Panduan
The 'Toshi no Ooharae' held at Tamaki Jinja is a vital Shinto ritual to purify the accumulated impurities and sins of the year. Tamaki Jinja is a highly significant sacred site within the UNESCO World Heritage 'Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.' Located at the foot of the sacred Mount Tamaki (1,076m), a place of long-standing faith for mountain ascetic training, this ritual allows visitors to welcome the new year with a pure heart, becoming one with the powerful vitality of nature.
The greatest highlight is the sacred atmosphere of the ritual performed within a serene space surrounded by ancient forests. Escaping the hustle and bustle of the city, the Ooharae ritual held in the silence of the deep woods brings peace to the soul. Experiencing the ancient Japanese spiritual process of cleansing the year's impurities to start anew offers a profound sense of awe that goes beyond mere sightseeing. Amidst the rich natural environment of a protected area, you can truly feel the traditional Japanese year-end customs and the sacred air.
This event will be held on December 31, 2026 (New Year's Eve). As the specific start time and detailed proceedings may change depending on the weather or the progress of the ritual, it is recommended to check the shrine's notices or latest information in advance. Spending this special moment at the intersection of the old and new year in this sacred land will be a deeply meaningful experience.
The venue is Tamaki Jinja, located in Totsukawa Village, Nara Prefecture. Tamaki Jinja is situated in a very remote mountainous area, so careful planning for access is required. Since public transportation is limited, traveling by car or taxi is most common. The area is a mountainous region covered in dense primeval forests, allowing you to feel the approach to the sacred site as you walk through paths shaped by the natural terrain.
Temperatures in the mountainous area are expected to be extremely low on New Year's Eve, resulting in severe cold. Additionally, because the area is surrounded by deep forests, there is very little street lighting. To respect the sanctity of the ritual, please maintain a quiet and respectful attitude. As this takes place in a nature conservation area, please act responsibly to avoid harming the environment.
For purchasing Goshuin (temple stamps) or sacred items, or for making offerings (osaisen), cash (Japanese Yen) is the standard. Since credit cards and electronic money are often not accepted, please ensure you have sufficient cash.
The ritual proceedings and explanations by Shinto priests are primarily conducted in Japanese. Detailed English explanations may be limited, so it is recommended to understand the meaning and flow of the ritual in advance.
To check if a reservation is required for participating in the Ooharae, please consult the official website or the latest information. While many people can observe the ritual as general visitors without a reservation, it is best to confirm the specific procedures beforehand.
As this is a mountainous area in winter, heat protection is essential. We recommend bringing heavy coats, winter gear, gloves, and hats. For footwear, choose comfortable shoes that are easy to walk in and slip-resistant. Please also observe basic shrine etiquette (maintaining silence and following any photography restrictions).