Guida
Every January 14th, Osaki Hachiman-gu hosts the "Matsutaki Matsuri," a profound ritual with over 300 years of history. This event is one of the largest of its kind in Japan, serving as a sacred ceremony to send off the New Year deities. The ritual involves burning sacred decorations, such as pine decorations (kadomatsu), in a holy fire known as "Imibi." This fire is treated with great reverence as the vessel to guide the gods back to the heavens, and the ceremony is officially designated as an intangible folk cultural property of Sendai.
The most breathtaking moment is the ritual fire that begins at sunset. Watching the traditional decorations and sacred ropes being consumed by the flames in a designated area is a truly majestic sight. Another iconic tradition is the "Hadakamari" (Naked Pilgrimage). Participants, often wearing traditional white headbands and carrying lanterns, brave the freezing winter air with immense fervor. This sight of spirited devotion amidst the biting cold is a quintessential symbol of Sendai's winter spirit.
The Matsutaki Matsuri is held annually on January 14th.
The event takes place at Osaki Hachiman-gu.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Venue Name | Osaki Hachiman-gu |
As this is a sacred ritual, please be mindful of what is offered to the fire. Only items related to the ritual (such as pine decorations or shrine-related items) are permitted. Please do not offer non-ritual items like papers, photos, or plastic products.
Since this event occurs during the peak of winter, please prepare thoroughly for the extreme cold. For those participating in the Hadakamari, traditional attire (such as white headbands) is common. Because of traffic restrictions around the shrine, please avoid driving and use public transport instead. Please check the official website for more details.