
Toshi Oe-Ooharae Ritual
年越大祓
Experience a sacred New Year's Eve at Tamaki Jinja, a World Heritage site, with powerful Taiko drumming.
Toshi Oe-Ooharae is a significant sacred ritual held on December 31 at Tamaki Jinja, part of the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.' Located near the summit of Mount Tamaki at an altitude of 1,076 meters, this shrine has long been revered as a holy site where gods and buddhas reside.
Highlights
About Toshi Oe-Ooharae Ritual
- A Sacred Moment in a World Heritage Site: Experience a ritual surrounded by the overwhelming presence of nature and ancient history, including the majestic Jinda-sugi trees.
- Powerful Joya Taiko: The striking drum performances by a local group serve as a powerful announcement of the end of the old year and the beginning of the new.
- Spiritual Renewal: Through these traditional ceremonies, you can experience a sense of inner refreshment and purification to welcome the New Year with a clear mind.
Photo gallery
All photosSchedule
December 31, 2026
Weather forecast
Mon
8/3
25°/20°
100%
Tue
8/4
25°/19°
36%
Wed
8/5
24°/19°
49%
Thu
8/6
24°/20°
100%
Fri
8/7
22°/20°
97%
Sat
8/8
25°/18°
65%
Sun
8/9
24°/17°
73%
Plan your stay & activities
Tips
Clothing
It is extremely cold at this high altitude in late December. Please bring heavy winter gear.
Etiquette
This is a sacred ritual site. Please behave quietly and show respect to the ceremonies.
Access
Road conditions in mountainous areas can change due to weather; please check road information in advance.
Before & After the Event
Reitaisai Festival
Experience the Reitaisai, a traditional ritual held at a historic shrine in Nara. Witness the profound beauty of Japanese spiritual culture and traditional Shinto ceremonies amidst a breathtaking historical landscape.
Held in the same area in 2026-07
Special Exhibition: Nanto Buddhist Paintings — Reviving the Beauty of Nara's Tenpyo Era
Experience the treasures of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston in Nara! A special exhibition tracing the history of Nanto Buddhist paintings. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Tenpyo era.
Held in the same area in 2026-07
Tawarakacho Citizen Summer Festival: Kion Matsuri
Experience the Kion Matsuri on July 18–19, 2026. This traditional festival around Tsushima Shrine offers a wonderful way to feel the essence of a Japanese summer and the vibrant spirit of the local community.
Held in the same area in 2026-07
