Summer Purification Ritual and the Sacred Chinowa Ring Fuchu City – Okunitama Shrine Grand Purification Ceremony (Oharai-shiki)
Event Period:Mid-June
Venue:3-1 Miyamachi, Fuchu City, Tokyo
What is the Okunitama Shrine Grand Purification Ceremony?
In Japan, June marks the midpoint of the year. Since ancient times, people have purified themselves and received spiritual cleansing rites to pray for continued health, safety, and well-being. The Great Purification Ceremony (Oharai), held every six months at shrines throughout the country, is known as the “Nagoshi no Harae” (Summer Purification Rite) in June and the “Toshikoshi no Harae” (Year-End Purification Rite) in December. These ceremonies are also famous for the custom of passing through a sacred ring made of miscanthus reeds, known as a Chinowa.
Chinowa rings range in size from those intended for people to walk through to large versions used for the purification of automobiles.
At Okunitama Shrine, the Summer Purification Rite is held every June, while the Year-End Purification Rite takes place on December 31. These ceremonies are intended to cleanse the sins and impurities that people unknowingly accumulate during the preceding six months. Paper human-shaped dolls called hitogata, bearing the names of parishioners and worshippers, are offered as part of the ritual.
Passing Through the Chinowa for Protection from Illness and Misfortune
Visitors to Okunitama Shrine in mid-June are greeted by a large Chinowa ring. It is said that passing through the ring protects people from illness and misfortune. Every year, members of the Okunitama Shrine Parishioners’ Youth Association construct and dedicate the Chinowa to the shrine. According to the shrine office, this tradition began approximately fifteen years ago.
Beside the Chinowa, visitors can find explanations of its origins and the proper way to pass through it. According to the legend, a man named Somin Shorai followed the teachings of Susanoo-no-Mikoto and wore a ring woven from kaya reeds around his waist. As a result, his descendants prospered for generations without suffering calamities.
The traditional method of passing through the Chinowa involves moving left, then right, then left again, making three passes in total. Worshippers continuously follow this practice, reflecting a wish shared by people of every era—to live free from misfortune.
Another item commonly associated with the Great Purification Ceremony is the hitogata. These paper figures, made in the shape of a man or woman, are used to symbolically transfer a person’s impurities and ailments. Worshippers write their names on the paper, breathe upon it, and rub it over their bodies or affected areas before submitting it for purification. At Okunitama Shrine, writing tables are set up in front of the worship hall from early June, allowing anyone to participate.
On the evening of June 30, Shinto priests and shrine maidens pass through the Chinowa and proceed to the front of the worship hall, where the Grand Purification Ceremony begins. Prayers are recited, and participants bow their heads to receive purification.
As kirinusa—small pieces of sacred paper scattered during the rite—flutter through the air, the ceremony concludes in an atmosphere of purity and tranquility. Passing through the vibrant green Chinowa is a meaningful way to prepare for the hot summer ahead. Protective amulets made from reeds are also distributed during this period.
These long-standing ceremonies continue to be observed throughout Japan, reflecting a cultural tradition of living each day thoughtfully and mindfully.
| Event Period | Mid-June |
|---|---|
| Official Website | https://www.ookunitamajinja.or.jp/ Note: Event dates may vary from year to year. Please contact the shrine directly for the latest schedule. |
| Access | • 5-minute walk from Fuchu Station on the Keio Line |
| Photo Courtesy | Takako Mogaki |
