Winter Festival
Winter festivals include those connected with the winter solstice and celebrations marking the turning point of the year, many of which are rooted in feelings of 「gratitude for the harvest」 and 「prayers for enduring the harsh winter」. The winter solstice, which falls in mid to late December, is the day with the shortest daylight hours of the year. From that point on, the sun gradually regains its strength and the days begin to grow longer.
For this reason, many festivals are held to pray for 「ichiyō raifuku」, the return of positive energy and good fortune. Toward the end of the year, festivals are held to ward off evil and misfortune, while welcoming the New Year with wishes for good health and well-being. The Tama area is home to many festivals that cherish the rhythms of the seasons. A life that allows you to truly feel each season is something special, isn’t it.
At 「Takaosan Yakuoin」, located on Mt. Takao—an immensely popular area designated as a 「World Heritage Site」 in 2020—the 「Setsubun-e Tsuina Ceremony」 is held on Setsubun, the day before the beginning o
Across Japan, daruma markets are held from the New Year through Setsubun in February. At Takahata Fudoson Kongoji in Hino City, the temple grounds are completely covered with daruma on January 28. Thi
At Yaho Tenmangu Shrine in Kunitachi City, the traditional dondoyaki ritual is held every year on Coming of Age Day. A yagura tower is erected within the shrine grounds, where sacred ropes, New Year d
In Fuchu City, the traditional dondoyaki fire festival is still carried on today in two areas: the Oshitate district and the Yotsuya district. Among them, the dondoyaki held in Oshitate is said to be
In Japan, as February approaches, the atmosphere begins to shift toward awaiting spring with the arrival of Setsubun and Risshun. Risshun is revered as the beginning of the year, and the preceding day
Located about a 15-minute bus ride from Tachikawa Station, Azusami Tenjinsha stands directly in front of the Sunagawa Yonban bus stop. Every New Year’s Day, a daruma market is held here, drawing local
