What it is
The Saidaiji Eyō is one of Japan’s best known hadaka matsuri, or “naked festivals”. It is said to date from 1510, when the temple handed out paper charms to worshippers at New Year. As more and more people fought to receive them, the charms were replaced with wooden sticks.
Late at night, the lights go out and priests throw the two sacred sticks, called shingi, from a window above the crowd. Thousands of men in loincloths surge toward them. Those who come out holding one are believed to have good fortune for the whole year.
The festival at a glance
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Daytime | Children's and family events: Smaller events for local children and visitors around the temple |
| Evening | Purification: Men in loincloths run to the temple and purify themselves in cold water |
| 22:00 | The shingi are thrown: Lights go out and priests throw two sacred sticks into the crowd from a temple window |
Which day should you go?
The festival night
Book a paid seat in the viewing stands. The scramble is far too dangerous to watch from inside the crowd.
What to look for
The shingi
Two short wooden sticks blessed by the priests. The men who grab them and get out of the crowd are honored as the year's lucky men.
Steam
On a cold night, steam rises from the packed crowd under the floodlights.
The temple
Saidaiji is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon school. The festival is a New Year prayer for blessings.
Getting there & where to stay
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Osaka | Sanyō Shinkansen to Okayama, then JR Akō Line to Saidaiji | about 1 h 15 min |
| Okayama | JR Akō Line to Saidaiji | about 20 min |
On the day. Saidaiji Kannon-in is about 10 minutes on foot from Saidaiji Station. The sacred sticks are thrown at about 22:00.
Crowds. Watching seats are sold in advance. It is cold in February; dress warmly.
Where to stay
Okayama
Many hotels, 20 minutes away. Check the last train after the event.
Saidaiji
A few hotels near the temple.
When to book. Booking 1 month ahead is usually enough.
Times are typical fastest routes. Check current timetables before you travel.
Practical tips
- Watch from the stands. The crowd is extremely dense and serious accidents have happened, including in recent years. Visitors should watch from the ticketed seats.
- Taking part. Men can take part by following the organizers' registration and safety rules and wearing the traditional loincloth.
- Trains. The last trains back to Okayama are very crowded. Allow plenty of time.
Glossary
Fundoshi褌
A traditional loincloth of white cotton, worn by men at some festivals, especially naked festivals and float races.
Matsuri祭り
A Japanese festival, usually held for the kami of a local shrine. The word comes from the idea of serving and entertaining the gods.
References
- Okayama City: Saidaiji Eyō, https://www.city.okayama.jp/higashiku/0000017681.html
- Okayama Chamber of Commerce and Industry: Saidaiji Eyō, https://okayama-cci.or.jp/activation/saidaijieyo.html
Last checked 2026-10-12.