Ikenoue Misogi Festival

Event Overview

The Ikenoue Misogi Festival is a traditional Shinto ritual held annually at Katsuragake Shrine in Ikenoue-cho, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture. This festival has been passed down through generations as a ceremony to welcome the deities. While it was historically held at the end of the 10th month of the lunar calendar, it is currently held on the second Saturday of December. Men dressed in traditional Etchu fundoshi (loincloths) enter the clear waters of the Nagora River to perform a purification ritual, praying for good health and the prevention of disease. It is a deeply spiritual and powerful event.

Highlights and How to Enjoy

The main highlight is the 'Misogi' ritual, where men depart from Katsuragake Shrine and head toward the Nagara River, eventually entering the water to purify themselves. The sight of the participants moving through the landscape toward the river near Chusetsu Bridge, washing away misfortune and praying for well-being, provides an overwhelming sense of energy to all observers. The sight of men in traditional loincloths becoming one with the power of nature is a profound symbol of Japanese spiritual culture. There are opportunities for the general public to participate and feel the intense heat of the festival firsthand.

Schedule

The festival proceeds through the following stages with both solemnity and fervor:

• *13:30**: Misogi Hajimatsai (The beginning of the ritual)
• *15:00**: General Misogi (Open for public participation)
• *21:00**: Yaku Misogi (Ritual to dispel misfortune)
• *00:00**: Kamimukae-sai (Ritual to welcome the deities)

Venue and Access

The venue is Katsuragake Shrine and the surrounding Nagara River area in Ikenoue-cho, Gifu City.

Access via Public Transportation

You can access the venue via Gifu Bus at the following stops:

• *Chusetsu-bashi Stop**: Approx. 10-minute walk (From Gifu University/University Hospital area, Kakigase/Mibono area, or Sagiyama area)
• *Shimashinmachi Stop**: Approx. 5-minute walk (Using the bus bound for Higashikaida)
• *Ikenoue Stop**: Approx. 3-minute walk (Using the bus bound for Minami-kakigase, Riverside Mall, Morella Gifu, or Saigo)

Participation Tips

This festival is not just for watching; you can actually experience the 'Misogi' by entering the river. General participation is permitted for approximately the first 100 people. For those wishing to participate, a fundoshi (loincloth) and hachimaki (headband) are provided free of charge, allowing you to join the ritual in traditional attire.

What to Bring, Clothing, and Etiquette

If you plan to participate in the ritual and enter the river, you will use the provided fundoshi and hachimaki, but please check if any prior preparation is required. Please check the official website for specific participation rules and details. Additionally, as this is a winter event, please ensure you take thorough precautions against the cold when spectating near the riverbank.