Tsuruga Nishicho Tug-of-War 2027

About this event

A traditional event passed down for over 400 years in Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture, the Tsuruga Nishicho Tug-of-War (Ebisu Daikoku Tug-of-War) will be held on January 17, 2027. Following a neighborhood procession of the gods Ebisu and Daikoku portrayed by men in their climacteric years (yakudoshi), people of all ages split into the Ebisu side (East) and Daikoku side (West) to pull a giant rope approximately 50 meters long against each other. If the Ebisu side wins, it divines a bountiful catch of fish, and if the Daikoku side wins, a bountiful harvest; it is a thrilling year-divination ritual open to anyone to jump in and participate. Designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, this festival is a precious opportunity to experience the region's history and culture firsthand. The venue is Aioicho, Tsuruga City (formerly Nishicho Street), accessible from JR Tsuruga Station. Viewing is free of charge.

Venue

Aioi Shopping Street

4-3 Aioicho, Tsuruga, Fukui 914-0062