Joya Sai (New Year's Eve Festival)

Event Overview

Every year on December 31st, Tamaki Jinja holds the 'Joya Sai' (New Year's Eve Festival). This is a sacred ritual to conclude the year and welcome the new one in a divine atmosphere. As a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Kumano Sanzan, Tamaki Jinja is a highly prestigious shrine. In the afternoon of New Year's Eve, the 'Toshiware no Oharae' (Great Purification of the Year) is performed, a ritual where sins and impurities from daily life are transferred to dolls to purify the mind and body.

Highlights & How to Enjoy

The main highlight of Joya Sai is the 'Joya Taiko' (New Year's Eve Drumming) that resonates through the night. The powerful sounds of the local drum club, 'Kokon,' echo through the silent mountain shrine, leaving a deep impression on visitors. Additionally, during the 'Shinshun Ichiban Taiko' held from New Year's Eve until midnight on January 1st, participants can strike the drum 108 times to celebrate the new year. The first 108 visitors can also receive a special New Year's Ema (votive tablet). It is a rare opportunity to experience the powerful sound of Japanese culture alongside solemn Shinto rituals.

Schedule

The following is the typical schedule for Joya Sai and related rituals (subject to change):

• *Dec 31, 3:00 PM~**: Toshiware no Oharae (Purification ritual)
• *Dec 31, Afternoon (following the purification)**: Joya Sai
• *Jan 1, 12:00 AM~**: Shinshun Ichiban Taiko (Strike the drum 108 times)
• *Jan 1, 7:00 AM~**: Saitan Sai (New Year's Festival)

Venue & Access

The event is held at Tamaki Jinja, located in the mountains of Nara Prefecture. The shrine sits at a high altitude and is surrounded by rich, natural scenery.

We recommend checking public transportation and road conditions in advance, as the shrine is located in a remote mountainous area. Please exercise caution during travel.

Tips for Visitors

Joya Sai is a solemn Shinto ritual held in a quiet, sacred environment. Please be respectful of the surroundings and other worshippers. The atmosphere during the midnight drumming and New Year rituals is very serious. Additionally, temperatures are expected to be extremely low from New Year's Eve to New Year's Day. Please prepare thoroughly for the mountain cold.

What to Bring, Clothing & Etiquette

What to Bring & Clothing

• *Warm Clothing**: Because of the high altitude, it is extremely cold. Please bring a heavy coat or thermal wear.
• *Cash**: Cash is required for purchasing amulets (Omamori), Ema, or other sacred items.
• *Comfortable Shoes**: Wear appropriate footwear for walking around the shrine grounds.

Payment Methods

• *Cash**: Cash is necessary for purchasing amulets and Ema. Credit cards may not be accepted, so please prepare cash in advance.

English Support & Reservations

• *English Support**: English-language guidance depends on the local situation at the time.
• *Reservations**: No reservation is required to visit the shrine, but the special Ema (limited to the first 108 people) is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Etiquette

• As this is a sacred ritual, please refrain from loud conversations or any behavior that may disturb others.
• Please check if photography is permitted during specific rituals or in restricted areas.