Japanese legend has it that on New Year’s Eve foxes gather from all over Japan under a large tree, disguised in human costume to visit the Ōji Inari-jinja Shrine.
What happens?
To honor this tale, the Ōji Inari-jinja Shrine celebrates hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the year during New Year’s Eve/New Year’s).
As part of this celebration, there is a parade of people of all ages dressed as foxes and carrying lanterns. Some belong to local community groups and might wear matching outfits, while other join as individuals. Locals will also run stalls selling food and fox masks, while onlookers crowd the streets trying to get the best views.
The parade ends at Ōji Inari-jinja Shrine. If you want to enter the shrine, we recommend arriving before the parade as the lines can get very long.
Pro tip: If you plan on going, carefully consider your options for getting home, as the train station and nearby taxi stand can end up with long queues.
How to join
Anyone can participate in this general procession. Note that you will need to apply using this form and pay a fee of ¥1,000. If you are selected, be prepared to wear a kimono, a fox mask and recreate a specific type of fox face makeup.
Alternatively, you can also watch the procession for free.
Schedule 2023
The main event starts on the evening of December 31 and continues until January 1, finishing around 1:30 a.m. During the day (from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.), children have a stamp rally in fox costumes around the area.
- 22:30: A bonfire signals the start of New Year celebrations at Shōzoku Inari-jinja Shrine.
- 23:30: People start to line-up in preperation for the procession. (Some areas will not be open to the public).
- 0:00: At midnight, a countdown starts and the fox parade commences from in front of Shōzoku Inari-jinja Shrine.
- 01:30: The procession arrives at Oji Inari Shrine and festivities wrap up.
