Festival of Time

Event Overview

"The Festival of Time" is a highly unique New Year's Eve event held at the Nima Sand Museum in Oda City, Shimane Prefecture. Every year on the night of December 31st, a special ritual is performed to flip the 'Sunagoyomi'—the world's largest hourglass—to welcome the new year. This ceremony is led by the person born in the upcoming zodiac year (Toshi-otoko/Toshi-onna) and their associates. More than just a countdown, this is a profound ritual that physically moves the 'time' measured by sand, connecting history and tradition.

Highlights & Experience

The main highlight is the moment the 'Sunagoyomi'—a massive hourglass containing 1 ton of sand and standing about 5 meters tall—is flipped by pulling a ceremonial red-and-white rope. Watching participants work together to move this giant hourglass creates an atmosphere filled with hope and energy for the coming year. This event is traditionally held via a pre-selection process, making it a prestigious and exclusive ceremony. You can enjoy the fusion of the serene passage of time through sand and the excitement of the ritual within the museum's stunning glass-walled architecture.

Schedule

The event takes place from 23:00 on December 31st to 0:10 on January 1st. Please note that participation is limited to those selected through a prior application process via official forms, FAX, or postcard. General visitors may be able to observe from around 22:30. There are no outdoor fireworks; the focus is entirely on the ritual inside the museum building.

Venue & Access

The venue is the Nima Sand Museum in Oda City, Shimane. Access is available via a 10-minute walk from JR Nima Station or a 5-minute drive from the Nima/Iwami Ginzan Interchange. However, as the event runs late into the night, public transportation will have stopped running. Please ensure you have arranged your own transportation or accommodation in advance.

Important Participation Notes

This is not a walk-in event. Participation is strictly by application-only for the 'Zodiac of the Year' person and their associates. The application period is typically in early October (around October 1st–7th) via the official website's form, FAX, or postcard. Winners will receive details by mail. Also, please note that the museum is officially closed from December 29th to 31st, so be mindful of the entry timing.

What to Bring & Etiquette

While the event is held indoors and standard clothing is fine, we highly recommend dressing warmly as it is a late-night event. Please note that applications are not accepted via phone or social media (Facebook/Instagram); you must use the designated official forms or mail. Please be aware that footage of the event may be used for future museum displays or official website content.