Related to the many purification rituals are held after the New Year, Shono Shinji is held at Iwashimizu Hachimangu shrine in southern Kyoto.
People gather New Year’s ornaments in order to burn them in a big bonfire.
It is believed that spirits of the new year are supposed to go home with the smoke of this fire.
What’s Shono Shinji at Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine?
Shono Shinjil is held at Iwashimizu Hachimangu shrine over a five-day period from January 15th to the 19th.
If you attend a Shono Shinji in Japan, you’ll find people are trying to get a rice cake baked by fire in the hopes of receiving a blessing.
Starting off with a sacred fire held by the priests, the priests lit a fire on a tower of offering which is made of many used fortune charms.
Priests recite a Shinto prayer and a sacred kagura dance is performed by a shrine maiden.
1,500 rice cakes baked by this bonfire are passed out in the crowd, so any attendee can join in wishing for everyone’s good health and fortune.
What to Buy at Iwashimizu Hachimangu
Hashirii Rice Cake
Try a rectangle shaped traditional rice cake made with a red bean paste center inside a steamed rice cake.
It is said Sanjo Kokajimunechika , a swordsmith who is called a master craftsman of sword,forged a sword with pure water in Hashirii, Ostu.
Then it is believed that it protect you against the misfortune if you have Hashirii rice cake.
The story and history are passed down the Iwashimizu, Yawata city, and now it is famous as the speciality of this shrine.
The store is open on holidays and a event day.
Omiya Arrow
Literally, “God Arrow”, a decorative arrow sold at shrine to ward off misfortune and to attract good luck.
It is said a god break a demon with an arrow so people set it by a family altar to the kimon (the direction of thought particularly susceptible to evil influences).
Iwashimizu Hachimangu shrine is famous for the power to ward off misfortune,so this shrine has been awarded as “Obuda” for the eradication of evil, victory, safety in the home, and thriving business, with the reverence of Yahata Okami.
Information
The Event Day &Time:
January 19th, 2020/ 10:00~
Address:
30,Yawata Takabo, Yawata City, Kyoto 614-8588
Access:
Please change at “Iwashimizu Hachimangu” Sta. on the Keihan line to “Hachimangu guchi”Sta. on the cable railway. Then 5-minute walk from “Hachimangu Sanjo” Sta..
Admission Fee:
Free
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