Hyogo
Jan 9 - Jan 11
Nishinomiya Shrine
Thousands congregate at Nishinomiya Shrine during this three-day celebration, hoping for a prosperous year in business. The three-day event is packed with highlights including a gigantic tuna fish displayed as an offering to the gods and a hot springs ceremony on the 9th where hot spring maidens prepare hot water using large paddles. On the final day, a Fuku-otoko (lucky man) race is held at 6am as hundreds of men race from the main gate to the main shrine to compete for the title of “the luckiest man” for 2019.