Uchikuroda Hadaka Mairi (Naked Pilgrimage)

About

On March 15 every year, the men of the Uchikuroda parish carry out this rite at Kumano Shrine in Yotsukaido, an intangible folk cultural property of the city. Called hadakabo, they first purify themselves by throwing water over each other beside a bonfire. Then, holding water-soaked rice straw, they go back and forth between the torii gate and the hall of worship 7 times, and throw 3 stalks of straw into the hall, reading the year's harvest from how they scatter. After a break called nakairi, when food is served, they make 5 more round trips while being doused with water, circle the main hall 3 times, toss the shrine's representative into the air, and close with a ceremonial hand-clap known as Myoken-jime. Rooted in the Shugendo mountain ascetic tradition, the rite is said to have been performed by the late Edo period. Legend says that warming yourself at the kamayaki fire beside the torii keeps you free of illness all year. It starts at 16:00 and goes ahead even in rain.

Sources

• OfficialChiba Prefectural Tourism and Products Association (Chiba Kanko Navi) maruchiba.jp

Last checked: Oct 11, 2026. Event information is based on official announcements, but changes may not always be reflected here. Please check each official website for accurate details.

Other events this month

• Sawara Hinabune Spring Festival (Doll Boat Parade)