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Urasa’s Naked Pushing Festival
March 3, 2023 @ 6:05 pm - March 4, 2023 @ 10:45 pm
Urasa’s Naked Pushing Festival at Bishamondo: A Unique Winter Festival in Japan
If you’re looking for a truly unique festival experience in Japan, look no further than Urasa’s Naked Pushing Festival at Bishamondo. This winter event has been held annually for over 1200 years and is one of the most distinctive festivals in the country.
The festival takes place in March, and men participate in little more than a white loincloth known as a fundoshi and traditional sandals. The festival begins with an obstacle course that involves jumping into an icy pool of spring water and then pushing and jostling their way to be first in line to worship Bishamon, the temple god of war and wealth. Throughout the event, the night air is filled with the sound of men chanting and shouting.
Crowds gather around the temple to cheer on participants, holding candles to create a magical atmosphere. The main event takes place after sunset, but there are plenty of activities in the streets surrounding the temple to enjoy during the day, including delicious festival food.
The Naked Pushing Festival at Bishamondo is a winter festival unlike any other. With its long history and unique traditions, it’s definitely worth experiencing if you’re in Japan during the festival season.