Fujikiri Festival (Daizenji Temple)

Event Overview

The Fujikiri Festival (Fujikiri Eishiki) is a traditional ritual held at Daizenji Temple in Yamanashi Prefecture, boasting over 1,300 years of history. The festival is based on the legend of the founder of Shugendo, En no Gyoja, who defeated a great serpent. The climax involves the ritualistic severing of a wisteria root—shaped like a serpent and approximately 1.8 meters long—from the sacred tree to drive away misfortune and bring blessings. As a designated National Selected Intangible Folk Cultural Property, this event holds immense historical and spiritual significance.

Highlights & Experiences

The ultimate highlight is the 'Great Serpent Slaying' (Orochi Taiji). Amidst the rising smoke of the Shaito Goma fire ritual, spectators witness the dramatic moment an arrow strikes the 'eye' of the serpent, followed by the decisive cutting of the wisteria roots. Beyond the main ritual, you can experience the depth of Japanese Shugendo culture through the Tengu Festival's procession, the elegant dances of the Chigo (children), and the intense spiritual dialogues of the Yamabushi monks.

Schedule

The festival consists of several days of ritualistic ceremonies. The main schedule is as follows:

• *May 2**: 08:00 Fujitori (Wisteria Removal)
• *May 4**: 08:00 Hatate (Flag Raising)
• *May 5**:
• 14:00 Tengu Festival (Procession from Yakushido to Gojado, music at Gojado, and the ritual of enshrining the serpent at the sacred tree)
• 15:00 Chigo Procession & Goma Fire Ritual (Procession from Rakuyado to Yakushido)
• 16:00 Mountain Asceticism Ritual & Chigo Dance (Movement from Yakushido to Chigodo, Yamabushi dialogue, ritual of the sacred bow/sword/axe, and the Dance of the Sun and Moon)
• 16:30 Great Serpent Slaying (The climax: smoke from the Goma fire, the arrow striking the serpent's eye, and the severing of the wisteria roots)

Venue & Access

The venue is the Shingon-shu Chisan-ha, Kakuozan Daizenji Temple.

Participation Notes

This is a highly solemn religious event. If you wish to participate in the Goma Fire Ritual or the Chigo Procession, advanced registration is required. Participation in the Chigo Procession must be arranged in advance via telephone, FAX, or mail.

What to Bring, Clothing & Etiquette

To ensure a respectful experience, please note the following:

• *Clothing**: If participating in the Chigo Procession, please wear comfortable walking shoes as there are stone steps to climb. Traditional costumes are provided for participants.
• *Reservations**: Participation in the Goma Ritual and Chigo Procession requires prior registration. Please check the official website for details.
• *Etiquette**: This is a sacred religious ceremony. Please maintain a respectful attitude and respect the sanctity of the rituals and the surrounding environment.