Konpira Hadaka-mairi

A hadaka-mairi passed down in the Matsuba and Ainai area, with prayers for protection from fire, in a community that overcame a great fire.

About Konpira Hadaka-mairi

The Konpira Hadaka-mairi is an intangible folk cultural property passed down in the Matsuba and Ainai districts of Semboku City.

In a community that once experienced a major fire, this event has been passed down as a practice of visiting Konpira-gu unclothed to pray for protection from fire and other disasters.

This festival is rooted in local religious belief: young men run through the settlement and pray for protection from fire at Konpira-gu on Mt. Asahi.

Source: 市指定文化財一覧 | 仙北市 / 松葉・相内の裸参り（市指定無形民俗文化財）観光情報 | 仙北市

Festival highlights

A highlight is the procession of young men wearing kendai, woven from straw and tied around the waist, along with white tabi and straw sandals.

They run through the settlement, receiving “nejiri hatsuho” and candles from the event staff at crossroads before racing up Mt. Asahi.

Following the prayer for protection from fire at Konpira-gu, the ritual of tying kendai and straw sandals to a sacred tree also reflects the event’s distinctive character.

A hadaka-mairi praying for protection from fire, racing up Mt. Asahi with memories of the great fire in mind

What to expect

During the event, the young men purify themselves in the Hinokinai River, then run through the settlement toward Konpira-gu on Mt. Asahi.

After praying, the participants receive sacred sake, tie their kendai and straw sandals—with the tying cords cut—to a sacred tree, then descend the mountain.

At the host household, the participants report to the household deity that their prayers have been completed, after which a naorai feast is held.

How to take part

In 2026, participants will not enter the Hinokinai River, and only those involved will visit Konpira-gu to pray.

No arrangements have been announced for general visitors to take part in the event alongside the young men.

As this is a local religious event, anyone wishing to watch or visit the shrine should follow the guidance of those involved.

There are local rules governing which households may take part in the event.

The event is for households that have not been subject to what is commonly called “imi” (ritual impurity) for 1 year. Households with a woman who has recently given birth or is pregnant are excluded.

No application process or registration for general visitors to participate has been announced.

Location and access

Venue and address: This event travels from the Matsuba and Ainai settlements to Konpira-gu on Mt. Asahi.

Event venue 秋田県仙北市旭山の金毘羅宮と松葉

This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.

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Dates and season

It has been announced that, starting with the 2026 event, participants will no longer enter the Hinokinai River, and only those involved will visit Konpira-gu to pray on the day.

The event is usually held on day 10 of lunar month 1, but no specific date has been announced for 2026.

Accommodation and hotels PR

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 Akita Prefecture / Semboku City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)

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Photo and data sources

写真：掬茶 / CC BY-SA 4.0(resized and reformatted)

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Origins and History of Konpira Hadaka-mairi

The origins of the Konpira Hadaka-mairi date back to May in Meiji 10, when a major fire destroyed 14 homes in the Matsuba and Ainai settlements.

Another fire broke out that same year, so the residents prayed to Konpira-gu in Shikoku for protection from fire and to keep their settlements safe from disaster. They brought back a small shrine modeled on Konpira-gu and talismans.

Later, they built a shrine on Mt. Asahi, and the hadaka-mairi on day 10 of lunar month 1 came to be held.

Official information

The Semboku City tourism information page provides information on the origins and details of the Matsuba-Ainai Hadaka-mairi, the rules for participation, and the format of the 2026 event.

For inquiries, contact the Nishiki Tourist Information Center or the Cultural Properties Division of the Semboku City Department of Tourism, Culture and Sports.