Urasa's Naked Pushing Festival is one of Japan's most unique events (Photo: Kim B)
Early
Mar
Urasa's Naked Pushing Festival is one of Japan's most unique events (Photo: Kim B)

Urasa Naked Man Festival

Brave the cold for a unique Japanese winter festival

Venue: Bishamondo Temple When: Early Mar 2025

Held annually in March, Urasa's Naked Pushing Festival at Bishamondo lays claim to being one of Japan's most unique festivals. The winter event takes part in the streets surrounding the temple and has a history that dates back more than 1200 years.

Men are dressed in little more than a white loincloth, called a fundoshi, and traditional sandals. Once the event starts, it's an obstacle course of jumping into an icy pool of spring water and from there pushing and jostling their way to be first in line to worship Bishamon, the temple god of war and wealth. All of this while the night air booms with the mens' chants and shouts.

Crowds line the streets, holding candles and surrounding the temple to cheer participants on. The main event is held after sunset, but there are plenty of activities in the streets around the temple during the day—including plenty of tasty festival food to enjoy.

Getting there

The Urasa Naked Pushing Festival centers around the Bishamondo Temple, a short 5 minute walk from Urasa Station. Urasa Station is easily accessible from Tokyo in approximately 90 minutes via the Joetsu Shinkansen.

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I love your 1rst photo. I've not seen this festival yet but I have seen other "naked" festivals in Japan, there are all amazing!
Kim Author 5 years ago
Thank you so much for the kind comment! If you have the chance to visit Niigata in winter it's a really lovely spot!
Elena Lisina 5 years ago
Kim Author 5 years ago
I highly recommend it if you're in the area on the date of the festival! Such a fun one to attend!
Sleiman Azizi 5 years ago
Nothing like a good race to worship war and wealth! Honestly, Japanese festivals are the best.
Kim Author 5 years ago
This is one of my favorite festivals of all time since I've been in Japan. It's just so fun, so quirky, and has such a great atmosphere. Although, I don't envy the guys who are participating...it is COLD in the beginning of March here and there is still plenty of snow on the ground!

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