Konomiya Hadaka Matsuri

Overview

The Kōnomiya Naked Festival (Kōnomiya Hadaka Matsuri) is a 1,250-year-old purification ritual held annually on the 13th day of the first lunar month (early to mid-February in the modern calendar) at Owari Ōkunitama Shrine (commonly known as Kōnomiya) in Inazawa City, Aichi Prefecture. Officially named the "Naoi Shinji" (Evil-Chasing Ritual), the festival features thousands of nearly-naked men offering "Naoi-zasa" bamboo branches to transfer their misfortunes onto a specially chosen "Shin-otoko" (Sacred Man), creating one of Japan's most dynamic and ancient traditional festivals.

History

The origins of the Kōnomiya Naked Festival trace back to 767 (Jingo-keiun 1) during the Nara period, when Empress Shōtoku issued an imperial edict ordering Naoi purification rituals at all provincial temples across the country. In Owari Province, Kōnomiya inherited these rituals as the guardian shrine of the provincial government, and from the Heian period onward, the festival was preserved as a traditional regional event. During the Edo period, with the support of the Owari Domain, the festival took on its current large-scale "naked festival" form, in which thousands of men gather wearing only loincloths. The festival continued through the Meiji era thanks to the faith and dedication of local residents, and was designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Aichi Prefecture in 1991.

Highlights

The festival's central event is the "Naoi Shinji" beginning around 3 p.m., when approximately 9,000 nearly-naked men (wearing only loincloths) fill the approach and precincts of Owari Ōkunitama Shrine. By touching the Shin-otoko (Sacred Man), participants believe they can transfer their misfortunes onto him, and the men surge toward the Shin-otoko in fierce jostling. The day before features a "Naorai-sai" (Communion Festival), the festival morning includes the "Naoi-zasa Hōnō" (Bamboo Offering), and the night brings the "Yoru-Naoi Shinji" expulsion ritual for the Shin-otoko, with three days of solemn rites and fervent naked festival intertwined. The sight of white breath and heat rising from the men amid winter cold creates a truly overwhelming spectacle.

Event Details and Access

The venue is Owari Ōkunitama Shrine (1-1-1 Kōnomiya, Inazawa City, Aichi Prefecture). Access is approximately 3 minutes on foot from Kōnomiya Station on the Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line. Viewing is free of charge. The date corresponds to the 13th day of the first lunar month (a specific date from early to mid-February each year). Participation requires advance application and the wearing of a loincloth and jika-tabi traditional footwear.

Surrounding Attractions

Inazawa City features Kōnomiya Shrine alongside other local attractions including Shōkai-ji Temple (famous as the "Hydrangea Temple"), Yagose Kannon, and the Inazawa Cactus Village. Conveniently located approximately 15 minutes by train from central Nagoya City, the area allows for combined tours with major Owari region historical attractions including Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Shrine, the Tokugawa Art Museum, the Arimatsu Shibori dyeing district, and Inuyama Castle (a National Treasure), making it an ideal destination for exploring the rich heritage of the Owari region.

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