Guide
The "Oni-oi no Shiki" (Demon Exorcism Ritual) is a traditional ceremony performed annually on December 31st, the eve of the New Year, at the historic Enryaku-ji Temple. This ritual takes place immediately before the ringing of the Joya no Kane (New Year's Eve Bell). The ceremony features the appearance of "Oni" (demons), which symbolize the darkness or vices hidden within the human heart, and the subsequent spiritual guidance of these beings by Buddhist monks. It is a profound way to experience the depth of Japanese spiritual culture.
Enryaku-ji, founded in 788 (Enryaku 7) by the monk Saicho, is the head temple of the Tendai sect and boasts over 1,200 years of history. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it has long served as a center for learning and rigorous ascetic training, producing many great monks. The Oni-oi no Shiki is one of the many traditional rituals passed down through these centuries, playing a vital role in purifying the spirit to welcome the new year with a clean heart.
The most striking feature of the ritual is the characterization of the "Oni" and the monks' response to them. First, three types of demons representing human vices appear: the "Yellow Oni" (Greed), the "Red Oni" (Anger), and the "Blue Oni" (Envy). The audience then witnesses the monks working to guide and reform these spirits. In the dramatic climax, the "Mumyo-ki" (the Demon of Ignorance/Darkness), which encompasses all these vices, appears. The ritual concludes with a moving scene where the monks and the reformed three-colored demons work together to guide the Mumyo-ki toward enlightenment.
This ritual is held specifically on the night of December 31st, in the time slot leading up to the Joya no Kane. Because it takes place during the winter season, please be prepared for cold temperatures. Once the ritual concludes, the ringing of the New Year's Eve bells begins, allowing you to experience the transition into the new year in a truly special atmosphere.
During the Oni-oi no Shiki, you can observe the dynamic movements of the demons and monks accompanied by the powerful sounds of traditional drums. Watching the process of how the three types of demons are spiritually guided offers a unique window into the forms of traditional Japanese festivals. As the ceremony ends, the reformed demons participate in the ringing of the bells, followed by the practitioners and visitors, creating a shared moment of prayer for the coming year.
Enryaku-ji is a vast temple complex surrounded by lush, beautiful nature. The temple consists of several distinct areas, including Todo (East Pagoda), Sai-to (West Pagoda), and Yokawa, each offering different historical architectures and scenic views. You can enjoy a peaceful stroll through the mountain's serene atmosphere and breathtaking natural surroundings.
Since the ritual occurs on a winter night, extreme cold protection is essential. Please bring heavy coats, gloves, heat packs (kairo), and other warm accessories. As this is a sacred Buddhist site, please maintain silence and observe proper temple etiquette throughout the ceremony.