Guide
The Jūgo Dōji Matsuri is a significant ritual at Chikubusima Jinja, dedicated to the fifteen attendants of Benzaiten. Held every year on August 7, this ceremony involves offering 200 ritual talismans (ofuku) to the waters of Lake Biwa to express gratitude and seek blessings. It is a profound moment of spiritual connection, marking a transition of gratitude for the past six months and prayers for the coming half-year.
The centerpiece of this event is the ritual performed on a sacred boat circling Lake Biwa. Participants will write their names and wishes on 100 white talismans (for gratitude) and 100 red talismans (for wishes) before offering them to the lake from the boat. This offers a rare, firsthand experience of ancient Japanese water-worship rituals set against the breathtaking scenery of Chikubusima.
The festival takes place annually on August 7. The typical itinerary is as follows:
The venue is the Chikubusima Jinja precinct. During the ritual, participants will move from the shrine to the pier to board the ceremonial boat.
This is a strictly reservation-only event. Because participants must write their names on the talismans, please ensure you arrive with plenty of time. Please note that if the boat cannot depart due to weather (such as typhoons), the ritual will still be performed by the priests on land; in such cases, no refunds will be issued.