Kounomiya Hadaka Matsuri (Naked Festival)

Hadaka ni narimashou! (Let’s get naked!)

Hadaka Matsuri by .A.G.M., on Flickr

When: 16th February 2013.
Where: Inazawa City, Aichi, Japan.

During Kounomiya Hadaka Matsuri thousands of barely clothed men line the streets of Inazawa City, Aichi, Japan, in the hope of touching a completely shaved and totally naked man (or Shin-otokoa) as he passes through the city streets on his way to the Kounomiya Shrine. Shinto tradition believes that the Shin-otokoa absorbs all bad luck and evil deeds from the men who touch him.

Only the men dressed in loincloths (fundoshi) and sandals (tabi) are allowed to touch the Shin-otokoa, and special bodyguards line the route to splash freezing water over them. Once the Shin-otokoa has endured being grabbed, tousled and mauled, he is then dressed and shooed out of town to rid the town of all evil.

Hadaka Matsuri (Naked festivals) are held all over Japan throughout the year.

Have you experienced a Hadaka Matsuri in Japan yourself? If so, please tell us all about it! You can share your pics and videos on our facebook page too! Or if you just want to say hi, or leave a comment for any other reason, we’d love to hear from you.

Food & Drink

Sekihan rice is often served on special occasions, holidays and festivals in Japan. Its red colour is considered the colour of happiness. Try our Sekihan recipe. Drink warm Sake.

Travel to Japan

The closest airport to Inazawa is Nagoya, about 13km from the centre of Inazawa.

Dates / venues may be subject to change or cancellation. Distances may be straight-line estimates. Please verify information before booking.

Enjoy your trip! And when you’re home we’d love you to come back and tell us all about it!