A tradition of shinmei structures on the eastern and western shores, and flames lighting up the night sky
Azuki Shinmei Festival
The 2026 edition of Azuki Shinmei Festival has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/02/11Ended
- Season / frequency
- Every year on February 11 / Every year
- Location
- In front of Shinmei Shrine on the east and west coasts of the Azuki district
- Area
- Yamaguchi Prefecture・Yanai City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 35 min–1 h 55 min · flight time only)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Highlights and activities
- Wishes behind the festival
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
A traditional event in Azuki, Yanai City, where large shinmei structures are erected on the eastern and western shores, and dances and fire rituals are held to pray for safety and a good harvest in the coming year.
About Azuki Shinmei Festival
The Azuki Shinmei Festival is a New Year fire festival passed down in Azuki, Yanai City, Yamaguchi Prefecture.
Large pillars called “shinmei” are erected on the eastern and western shores to pray for protection from calamities and illness, and for a good harvest.
It is designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan and has been passed down by the people of the Azuki district.
Continuing the tradition of the lunar-calendar event, it is now held every year on February 11.
Source: 国指定文化財等データベース / 阿月の神明祭 - 柳井市の文化財 - 柳井市ホームページ
Festival highlights
A highlight is the raising of the enormous shinmei structures by the two districts on the eastern and western sides.
In the afternoon and evening, shinmei dances and nagamochi jōge are performed, followed by dances in warrior costumes and kasa dances, as well as processions carrying nagamochi.
At night, the pillars are set alight, and the blazing shinmei structures are toppled toward the sea.
Its distinctive feature is the way fire, dance, and local rituals unfold over the course of a single day.
Source: 神明祭り | 柳井市阿月コミュニティ協議会
A tradition of shinmei structures on the eastern and western shores, and flames lighting up the night sky
What to expect
The event begins with gathering materials for the shinmei and making decorations, followed by raising the structure early on the day.
Young men dressed in white use ropes to erect the pillars. Then, in a ritual, men who married the previous year are carried and thrown into the sea.
In the afternoon and evening, dances and nagamochi jōge are performed as offerings, and finally the shinmei is set on fire and toppled toward the sea.
There is also a custom of taking home the burned decorations and , then grilling and eating mochi over the fire.
Location and access
- Venue and address
In front of Shinmei Shrine on the east and west coasts of the Azuki district.
Located at 2135-1 and 1699-1 Oaza Azuki, Yanai City, Yamaguchi Prefecture.
Source: 山口県/観光スポーツ文化部文化振興課/文化財・山口県の文化財
Address 2135-1 and 1699-1 Oaza Azuki, Yanai City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Dates and season
2026 Event Information (the listed dates have passed)
It is held annually on February 11.
Originating as a Little New Year event on day 15 of lunar month 1, it is now held on National Foundation Day.
In 2026, February 11 falls during the event period.
Accommodation and hotels PR
Showing nearby accommodation.
Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Yamaguchi Prefecture / Yanai City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Nearby attractions
商家博物館 むろやの園
山口県の博物館・美術館のスポットです。
Origins and History of Azuki Shinmei Festival
The Azuki Shinmei Festival is said to have a history dating back to the first year of the Shōhō era (1644).
The event is described as bringing together elements of the New Year fire festivals Sagicho and tondo, shinmei worship, and the military deity festival of the Kobayakawa clan.
However, the theory that the festival originated when Ura Kage-tsugu prayed for victory at Ise Jingu is also said to be uncertain.
From Showa 16 onward, the scale changed from two structures each on the east and west sides to one each. In Heisei 21, it was designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.
Official information
Details of its cultural property designation can be checked in the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ Database of Nationally Designated Cultural Properties and on the official Yanai City website.
Details of the event and preservation activities in the community are also available in the Shinmei Festival guide from the Yanai City Azuki Community Council.
Azuki Shinmei Festival at a Glance
The Azuki Shinmei Festival is a traditional event in which large shinmei structures are erected on the eastern and western shores of Azuki, Yanai City, followed by dances, nagamochi jōge, and a nighttime fire festival.
It is associated with protection from calamities and illness, and prayers for a good harvest, and has been passed down by local people.
It is now held every year on February 11 and is designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.
Source: 阿月神明祭 (あつきしんめいまつり) | 柳井市観光協会
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
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Article updated: 2026/10/19
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