere and other worshippers. The drumming and New Year rituals are very serious and spiritual events. As the temperature drops significantly from New Year's Eve to New Year's Day, please ensure you are prepared for the mountain cold.

What to Bring & Etiquette

Clothing & Essentials

• *Warm Clothing**: The altitude is high and it gets extremely cold. A heavy coat, gloves, and thermal gear are essential.
• *Cash**: Cash is required for purchasing amulets (omamori), Ema, or other sacred items.
• *Comfortable Shoes**: Please wear appropriate footwear for walking around the shrine grounds.

Payment Methods

• *Cash Only**: Please prepare cash for amulets and Ema. Credit cards may not be accepted.

English Support & Reservations

• *English Support**: English guidance availability depends on the local situation.
• *Reservations**: No reservation is required to visit, but the special Ema giveaway (limited to the first 108 people) is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Etiquette

• As this is a sacred ritual, please refrain from loud talking or any behavior that disturbs the peace.
• Please check for any photography restrictions, especially during the active parts of the ritual.