Momotesai on Miyajima 2026

• January 20, 2026 at 11:00 am
  Event date:
• January 20, 2026 at 1:00 am
  Event end:

History

The Momotesai (百手祭) is a centuries-old Shinto ritual held at Ōmoto Shrine on Miyajima Island, Hiroshima Prefecture. Its origins date back to the early Meiji Era (1868), when two separate New Year archery rituals on the island were merged to form a single, symbolic ceremony.

The festival’s name reflects its historical roots: “Momote” translates to “hundred hands” or “archers,” referring to the large-scale archery displays that used to involve dozens of participants firing hundreds of arrows. Over the years, the festival has evolved into a more ceremonial and symbolic event while retaining its spiritual significance.

The Momotesai ritual is believed to ward off evil spirits, ensure bountiful harvests, and bring peace for the year. Archery has long been associated with purification and protection in Shinto practices, and the ceremony at Ōmoto Shrine is one of the most well-preserved examples of this tradition in Hiroshima.

Overview

The Momotesai 2026 will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, starting at 11:00 AM at Ōmoto Shrine on Miyajima Island. The event lasts until around 1:00 PM and is free to attend.

The ritual is led by Shinto priests and an archer, who, accompanied by an assistant carrying sacred arrows, performs a series of ceremonial shots. Arrows are fired toward the heaven, earth, left, and right, as well as at a special target marked with the character oni (demon) to symbolically drive away evil spirits.

Following the ritual, attendees are offered blessings, sacred sake, and a traditional dish called hohan, made of rice, boiled vegetables, and soup. The festival concludes with a lottery where visitors can receive the ritual arrows, creating an interactive and memorable experience for attendees.

Highlights

• Ancient archery ritual with ceremonial significance to ward off evil spirits.
• Symbolic target shooting at the character oni (demon) for a peaceful year.
• Traditional Shinto blessings and sacred sake for participants and visitors.
• Serving of hohan, a traditional dish with historical roots in samurai meals.
• Lottery for visitors to receive ritual arrows as keepsakes.

Why Jasumo Recommends?

• Experience authentic Japanese Shinto rituals on historic Miyajima Island.
• Witness archery ceremonies and spiritual traditions that date back centuries.
• Enjoy a cultural and culinary experience with sacred sake and hohan.
• Perfect for visitors seeking unique New Year celebrations in Japan.
• Small-scale and intimate event provides a personalized, memorable experience.

If you are coming to Japan or already in Japan, and need any type of help — from custom tours and experiences to transportation or ticket bookings — just contact us using the Contact Us page on Jasumo.

Schedule

Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – ~1:00 PM
The ritual starts with prayers and ceremonial preparation by Shinto priests, followed by the archer performing the ritual firing, and concludes with blessings, hohan distribution, and arrow lottery.

Pricing

Entry Fee: Free

Visitors can attend without prior reservation. Donations to the shrine are appreciated but optional.

Location

Venue: Ōmoto Shrine, Omoto-koen, Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima-ken, Japan

How to Get There:

• By Ferry: Take the JR or Matsudai ferry to Miyajima Island, then walk about 10–15 minutes to Ōmoto Shrine.
• By Public Transport: From Hiroshima Station, take a train to Miyajimaguchi Station and transfer to the ferry.
• By Car: Parking is limited on the island; public transport is recommended.

Accommodation Options

Visitors can stay on Miyajima Island or in Hatsukaichi City, with options ranging from traditional ryokans to modern hotels. Staying on the island allows early access to the festival and the opportunity to explore other attractions like Itsukushima Shrine.

Average nightly rates range from ¥8,000 to ¥25,000, depending on the type of accommodation and season.

FAQs

When is the Momotesai 2026 held?

Tuesday, January 20, 2026, starting at 11:00 AM and running until approximately 1:00 PM.

What is the main ritual of Momotesai?

An archer shoots arrows toward heaven, earth, left, and right, as well as at a target marked with the character oni (demon) to symbolically ward off evil spirits.

Is there an entry fee?

No, the event is free to attend. Donations to the shrine are optional.

What traditional food is served at the festival?

Hohan, a dish of rice topped with boiled vegetables and soup, reminiscent of meals eaten by samurai during the Warring States period.

Can visitors receive a keepsake from the ritual?

Yes, visitors can participate in a lottery to receive ritual arrows used during the ceremony.

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Location