Guide
Oharaisai is a significant Shinto ritual held to purify the mind and body of the impurities and transgressions accumulated throughout the year, allowing one to enter the New Year with a refreshed spirit. This sacred ceremony takes place on the afternoon of December 31 at the historic Jishu Jinja in Kyoto. Through this ritual, participants pray for the removal of bad luck and the welcoming of good fortune, health, and prosperity for the coming year.
The most profound aspect of this event is the solemn Oharaisai and Hitogata-harai ceremonies performed in front of the main shrine (Honden). These rituals, conducted by Shinto priests, serve as a sacred process to cleanse invisible spiritual impurities. As Jishu Jinja is also renowned as a shrine for 'En-musubi' (the blessing of connections and matchmaking), this is a unique opportunity to reset your spirit and embrace the new year with hope. You will deeply feel the essence of traditional Japanese spirituality through the serene and quiet atmosphere of the ritual.
The Oharaisai ritual is held annually on December 31 starting at 3:00 PM (15:00). As this is a vital ceremony to conclude the year, please ensure you arrive in time to witness the start of this significant spiritual event.
The venue is Jishu Jinja in Kyoto. Please note that the shrine is currently undergoing construction for the renovation of its buildings and grounds, and is presently closed to the public. As the completion date and the reopening schedule are currently undecided, it is essential to check the latest status before planning your visit.
Oharaisai is not a mere tourist attraction, but a profound Shinto ritual rooted in traditional Japanese faith. The purpose is to experience the spiritual process of shedding the year's impurities to start anew. Visitors are asked to observe the ceremony quietly and respectfully while feeling the sacred atmosphere in front of the main shrine.
Please approach this visit with an understanding that this is a sacred religious ceremony. Due to the ongoing construction work on the shrine grounds, access restrictions and rules may change. For specific details regarding visiting procedures or the 'En-musubi' special prayer services available via mail, please consult the official website.