Guide
Oharae-shiki is a significant Shinto ritual rooted in traditional Japanese beliefs. The ceremony held in June is specifically called "Nagoshi no Harae" (Summer Purification) and takes place around June 30th, the midpoint of the year, at Shinto shrines throughout Japan. The purpose of this ritual is to purify the "kegare" (spiritual impurities or misfortune) that have accumulated in one's mind and body, allowing a person to return to their original, pure state and pray for health and safety for the remaining half of the year.
The most iconic feature is the ritual of passing through a "Chinowa"—a large ring made of braided cogon grass (chigaya) placed within the shrine grounds. By walking through this ring, you symbolically shed the impurities of the past six months and pray for physical well-being. This is more than just a ceremony; it is a symbol of the Japanese spiritual culture that deeply values purity and cleanliness.
The origins of Oharae are ancient, tracing back to the purification rituals of the deity Izanagi-no-Mikoto, as recorded in Japan's oldest historical texts, the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. The ritual was formalized as part of the imperial court rites in the Taiho Code of 701 AD. It has been documented in the Engishiki (a legal code from the Heian period), making it a tradition with over a thousand years of history.
While certain court rituals fluctued through the medieval period, the practice was re-institutionalized during the Meiji era. Today, it is a well-established annual event held around June 30th. The June ritual, known as Nagoshi no Harae, is one half of the "Oharae" (Great Purification) cycle, the other being the year-end purification (Toshikoshi no Harae) held on December 31st.
The highlight of the event is undoubtedly the "Chinowa-kuguri" (passing through the grass ring). The visual of people walking through the large, woven grass ring is striking and deeply atmospheric. Some shrines also perform "Hitogata-nagashi," where participants write their names and age on paper cutouts in human shapes, touch them to their bodies to transfer their impurities, and then release them into a river or burn them to complete the purification.
Some regions offer unique variations. For example, Kasama Inari Shrine in Ibaraki Prefecture holds a "Car Chinowa-kuguri," where vehicles pass through large rings for traffic safety. Meanwhile, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto features a massive Chinowa approximately 5 meters in diameter. These regional variations add to the diverse charm of the tradition.
Nagoshi no Harae celebrates the arrival of summer and the turning point of the year. June in Japan is the rainy season (Tsuyu), characterized by high humidity and heat, but the atmosphere within shrine grounds—filled with the sound of wind and water—is incredibly refreshing. Timing varies by shrine; for instance, Kamigamo Shrine may hold the ritual in the morning and a more atmospheric night-time ritual involving Hitogata-nagashi, allowing visitors to experience the ritual in different lights.
Visitors can actively participate in the ritual by following the prescribed way to pass through the Chinowa. The standard practice is to walk through the ring three times in a figure-eight pattern (Left, Right, Left). Additionally, many shrines distribute "Hitogata" (paper charms) for the purification process. You may also encounter the tradition of eating "Minazuki," a seasonal Japanese sweet consisting of white urui topped with red adzuki beans. This sweet symbolizes the cooling of heat and is eaten to pray for health and longevity.
Since Ohare-shiki is held nationwide, it is common to combine a shrine visit with local sightseeing. For example, if visiting Dazaifu Tenmangu in Fukuoka, you can explore the historic streetscapes, local cafes, and traditional architecture nearby. If visiting Kyoto's Kitano Tenmangu or Kamigamo Shrine, you can enjoy the beautiful natural scenery and other historic temples in the area. Exploring these local seasonal foods and landscapes will deepen your understanding of Japanese culture.
When participating, it is important to maintain a respectful attitude toward the sacred ritual. While there is no strict dress code, neat and clean clothing is recommended. As June is quite hot and humid, please prepare for the heat by wearing breathable clothing and bringing water to prevent heatstroke.
Regarding payments: For offerings (Hatsuo-ryo) or purchasing charms, you will need cash (Japanese Yen). While some locations may accept credit cards or IC cards, cash is the most reliable method for traditional Shinto rituals. Some shrines may also allow for the pre-ordering or mailing of charms. Regarding photography, please check if photography is permitted during the ritual, as it is important to respect the sanctity of the ceremony and avoid obstructing other worshippers.