Guida
The "Oni-oi Ceremony" (Demon Chasing Ceremony) held at Mt. Hiei Enryaku-ji is a traditional ritual performed every year on the night of December 31st. This ceremony takes place immediately before the ringing of the Joya no Kane (the bells that mark the end of the old year). The ritual features the dance of demons, which symbolize the "evil" or negative impulses hidden within the human heart, and the subsequent process of these demons being purified or taught by Buddhist monks. It is a profound event that allows visitors to touch the essence of traditional Japanese spiritual culture.
Enryaku-ji Temple, founded in 788 by the monk Saicho, is the head temple of the Tendai sect and boasts over 1,200 years of history. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it has long served as a center for academic study and rigorous ascetic training, producing many great monks. The Oni-oi Ceremony is one of the many traditions preserved through this long history, serving the vital role of purifying the heart to welcome the new year with a clean spirit.
The most striking feature of the ceremony is the appearance of the "Oni" (demons) and the monks' response to them. First, three types of demons representing human vices appear: the "Yellow Oni" (Greed), the "Red Oni" (Anger), and the "Blue Oni" (Envy). Following this, the monks perform a ritual to guide and purify these spirits. In the final stage, the "Mumyo-ki" (the Demon of Ignorance), who embodies all forms of darkness, appears. The ceremony reaches a dramatic climax as the monks and the now-reformed three demons work together to purify the darkness of ignorance.
This ceremony is held specifically on the night of December 31st, just before the ringing of the bells. Since it takes place during the winter season, please be prepared for significant temperature drops. After the ritual concludes, the Joya no Kane will be struck, allowing you to experience the powerful transition into the New Year.
During the Oni-oi Ceremony, you can observe the dynamic movements of the demons and monks accompanied by the striking sounds of traditional drums. Watching the process of how the three types of demons are transformed provides a deep understanding of traditional Japanese ritual forms. As the ceremony concludes, the reformed demons strike the bells, and visitors can also participate in the spiritual atmosphere of welcoming the new year.
Enryaku-ji is a vast temple complex surrounded by rich, natural beauty. The temple grounds are divided into several areas, including To-to (Eastern Pagoda), Sai-to (Western Pagoda), and Yokawa, each offering different historical architectures and landscapes. You can enjoy a peaceful stroll through the serene atmosphere of Mt. Hiei amidst its traditional structures.
As the ceremony takes place at night during the end of the year, extreme cold protection is essential. Please bring heavy coats, gloves, and heat packs (kairo). As this is a sacred Buddhist ritual, please maintain silence and respect the temple's sanctity.