Omiwa Shrine Sake Brewing Prayer Festival (Sake Matsuri) 2026

Dates & time: November 14, 2026 (Sat) 10:30〜
cost: Free to visit
Venue & access: Omiwa Shrine, Haiden worship hall (Sakurai, Nara) About 5 min walk from Miwa Station (JR Manyo-Mahoroba Line). By car, use the shrine car park (590 spaces, normally free)

There are 1 car parks within a 12-minute walk of Omiwa Shrine, Haiden worship hall (Sakurai, Nara), and 3 public restrooms within 8 minutes. The map shows each with its walking time.

Facility data comes from OpenStreetMap. It does not include opening hours, fees or availability.

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Why You Should Visit

Held every November 14 at Omiwa Shrine in Sakurai, Nara, a shrine dedicated to the god of sake brewing. Sake brewers and toji master brewers from across Japan gather to pray for a safe brewing season for the new sake. During the rite, four shrine maidens perform the kagura dance "Umazake Miwa no Mai" holding sprigs of cedar, and the giant sugidama cedar ball hanging at the worship hall is replaced with a fresh one. The shrine is regarded as the origin of the sugidama balls seen outside sake breweries, making this a good pick for anyone curious about sake culture.

NOTE

Highlights

Sake brewers and toji from across Japan attend and pray for safe brewing of the new sake
Four shrine maidens perform the kagura "Umazake Miwa no Mai" holding cedar sprigs
The giant sugidama at the worship hall is replaced (the sugidama is a symbol of the sake god)

*Inquiries: Omiwa Shrine 0744-42-6633

History Heritage Craft Beer Sake Culture Art Events Festivals Free Cheap

出典: 大神神社公式HP

Kobe · Gluten-free

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FAQ

Is it free to watch?

Visiting the shrine is free. The treasure house charges admission (adults 300 yen, high school students and younger 100 yen).

Where is it held?

The rite takes place at the shrine's Haiden worship hall from 10:30.

Can I go by car?

The shrine has a car park for 590 cars, normally free of charge.