A 500-year-old Eyo contest for the shingi in the sacred darkness
Saidaiji Eyo
The 2026 edition of Saidaiji Eyo has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/02/21Ended
- Season / frequency
- The 3rd Saturday of February every year / Once a year
- Location
- Saidaiji Kannon-in
- Area
- Okayama Prefecture・Okayama City(From Tokyo: approx. 3 h 10 min–3 h 40 min · bullet train)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.
- Features
- Highlights and activities
- Participation / viewing
- Open to public participation / spectators welcome
- Participation fee
- Changing area for general undressed participants: ¥3,000 per person. Women’s takigi rental: ¥500.
- Age restrictions
- Women may participate in white attire if they are 18 or older. Girls from elementary-school age to under 18 may also participate when accompanied by a woman who is 18 or older. The changing area is for adult men aged 18 or older only.
- Official website / social media
- Official website
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
At Saidaiji Kannon-in, the Saidaiji Eyo is known for its vigorous contest to claim the shingi sacred sticks. The 2026 event was scheduled for February 21, with the throwing of the shingi at 10 p.m. as its centerpiece, alongside events such as the Boys’ Hadaka Festival and Eyo performances.
Photo credits and terms of use
Photographer: Mstyslav Chernov/Unframe/http://www.unframe.com/ File:Hadaka Matsuri (-Naked Festival-) festivities in Saidaiji, Japan.jpg / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 Own work by the contributorDisplay size only adjusted.May differ from the event currently featured.Photo credits and terms of use
Photographer: KQuhen File:Saidaiji Okayama Hadaka Matsuri banners 01.jpg / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 Own work by the contributorDisplay size only adjusted.May differ from the event currently featured.Photo credits and terms of use
Photographer: KQuhen File:Saidaiji Okayama Hadaka Matsuri Fundoshi.jpg / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 Own work by the contributorDisplay size only adjusted.May differ from the event currently featured.About Saidaiji Eyo
The Saidaiji Eyo is a traditional event held at Saidaiji Kannon-in in Higashi-ku, Okayama City.
It is designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan and is described as an event that has continued for more than 500 years.
Late at night, nearly naked men wearing loincloths compete to claim the 2 shingi thrown from the Ofuku window of the main hall.
The person who claims a shingi is called a lucky man, and it is said that he will receive good fortune.
Source: 【2026年】西大寺会陽（はだか祭り）｜スポット｜岡山観光WEB【公式】- 岡山県の観光・旅行情報ならココ！
Festival highlights
The main highlight is the throwing of the shingi at 10 p.m.
With the lights inside and outside the main hall turned off, the shingi are thrown into the , crowded with tens of thousands of nearly naked men, and participants surge forward all at once.
On the day of the Eyo, the Boys’ Hadaka Festival and Eyo taiko performances are also held before the shingi are thrown.
Fireworks and food stalls are also listed.
Source: 西大寺会陽（はだか祭り） | イベント | 【公式】岡山市の観光情報サイト OKAYAMA KANKO .net
A 500-year-old Eyo contest for the shingi in the sacred darkness
What to expect
On the day of the Eyo, the Boys’ Hadaka Festival is held from 3:50 p.m., Eyo taiko performances take place at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., and the shingi are thrown at 10 p.m.
After purifying themselves by bathing in cold water at the purification area, participants compete for the shingi on the main hall’s large wooden floor.
The lucky man who obtains the shingi goes to the person sponsoring the celebration, after which a celebratory ceremony is held to dedicate the shingi.
Source: 会陽行事日程と会場案内 | 西大寺(観音院)-岡山県
How to take part
Applications for general participation are being accepted, and participants can take part in the hadaka event.
However, people who are intoxicated, have tattoos, or engage in violent behavior cannot participate.
As participation involves considerable danger, only people confident in their physical fitness should take part. They are expected to follow the safety rules while helping one another.
Information is also available about participation for women wearing white garments.
Undressed participants can apply using the application form provided.
