The Shinto ritual Usokae (wood bullfinch exchange), held at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, begins every year around 7:00 PM on January 7th.
Participants gather with wooden “ki-uso” (wood bullfinches) that are shaped like the “uso” (bullfinch), the messenger of Tenjin-sama, and compete to exchange their wood bullfinches with each other, aiming to obtain a “gold uso.” It is said that those who obtain a gold uso will receive happiness for the year.
After Usokae, Onisube (demon-chasing ceremony) takes place from around 9:00 PM.
This festival has the same meaning as the Tsuina Festival and the bean-throwing of Setsubun, and it is held to drive away demons.
When the demon hides in the Onisube-do (demon-chasing hall), straw and green pine needles placed outside the hall are set on fire, and the “kusube-kata” (smoke-raising team) uses large fans to try to smoke out the demon.
The “keigo-kata” (guard team) breaks through the wall with ten-bo (wooden mallets) to rescue the demon. This battle is counted as one of the three major fire festivals in Japan.
Usokae and Onisube at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine are valuable festivals where you can experience Japanese traditional culture.
Participants share the joy of the festival and engage in fierce competition to obtain happiness for the year.
By all means, please visit and enjoy the charm of this festival.
Access Information
Date:
Every year on January 7th
Time:
Usokae Ritual: 6:00 PM ~
Departure from each district: 7:00 PM ~
Onisube Ritual: 9:00 PM ~
Location:
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Tenjin Plaza / Onisube-do Hall
4-7 Saifu, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture 818-0117
Phone Number (Inquiries):
092-922-8225 (Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine)