A traditional event in which a shimenawa and celebratory songs wind through Shionomachi in winter
Shionomachi Osatosama
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Season / frequency
- Dec / Every year
- Area
- Niigata Prefecture・Murakami City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 40 min–2 h 10 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
- Spectators welcome
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
Shionomachi Osatosama is a winter event in Shionomachi in which a and sake barrel are dedicated to a shrine. Highlights include a procession modeled on a bridal procession, distinctive attire, and Hakone-bushi songs.
About Shionomachi Osatosama
Shionomachi Osatosama is an event in which a new shimenawa and a sake barrel are dedicated to the shrine in Shionomachi village.
A procession modeled on a bridal procession, led mainly by men, proceeds slowly with the matchmaker at the front.
The sight of people carrying the shimenawa and sake barrel, along with celebratory sake and songs along the route, has been passed down as a local event heralding winter in Shionomachi.
Source: 平成28年度 お知らせ・できこと - 村上市公式ウェブサイト / 平成30年度 お知らせ・できごと - 村上市公式ウェブサイト
Festival highlights
A highlight is the distinctive dedication procession, featuring a shimenawa adorned with five-colored shide paper streamers attached to a green bamboo pole, followed by sake barrels.
The bearers walk wearing women's long under-kimono, with red or black makeup on their faces.
The matchmaker leads the procession while singing the Hakone-bushi song. Along the route, sake and amazake are served, spreading a celebratory atmosphere in the cold season.
A traditional event in which a shimenawa and celebratory songs wind through Shionomachi in winter
What to expect
During the event, men carry a shimenawa and sake barrel that they made overnight, walking in procession to the shrine with the matchmaker at the front.
The procession consists of shimekatsugi, who carry the shimenawa, and tarukatsugi, who carry the sake barrel, while songs such as the Hakone-bushi enliven the journey.
After the offerings are made at the shrine, people along the route watch the procession while receiving celebratory sake and amazake.
How to take part
Traditionally, men serve as the procession's bearers and make the shimenawa, and women are said not to be allowed to take part in making the shimenawa or in the procession.
Meanwhile, residents welcome the procession along the route and can watch while receiving celebratory sake and amazake.
Location and access
- Address
Murakami City
Host municipality 新潟県村上市
This map shows the surrounding area, not the exact venue location.
Dates and season
- Season
Dec
- Frequency
Every year
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 Niigata Prefecture / Murakami City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
The procession takes place outdoors in winter, so dress warmly when watching.
When viewing from along the route, it is important to choose a place that does not obstruct the bearers or the progress of the offerings.
Since local custom says women may not take part in making the shimenawa or in the procession, please respect local traditions when participating or watching.
Nearby attractions
The Shionomachi area has a “Shionomachi Map” that brings together local resources, including Mount Shinbo, shrines, temples, stone monuments, mountains, and rivers.
The village of Shionomachi retains traces of its streetscape from when it prospered as a post town on the Dewa Kaido, making it a place to explore the area's history.
When visiting the area, please be respectful of local life and customs.
Source: 塩野町地域のお宝箇所情報 - 村上市公式ウェブサイト
イヨボヤ会館
新潟県村上市の博物館
Origins and History of Shionomachi Osatosama
Osatosama has been passed down in Shionomachi as a traditional event in which a shimenawa is dedicated to a shrine.
It was once held on December 12, the original day of the mountain deity, but it is said to have become more common in recent years to hold it on the second Sunday of December.
There was once a custom of having newlyweds serve as bearers, but today the bearers are chosen each year without regard to that condition.
Official information
Shionomachi Osatosama is listed as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property designated by Murakami City.
Details of the event are featured on the Shionomachi area page of the Murakami City official website, offering a way to learn about the area's history and events.
Shionomachi Osatosama at a Glance
Shionomachi Osatosama is a winter event passed down in Shionomachi, known for a procession led mainly by men who dedicate a shimenawa and a sake barrel.
Unique customs have been preserved, including bearers wearing makeup and women's long under-kimono, and the matchmaker singing the Hakone-bushi.
As an Intangible Folk Cultural Property designated by Murakami City, the event offers a close-up view of a culture preserved by local people.
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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