February
Kanbodaiji Shogatsudo Temple Shushōe Ritual
To pray for bountiful harvests and ward off bad luck, this unique and ancient event combines the folk rice cake-pounding festival with more solemn ceremonies such as the Dattan ceremony. In the Dattan ceremony, also known as Okonai, fire and water are wielded and boldly intertwined in a dance dedicated to the gods. Such techniques conjure images of traditions imported from continental Asia, which inspire awe in those who see them.
| Date | February 11 - February 12 |
|---|---|
| Location | Kanbodaiji Temple |
| Access by Public Transit | Approximately 5-minute drive from Shimagahara Station on the JR Kansai Main Line |
| Access by Car | Approximately 60-minute drive from Ise-Seki IC on the Ise Expressway. |
Yabuta Shrine Dadaoshi Naked Ritual
Men dressed only in loincloths stand shoulder-to-shoulder as they vigorously push each other as part of a ritual for family safety and bountiful harvests. The only naked festival in Iga, this festival is thought to have originated in the Tensho Era (1573-1592).
| Date | February 18 every year |
|---|---|
| Location | Yabuta Shrine |
| Access by Public Transit | From JR Sanagu Station, take the bus bound for Ayamashisho for approximately 8 minutes and get off at Kawai |
| Access by Car | Approximately 10-minute drive from Mibuno IC on the Meihan Expressway or approximately 30-minute drive from Konan IC on the Shin-Meishin Expressway |
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