Japan Festivals - December

  • Published on : 18/05/2024
  • by : Japan Experience

A month of cultural celebrations

December in Japan is a magical time when the transition to winter is marked by events steeped in ancient traditions and modern celebrations. This month is synonymous with purification, family gatherings and reflection on the past year, while welcoming the coming year with rituals that honor the harmony between man and nature. 

  • Chichibu Yomatsuri

Date : December 2-3
Place : Chichibu, Saitama

It's one of the most famous events of December. This great night-time festival, which dates back three centuries, is considered one of Japan's three most famous float festivals and has been recognized as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage site.

Chichibu Yomatsuri

Chichibu Yomatsuri

Chichibu Yomatsuri

Chichibu Yomatsuri

  • Akou Gishisai 

Date : December 14
Place : Tokyo

This festival pays tribute to the 47 ronin, legendary samurai who symbolize loyalty and honor. The event is held at Sengaku-ji, the temple where these warriors are laid to rest, with solemn ceremonies, processions in traditional costumes and offerings.

  • Kasuga Wakamiya On matsuri

Date : December 15-18 
Place : Kasuga Taisha, Nara

It's a traditional event marking the end of the year. The festival features sacred dances, colorful processions and ancient rituals to pray for peace and prosperity. It offers a fascinating immersion in the elegance of classical Japanese culture. December 17 is the main day.

  • Ikenoue Misogi Festival

Date : Second Saturday in December
Location: Kuzukake Shrine,  Gifu

The Ikenoue Misogi Festival is a Shinto purification ritual in which participants immerse themselves in icy water to symbolize spiritual renewal. This festival blends faith and tradition, attracting the faithful and the curious every year.

  • Tōji Matsuri

Date : Around December 21 or 22 (winter solstice)
Location : Anahachimangu Shrine in Tokyo ; Issan Shrine in Saitama

Touji Matsuri is celebrated on the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. This day is associated with purification rituals and spiritual preparation for the coming year. Participants eat pumpkins (kabocha), a food symbolizing good luck and health, often prepared in traditional dishes such as itokoni. In shrines such as Issan Shrine in Saitama, purification ceremonies are accompanied by rituals such as hi-watari (fire-walking), where believers walk over embers to purify themselves spiritually.

Solstice

Solstice

Toji

toji

Kabocha

Kabocha

  • Joya no Kane (The year-end bell)

Date: December 31st
Location: Anywhere in Japan

Joya no Kane is a ritual marking the end of the year in Buddhist temples across Japan. At midnight on December 31, the temple bell is struck 108 times to eliminate human desires and imperfections, symbolizing the purification of the soul before the New Year. This ritual takes place in many temples across the country, including those in major cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto and Kamakura.

The year-end bell

The year-end bell

wiki

The year-end bell

The year-end bell

wiki

  • Chinka-sai

    Date: December 31st
    Location: Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima

Spectacular ritual at the Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine, where giant torches purify the premises. This festival honors the protective spirits of fire.
 

  • Okera-mairi

Date: December 31st
Location: Yasaka-jinja Shrine, Kyoto

Ceremony at Yasaka Shrine, where sacred flames symbolize purification and renewal. Visitors bring embers to bless their homes.

 Yasaka-jinja Shrine

Yasaka-jinja Shrine

festival du feu

festival du feu

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