Hatsu-mode (January)
An incredible number of people visit Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple every year for hatsu-mode, the first visit of the year to a temple or shrine. The temple is always ranked as one of the most visited temples and shrines on New Year's day. Trains connecting Tokyo and Narita operate all night from New Year's Eve to New Year's day, and the main pathway from the station to the temple is filled with people who visit there to wish for health and peace for the year. The temple is crowded with people coming for hatsu-mode throughout January, being most crowded for the first three days of the month.
Setsubun-e (February)
It is a ceremony held on the eve of Risshun, the first day of spring in the traditional Japanese calendar, in front of the main hall of Shinsho-ji Temple. Wishing for good to come out of evil and for a rich harvest, some sumo wrestlers become men of the year and scatter soybeans to the chant of fuku wa uchi, fuku wa uchi ('In with good luck, in with good luck!'). Although the common chant is oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi ('Out with demons, in with good luck!'), it is the tradition of this temple not to say oni wa soto.
Kando Narita Theater (mid April and mid October)
It is an event started in 1994 for the purpose of letting people enjoy the new aspect of Narita. The main pathway to Shinsho-ji Temple becomes one big theater and various performances, Japanese drum performances as main ones, are carried out. The event is held twice a year, spring and fall, and the shops along the street have a sale during the period.
Homepage:
http://www.root.or.jp/KANDO/
Naritasan Takigi Noh (the third Saturday of May)
A Noh play and kyogen (a form of comic drama) are performed by the Umewaka Family of Noh on a special stage set up outside in front of Komyo-do Hall of Shinsho-ji Temple. In the evening darkness, the performance begins in the light of a bonfire, which will transport you into the world of mystical beauty.
Gion Festival (July 7 - 9)
It is the biggest festival in Narita, which is held along with the Dainichi-nyorai Festival of Shinsho-ji Temple. Starting with the passage of mikoshi (portable shrine), ten floats from each area of the city are drawn around through it for three days. The highlight of the festival is 'sobiki' on the last day, when the floats are drawn along the main pathway to the temple.
Otaiya Festival (September 2 and 3)
It is the grand festival of Sogo Reido Sanctuary, which is held in honor of Kiuchi Sogoro (also called Sakura Sogo), who sacrificed himself to help peasants. Street stalls are set up in the precincts, and floats are drawn through the town.
Narita Jidai-emaki Festival (November)
People wearing the gorgeous costumes of famous people in the history of Narita, including Ichikawa Danjuro and Priest Kanjo, walk along the street from JR Narita Station to the main hall of Shinsho-ji Temple. The performers are people of Narita who apply to participate.
Osame-Fudo Fire (December 28)
It is the last ceremony held at Shinsho-ji Temple on December 28 every year. Goma-fuda or talismans which gave us divine protection through the year are piled up in the precincts and burned to make all the evil spirits go away.
[
Narita ||
Look Back a Bit |
Transportation |
Main Street |
Places to Visit |
Museums and Parks |
Outdoor Activities |
Local Food |
Arts, Crafts and Specialities |
Festivals and Events |
Accommodations |
More Information
]
[
Hometown Homepage
]
