Why You Should Visit
The Traditional Tsuina Ceremony at Nagata Shrine is a Shinto ritual dating back about 650 years to the Muromachi period and is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Hyogo Prefecture. Originally held on New Year’s Eve as a purification rite, it is now performed on Setsubun to welcome the coming of spring. Unlike the common image of demons as bringers of misfortune, the demons in this ritual appear as benevolent messengers of the gods. Seven demons dance with flaming torches to burn away calamities and cut down evil omens with swords, praying for health, safety, and peace throughout the year.
Essentials
- location
- Nagata Shrine, Nagata Ward, Kobe
- period
- February 3, 2026 (Tue)
- Time
- 12:30-18:00
- NOTE
- The event may be canceled or modified depending on weather or crowd conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tsuina ceremony open to the public?
Nagata Shrine
GALLERY
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WHY VISIT
Legend holds that Nagata Shrine was established in AD 201, giving it an ancient lineage. It houses a massive sacred camphor tree, long revered by the local community. In modern times, it has gained pop‐culture fame: it appears in “Alice in Borderland” Season 3 as the setting for a game involving “omikuji” (fortune slips), becoming a pilgrimage spot for fans.
Giant Sacred Camphor Tree
With a trunk circumference of ~5 m and height around 30 m, this camphor tree is an iconic object of reverence at the shrine.
Location of Alice in Borderland
Featured in Netflix’s “Alice in Borderland” Season 3 as the venue for a fortune‑slip (“omikuji”) game. The shrine serves as an important narrative location.
Traditional Tsuina Ceremony (Setsubun)
A Tsuina ritual dating from the Muromachi period: demons swing torches to burn away misfortune, and worshippers receive the ash for purification.
PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE
BEST SHOTS
- — Frontal shot of the red torii and main hall
- — Looking up at the giant camphor tree
- — Evening view of the gate and shrine atmosphere from outside
BEST TIMING
- — During the Tsuina ceremony in early February (Setsubun)
- — Autumn evenings, when the light filters through the trees
- — Nighttime, especially if there are special events
ESSENTIALS
- Opening Hours
- Worship allowed at any time (office: 9:00–16:00)
- cost
- Free to visit. Goshuin (shrine stamp) costs 500 yen (several types).
- Best Time
- Especially atmospheric during the February Setsubun Tsuina ceremony or in the autumn evenings.
- Suggested Duration
- About 30 min
- Access
- About a 5‑minute walk from Nagata Station (subway) or Kosoku‑Nagata Station.
City buses (lines 3, 4, 17) stop at “Nagata Shrine‑mae.” - Accessibility
- The grounds are relatively flat and walkable, but it can be crowded during peak times or events.
