Seeking Fortune in the Freezing Night: Complete Guide to Saidaiji Eyo (Hadaka Matsuri)

Wasshoi—for real! I'm Wasshoi Tonegawa, your festival comedian.

In February, deep in the Okayama winter night, the Saidaiji Eyo takes place. Known as the "Hadaka Matsuri" (Naked Festival), this traditional ritual is counted among Japan's three most distinctive festivals and designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Today, I'll share the appeal of this 400-year-old tradition along with safe viewing methods. Keep the heat, keep it safe—the spirit stays hot, but the info stays cool!

What is Saidaiji Eyo?

Saidaiji Eyo is a traditional ritual held every year on the third Saturday of February at midnight (just after the date changes) at Saidaiji Kannon-in Temple in Higashi Ward, Okayama City.

Festival Flow:

Time: Third Saturday of February, around 10 PM to past midnight
Location: Saidaiji Kannon-in Temple (Main Hall)
Climax: Shingi (sacred wooden sticks) drop at midnight

Participants wear white fundoshi (loincloths) and purify themselves with cold water ablutions (mizugori) in midwinter before entering the main hall. At midnight, the lights in the hall are extinguished, and a pair of shingi drops from the ceiling. Those who grasp them are called "lucky men" and are believed to receive a year of good fortune.

Festival Highlights

1. Cold Water Purification and Participants' Spirit

From evening to late night, participants purify themselves by pouring cold water over their bodies in the temple grounds. The sight of people taking these ablutions when temperatures drop near freezing in midwinter is spectacular.

2. The Midnight Shingi Drop

The moment when the main hall lights go out and a pair of shingi drops in the darkness. This traditional ritual has 500 years of history and carries the meaning of Kannon's blessings being bestowed upon participants.

3. Community-Rooted Faith

This is not merely an "event" but a religious ceremony where local faith and tradition live. Many participants are local parishioners and related persons who approach it with solemn prayer and gratitude.

Three Viewing Points

① Family-Friendly Viewing Area

Location: Designated viewing areas within temple grounds
Benefits: Safe with secured sight lines, comfortable for families with children
Note: Early arrival necessary (recommended 6-7 PM)

② Photography Positions

Location: Permitted areas around the main hall exterior
Photography Rules:
- No flash photography (disrupts the ritual)
- Tripod use requires organizer confirmation
- Avoid close-ups of participants' faces
- No unauthorized entry into the hall

③ Low-Crowd Spots

Location: Elevated or distant viewing areas around temple grounds
Benefits: Enjoy the overall atmosphere, avoid crowds
Note: Details may be harder to see

Mandatory Etiquette

Respect as a Religious Site

Do not touch the main hall, ritual objects, or shingi
Follow shoe removal requirements in designated areas
Refrain from loud conversations or phone calls during rituals

For Safety

Always follow organizers' instructions
Do not enter restricted areas
Do not push forward in crowded areas
Do not block participants' pathways

About Photography

Main hall interior photography requires organizer permission
Close-up shots identifying individual participants require prior consent
Video streaming requires organizer confirmation

Tips for Enjoying Saidaiji Eyo

Prepare for the Cold In February Okayama, late-night temperatures can drop near freezing. Hand warmers, heavy coats, gloves, and hats are essential.

Check Official Information Event times, traffic restrictions, and viewing areas may change yearly. Always check Saidaiji Kannon-in Temple's official website or Okayama City tourism information.

Plan with Time to Spare Thousands gather on the day. Public transportation is recommended. It's about a 10-minute walk from JR Saidaiji Station.

Enjoy Local Establishments Before and after the festival, shops in the Saidaiji shopping district may offer warm food and drinks. Interaction with locals is part of the festival's charm.

Wasshoi Tonegawa's One-Line Advice

The essence of this festival is not "competition" or "scramble," but a religious ceremony expressing gratitude to Kannon and praying for a year of good health. Respect the participants' earnest attitude and community bonds while enjoying the observation.

Don't hype, don't touch, but keep your heart warm—that's the Wasshoi way. For real, if you enjoy it while observing proper etiquette, you'll truly feel the deep appeal of this festival!

FAQ

Q1: Can women participate?

A1: The shingi scramble ritual is traditionally for male participants only, but observation is welcome regardless of gender. In recent years, a "Women's Eyo" has been held on a separate date, featuring the bestowal of hiougi (ceremonial fans). Please check with organizers for details.

Q2: How crowded is it on festival day?

A2: Annually, thousands to ten thousand participants and observers visit. It's extremely crowded especially around midnight. For safety, follow organizers' instructions and avoid pushing forward. For families with children, we recommend securing a designated viewing area early.

Q3: Can I post photos and videos on social media?

A3: Personal recording of the temple grounds atmosphere is possible, but please note:

Close-up photos identifying participants' faces require their consent
Some areas prohibiting photography may exist for ritual scenes inside the hall
Commercial use or live streaming requires prior permission
When posting, use hashtags like "#SaidaijiEyo" and post respectfully

Q4: Can foreign tourists participate?

A4: Yes, observation is welcome. However, please understand this is a religious ceremony and observe proper etiquette. As English guidance may be limited, we recommend going with Japanese-speaking friends or getting information from tourist information centers beforehand.

Q5: Is parking available?

A5: On festival day, surrounding roads are under traffic restrictions and parking lots are extremely crowded. Please use public transportation when possible (about 10 minutes walk from JR Saidaiji Station). If coming by car, consider using temporary parking lots at a distance and accessing via shuttle bus or taxi.

Reference Sites

Article by: Wasshoi Tonegawa
Keep the heat, keep it safe. Wasshoi—for real!