Oujinsai at Kinpu Shrine

About

Kinpu Shrine in Nishizao, Nagaoka, holds this autumn festival for Matakura Shrine, a smaller shrine in its grounds whose deities locals call the "king gods." The rite not to miss is the nengyo (salmon) ritual: without once laying a hand on the fish, the chief priest fillets an offered salmon using only a knife and two iron chopsticks, then lays the pieces out in the shape of a torii gate. Other old rites survive too, such as passing impurities into small figures and reflecting sacred mirrors into each other. The king gods are said to have brought farming, fishing and sake brewing and founded the community of Nagaoka, and the festival thanks them for the autumn harvest. Because it keeps ancient culture and ways of life alive, it is an Intangible Cultural Property of Niigata Prefecture. The public can watch; let the shrine office know if you'd like to.

Sources

• OfficialKinpu Shrine www.kinpu.jp
• OfficialNiigata Prefectural Tourism Association (Niigata Kanko Navi) niigata-kankou.or.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

• Yahiko Chrysanthemum Festival