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Matsuri Festivals

Bofu Tenmangu Shrine Grand Festival

Sat, Nov 28, 2026 · Hofu Tenmangu Shrine, Hofu · Yamaguchi

Dates

  • Sat, Nov 28, 2026

About this event

Summary
A prominent wild festival in western Japan dedicated to conveying the 'news of innocence' to the spirit of Sugawara no Michizane.

Highlights
• Hundreds of young men, many nude, rush into the main hall at 6:00 PM.
• A 500 kg sacred portable shrine slides down large stone steps.
• Approximately 5,000 participants dance wildly in the precincts.
• The procession travels to a destination for a specific ceremony before returning.

Details
The festival is held to deliver the 'news of innocence' to the spirit of Sugawara no Michizane. At 6:00 PM, the doors of the main hall open, and hundreds of young men, many of whom are naked, rush in. With the chant of 'Brother, let's go!', the festival grounds are instantly filled with excitement. The sight of the 500 kg sacred portable shrine sliding down the large stone steps, accompanied by the energetic dance of approximately 5,000 nude young men, is truly spectacular. The procession travels to a specific location, where a traditional ceremony is held, before returning to the Hofu Tenmangu Shrine.

Also on the list: Matsuri Festivals in Yamaguchi

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  2. Mikazuki Sumo

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  3. Amazing Hofu Autumn Grand Event

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Event details come from organizers' websites and web searches. They are not guaranteed to be accurate. Check the official website before you go. Times are Japan time (JST).