Dozens of worshipers in Japan welcomed the New Year with prayers, chanting, and a bracing plunge into freezing water, keeping alive a ritual that symbolizes purification, resilience, and hope for good health. The ceremony unfolded in Tokyo as part of a long-standing Shinto tradition observed during the early days of the year.
At Teppozu Inari Shrine, around 100 participants gathered on January 11 to take part in Kanchu Misogi, a cold-water endurance ritual held in the heart of winter. Most participants were men wearing white loincloths, while several women dressed in white robes, reflecting the emphasis on ritual purity.
The shrine’s courtyard was transformed into a ceremonial space as percussion and flute music echoed through the air. A shallow pool filled with ice chunks awaited the worshipers, who clasped their hands and chanted prayers invoking purification before entering the water. The ritual is believed to cleanse spiritual impurities and invite good health for the year ahead.
Before stepping into the icy pool, participants jogged through nearby streets and performed warm-up exercises together. Once inside, they poured freezing water over themselves using wooden buckets, shouting encouragement as fellow worshipers and onlookers cheered them on. The shared experience reinforced a sense of collective endurance and spiritual renewal.
This year marked the 71st time the ritual has been held at the shrine. While it was originally intended as a purification rite dedicated to the local deity, the event now welcomes public participation through an application process. Organizers said interest was so high this year that registration closed earlier than expected.
Purification remains central to Shinto belief, which holds that spiritual cleansing helps ward off misfortune and restore harmony. The tradition reflects the broader Shinto worldview that sacred spirits inhabit nature and all living things, shaping many aspects of Japanese cultural life.
Japan’s New Year celebrations blend ancient religious customs with national culture. Shōgatsu, observed from January 1 to January 3, includes practices such as Hatsumode, the first shrine or temple visit of the year. These rituals continue under Japan’s constitutional monarchy, led by Emperor Naruhito, who holds a symbolic role as the highest authority in Shinto.
As worshipers emerged from the icy water, many paused to pray quietly, reflecting on health, renewal, and perseverance. In a fast-changing modern society, the ritual remains a powerful reminder of Japan’s enduring connection to tradition and spiritual continuity.