On the day, between 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., participants must undergo an alcohol and body check at “Wasshoi-dori,” beside the Chugoku Bank Saidaiji Branch, and enter through the Niōmon Gate.
Women wishing to participate in white attire should apply to the Saidaiji Eyo Hōsankai office by phone or email, providing their name, address, phone number, and other details.
Women should gather at the reception desk on the 2nd floor of the Saidaiji Branch of the Okayama Chamber of Commerce and Industry at 4:30 p.m.
Source: 会陽に参加する - 岡山商工会議所
Location and access
- Venue and address
Saidaiji Kannon-in (3-8-8 Saidaiji-naka, Higashi-ku, Okayama City)
- Train and bus
From JR Okayama Station, take the Ako Line to Saidaiji Station, then walk about 10 minutes.
From the Okayama Station bus terminal, take a Ryobi Bus to Saidaiji Bus Center, then walk about 10 minutes.
- By car
About 30 minutes from Sanyo IC on the Sanyo Expressway.
Please note that traffic restrictions are in place.
- Parking
As parking is limited, visitors are advised to use public transportation whenever possible.
Address 3-8-8 Saidaiji-naka, Higashi-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture
Dates and season
2026 event information (the listed event date has passed)
The 2026 Saidaiji Eyo was listed as scheduled for February 21 (Saturday).
The event is listed as taking place on the 3rd Saturday of February every year.
The main events begin in the afternoon, followed by the Boys’ Hadaka Festival and Eyo taiko performances, before the shingi are thrown at 10 p.m.
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 Okayama Prefecture / Okayama City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
Taking part undressed carries risks, including injuries from contact with other participants or from falls.
On the Ōyuka, also watch out for dehydration and crushing accidents caused by prolonged jostling. It is important not to push yourself if you feel unwell.
Participants are prohibited from drinking alcohol, bringing valuables or mobile devices, and wearing footwear that has not been approved.
Spectators should be aware of traffic restrictions and limited parking; use of public transportation is recommended.
Nearby attractions
備前国総社宮
岡山県岡山市中区祇園にある神社
吉備の中山
岡山市にある山
Kibitsuhiko Shrine
岡山市北区にある神社
吉備津神社
岡山市北区にある神社
夢二郷土美術館
岡山県岡山市にある美術館
岡山城
岡山県の城
岡山市半田山植物園
岡山県の公園・庭園のスポットです。
岡山市立オリエント美術館
岡山市北区にある美術館
岡山県立博物館
岡山市北区の後楽園外苑にある博物館
岡山県立美術館
岡山市北区にある美術館
岡山神社
日本の岡山市にある神社
後楽園
岡山県岡山市北区にある庭園
Origins and History of Saidaiji Eyo
The Saidaiji Eyo is described as an event that has continued for more than 500 years and is designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.
The event begins with the Koto-hajime ceremony, held 19 days before the Eyo, followed by the making and carving of the shingi and a 14-day Shusho-e service, culminating in the final ceremony on the day of the Eyo.
The wood for the shingi is obtained at Koyasan Nyohoji Muryoju-in, about 4 kilometers from Saidaiji. Participants are said to be required to return in silence.
Official information
Event information is available on Okayama City’s tourism information website.
The schedule and venue information are posted on the official Saidaiji Kannon-in website.
Applications and participation rules are provided in the Saidaiji Eyo information from the Okayama Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
For inquiries, contact the Saidaiji Eyo Supporters’ Association (at the Saidaiji Branch of the Okayama Chamber of Commerce and Industry, tel. 086-942-0101).
Saidaiji Eyo at a Glance
The Saidaiji Eyo is an event with a tradition spanning more than 500 years, held at Saidaiji Kannon-in and centered on a contest to claim the shingi.
The 2026 event was scheduled for February 21 (Saturday), with the throwing of the shingi at 10 p.m. as its centerpiece, alongside events such as the Boys’ Hadaka Festival and Eyo taiko performances.
General participation in the hadaka event requires an application and confirmation of the participation rules. Participants are responsible for safety management and for their own actions.
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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