Receive the gift of good fortune at Okayama’s Hadaka Matsuri, one of the oddest festivals on earth
Okayama is home to a strange festival that draws visitors from all over Japan, and indeed the world, for the sake of a single day’s participation.
In the Saidaiji Eyo Festival (English available), commonly known as Hadaka Matsuri (Naked Festival), a roiling mass of 10,000-odd near-naked men battle each other to grab sacred sticks known as shingi that are thought to bring good luck.
Come and experience the unique euphoria and excitement of this sacred one-day festival that boasts a history of over 500 years.
JAPAN Monthly Web Magazine