TSURUGAOKA HACHIMANGU

Calendar of annual rituals

4th January 1pm

Chona-hajime-shiki (Start of Carpentry Work) 手斧始式

This ritual used to be held before any important construction work. Today, it is held to declare the starting of building work in Kamakura city.

5th January 10am

Joma-shinji (Dispelling Evil with Sacred Arrows) 除魔神事

Archers wearing traditional costume shoot arrows toward the target at the back of which is written the character oni (鬼), meaning evil.

13th January 3pm

Seijin-sai (Coming of Age Ceremony) 成人祭

People who turn 20 years old this year are celebrated on the stage of the Lower Worship Hall.
On this important occasion, they offer thanks for the blessings of their ancestors and guardian kami, and swear to fulfil their obligations as adults.

1st January 0am: New Year's Celebration
1st January 5am: Saitan-sai (New Year's Day) 歳旦祭
3rd January 8am: Genshi-sai (Celebration of the Foundation of the Imperial Line) 元始祭
1st to 7th January from 9am to 5pm: Gohan-gyoji (Offering of the Sacred Seal) 御判行事
15th January 7 am: Sagicho-shinji (New Year's Bonfire) 左義長神事
24th January 9am: Tsurugaoka-yakuyoke-taisai (Apotropaic Ritual to Expel Evil Spirits)鶴岡厄除大祭