Lantern Jostling Festival (Chochin Momi Matsuri)

About this event

This traditional event begins with 'Chochin Momi,' where elementary and junior high school students attach lanterns to the tips of bamboo poles and clash them against one another, followed by Kagura sacred dance dedications. It is said to originate from the 'Nanago Meguri' pilgrimage dating back to the Kennin era (1201–1204). In the past, shirtless young men joined holding high lanterns and jostled vigorously at the village border, which is why it was also called 'Hadaka Momi' (Naked Jostling). Today, parishioners from each neighborhood gather at Nogi Shrine, build huts using reed screens along the approach, and enjoy the festival while eating sweet sake (amazake) and simmered dishes (nishime). Along the approach, you can witness the heroic spectacle of lit lanterns attached to the tips of bamboo poles clashing to extinguish one another's flame. Daitai Kagura is also dedicated at the kagura hall within the shrine grounds, making it a fantastic and vibrant festival that colors the winter night sky.

Venue

Nogi Shrine

2404 Nogi, Nogi-machi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi 329-0114