Kicchosan and Bannai (New Year Banners and Demon Procession)

About

On January 3, the final day of the New Year holidays, two old customs take to the streets of Taisha, the shrine town of Izumo Taisha. In Kicchosan, groups carry big banners for Toshitokujin, the god of the year, beating shagiri drums and stopping around town to sing traditional Taisha chants. In Bannai, men born in the year's zodiac sign wear demon masks and bang green bamboo poles as they walk the streets to chase away bad luck. With banners, drums and masked demons all out on the same day, the town takes on a festive New Year mood that suits its place before the great shrine. Good spots to watch are the Seidamari approach, in front of the main hall and the Kaguraden at Izumo Taisha, and in front of the Izumokyo shrine. It fits easily into a New Year shrine visit. Inquiries go to the Izumo Tourism Association.

Sources

• OfficialShimane Tourism Association (Shimane Tourism Navi) www.kankou-shimane.com

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.