Important Intangible Cultural Property
One of Japan’s three most strange festivals with a history of more than 500 years dating back to the Muromachi period. Half-naked men compete for a shingi wrapped in paper talisman called Go-o. The men enter the temple grounds shouting “Wasshoi! Wasshoi,” purify their bodies with cold water, pushing and shoving on the Oyuka temple grounds. At 10 p.m., all of the lights are turned off and the shingi is thrown from the Gofuku window. In the rush, the man who manages to grab the stick is called the “lucky man.” Participation by foreigners has increased in recent years. In March 2016, the festival was registered as an important intangible cultural property, and in June 2025, it was designated a Japan Heritage Site as one of the cultural assets that make up the Kitamaebune port of call.

Event Dates	Every year on the third Saturday in February
Event Details	Saturday, February 21, 2026 Throwing of the shingi: 22:00 Contact the Saidaiji Temple Eyo Support Association
Official site	https://okayama-cci.or.jp/activation/saidaijieyo/saidaijieyo_en.html
Location (venue)	Saidaiji Kannon-in Temple
Address	3-8-8 Saidaijinaka, Higashi-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama

Region	Chugoku
Category	Bravery, Shrines and temples

Event organizers may change the date and time. Please check the official website.

update: Nov.18.2025