Held at each of the seven shrines in Morioka City

The current Naked Shrine is held from January 12th to 28th at seven shrines in Morioka City. One of the most widely known is the "Morioka Hachiman Shrine New Year's Eve Festival," which is held from the evening of the 15th. Each group forms a 50m long line, with bell swingers, lantern holders, people holding paper scissors, and people holding the Three Treasures as offerings, making a total length of about 2km. While taking a unique step of taking big steps from side to side, men and women praying for good health for the year, and men and women who are facing bad years will ward off bad luck.

The landmark for each group is a ''Takahari chochin'' held high on a pole by the leader. It is frowned upon to cross the line of a group of pilgrims, as it would interrupt their wishes, so the rule is that spectators must wait until one group has passed before crossing the line.

It usually starts around 4:30 p.m. It takes about an hour to walk slowly along the 800m road from the starting point to Morioka Hachimangu Shrine.

Why not watch the naked pilgrimage this year and hope for good health throughout the year?