Torinoko Sanjo Shrine Night Festival

About this event

The "Night Festival" held at Torinoko Sanjo Shrine is a festival continuing traditions dating back to the shrine's founding, supported by the deep faith of local residents and handing down ancient ritual forms and manners to the present day. To adapt to modern society, it is currently held annually starting at dusk on the third Saturday of November. This festival is a rare opportunity to experience the revered spirit of prayer with which people since ancient times have stood in awe of the divine majesty. The festival is divided into three parts: Hongu-sai, Sanbonsugi-sai, and Gohonsha-sai. In each part, Shinto priests officiate, and offerings brought by parishioners—such as forked daikon radishes, white sake (shirozake), small rice cakes, basket goods, banners, and boiled azuki beans—are dedicated to the deities to give thanks for the autumn harvest and pray for the happiness of attendees and all people. Particularly at Gohonsha-sai, the rite of communion (shinjin kyoshoku) is held, where all participants consume the white sake, small rice cakes, and boiled azuki beans to receive the divine power (o-mi-itsu) of the great deity. In recent years, there is also a service where "fuku-tamago" (boiled eggs) are distributed to all participants after the ceremony. The Night Festival begins around 5:30 PM and continues until around 7:20 PM. Visitors can experience the traditional festival atmosphere at Torinoko Sanjo Shrine, known as the shrine of the owl.

Venue

Torinoko Sanjo Shrine

1948 Yamata, Nakagawa, Nasu District, Tochigi 324-0607