Naminoue Shrine: Year-End Purification & New Year's Eve Festival 2026

About this event

At Naminoue Shrine located in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, the "Shiwasu Oharae" (Year-End Grand Purification) and "Joyasai" (New Year's Eve Festival) are conducted on New Year's Eve to cleanse the sins and impurities of the year. This Shinto ritual is designed to purify the sins and taints acquired over the past half year; alongside the Nagoshi no Oharae on June 30, it is observed as an important ritual at Naminoue Shrine to welcome the new year with a pure heart. Visitors can experience a traditional year-crossing at Naminoue Shrine, also hailed as the principal shrine (Sochinju) of Okinawa. Ringing in the new year at shrine pavilions standing atop a cliff is one of the charms unique to Okinawa. Because the shrine becomes crowded with hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year) worshippers from the evening of New Year's Eve through New Year's Day, arriving with plenty of time to spare is recommended. Admission is free.

Venue

Naminoue Shrine

1-25-11 Wakasa, Naha, Okinawa 900-0031