Jūgo Dōji Matsuri Festival: guida alla visita

Event Overview

The Jūgo Dōji Matsuri is a significant ritual at Chikubushima Shrine dedicated to the fifteen attendants of Benzaiten. Held annually on August 7th, this ceremony involves offering 200 sacred amulets to the waters of Lake Biwa. It serves as a spiritual milestone to express gratitude for the past six months and to pray for blessings in the coming half-year within this land of nature worship.

Highlights & Experience

The centerpiece of the festival is the ritual performed on a sacred boat circling Lake Biwa. Participants will write their names and wishes on 200 amulets—100 white ones for gratitude and 100 red ones for future wishes—before offering them from the boat. It is a rare, sacred opportunity to witness a traditional Japanese water-based prayer amidst the breathtaking scenery of Chikubushima.

Schedule

The festival takes place every year on August 7th. The itinerary is as follows:

11:00: Ceremony begins (Chikubushima Shrine grounds)
11:20: Move to the port
11:40: Boarding the ritual boat (Amulets are offered from the water)
12:10: Ceremony concludes

Venue & Access

The venue is the grounds of Chikubushima Shrine. During the ritual, participants move from the shrine to the port to board the ceremonial boat.

Participation Details

This is a strictly reservation-only event. As you will be writing your name on the amulets, please ensure you arrive with plenty of time. Please note that if the boat cannot be deployed due to weather such as typhoons, the ceremony will still be performed by the priests; in such cases, no refunds will be issued.

Essentials & Etiquette

*Reservation**: Advance booking is mandatory via email. The deadline is July 20th.
*Boarding Pass**: You must present your 'Ritual Boat Boarding Pass' on the day. Entry is not permitted without it.
*Children**: As there is no waiting area within the shrine, we kindly ask that guests do not bring small children.
*Lunch**: Bento boxes are available for an additional fee and will be served at Jogyoden after the ceremony.