A faith ritual from Mawataru, passed down through a pair of male and female dolls
Oshimme-sama
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Season / frequency
- The festival day on the 28th of each month / Monthly
- Location
- Sawadayama Fudōson
- Area
- Ibaraki Prefecture・Hitachinaka City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 10 min–1 h 30 min · limited express)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.
- Wishes behind the festival
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
This intangible folk cultural property, passed down in Mawataru, Hitachinaka City, is associated with the same tradition as the Osira deity beliefs. On the 28th of each month, a festival day, the Fudō wasan and Osira-asobi are performed at Sawadayama Fudōson.
About Oshimme-sama
Oshimme-sama is an intangible folk cultural property passed down in Mawataru, Hitachinaka City.
Considered to be part of the same tradition as the Osira deity beliefs found across the Tohoku region, it has been worshipped as a guardian deity of homes, property, and families.
On the 28th of each month, a festival day, a gathering to carry on the faith is held at Sawadayama Fudōson.
Source: 市指定無形民俗文化財｜ひたちなか市公式ウェブサイト / ひたちなか市指定文化財一覧｜ひたちなか市公式ウェブサイト
Festival highlights
A highlight is a pair of male and female dolls, resembling hina dolls and made from Japanese cypress and kaya grass.
A ritual officiant called Hōgansama holds the dolls in both hands and brings them together as if embracing, while repeatedly chanting Buddhist scriptures associated with Fudō.
This ritual offers a tangible way to experience local Osira deity beliefs through the dolls and chants.
A faith ritual from Mawataru, passed down through a pair of male and female dolls
What to expect
On the 28th of each month, a festival day, women from the kōchū group gather at Sawadayama Fudōson in Mawataru.
First, the Fudō wasan is chanted. When it ends, Osira-asobi begins, led by Hōgansama.
The ritual centers on bringing the dolls together in an embrace and chanting Buddhist scriptures associated with Fudō.
How to take part
During the ritual, women from the kōchū group gather to chant the Fudō wasan.
It has not been confirmed whether general visitors may join in the chanting or ritual gestures.
If you wish to observe, please respect that this is a local religious ritual and follow the guidance of those around you.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Sawadayama Fudōson (Nakajuku, Mawataru, Hitachinaka City).
Address Nakajuku, Mawataru, Hitachinaka City
Dates and season
The observance is held each year on the festival day on the 28th of every month.
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 Ibaraki Prefecture / Hitachinaka City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
Oshimme-sama is a local religious ritual associated with a deity worshipped as a guardian of homes, property, and families.
When observing, it is important to watch quietly and avoid disturbing the chanting or the handling of the dolls.
Please follow local guidance on photography and where to stand while observing.
Nearby attractions
国営ひたち海浜公園
茨城県ひたちなか市にある国営公園
酒列磯前神社
茨城県ひたちなか市にある神社
Origins and History of Oshimme-sama
Oshimme-sama is considered to be part of the same tradition as the Osira deity beliefs found across the Tohoku region.
It is worshipped locally as a deity that protects homes, property, and families, and the Fudō wasan and Osira-asobi are still performed on the 28th of each month.
It is designated an intangible folk cultural property of Hitachinaka City.
Official information
The “City-Designated Intangible Folk Cultural Properties” section of the official Hitachinaka City website describes the beliefs and rituals associated with Oshimme-sama.
The city’s list of designated cultural properties includes Oshimme-sama as an intangible folk cultural property.
Oshimme-sama at a Glance
Oshimme-sama is a ritual associated with Osira deity beliefs, passed down in Mawataru, Hitachinaka City.
On the 28th of each month, a festival day, the Fudō wasan and Osira-asobi are performed at Sawadayama Fudōson.
This intangible folk cultural property uses a pair of male and female dolls made from Japanese cypress and kaya grass, preserving local beliefs and culture to this day.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
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