Experiencing “Chinowa Kuguri” at Yasue Hachimangu Shrine in Kanazawa

🌿Experiencing “Chinowa Kuguri” at Yasue Hachimangu Shrine in Kanazawa

During the hot summer months in Japan, many people visit shrines to take part in a unique purification ritual called Chinowa Kuguri. I recently had the chance to experience this beautiful tradition at Yasue Hachimangu Shrine in Kanazawa, and it was both spiritually refreshing and culturally rich.

🌾 What is Chinowa Kuguri?

Chinowa Kuguri is a traditional Shinto ritual performed to cleanse oneself of misfortune and pray for good health. A large ring made of chigaya grass (a type of sedge) is set up at the entrance of the shrine, and visitors walk through it in a figure-eight pattern. This ceremony is typically held in late June during the Nagoshi no Harae (Summer Purification Ceremony), marking the halfway point of the year.

Walking through the ring, I could feel a sense of renewal—leaving behind the worries and impurities of the first half of the year and stepping forward with a lighter heart.

⛩️ About Yasue Hachimangu Shrine

Yasue Hachimangu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. It was founded during the Muromachi period and is dedicated to Emperor Ōjin. The shrine is known for blessings such as protection from misfortune, safe childbirth, success in business, and general good fortune. Locals often refer to it affectionately as “Yasue-san.”

But what really makes this shrine unique is its association with a special kind of Daruma doll called the Kaga Okiagari.

🎎 The Kaga Okiagari Daruma — A Symbol of Resilience

One of the most iconic features of Yasue Hachimangu is its red Daruma charms known as Kaga Okiagari. These traditional dolls are a type of okiagari koboshi, or self-righting doll. Made locally in Kanazawa, they represent perseverance and recovery, famously embodying the spirit of “fall down seven times, get up eight.”

The red Daruma dolls at Yasue Hachimangu are painted by hand, often with a smiling face. When you purchase one, you make a wish and paint in one of its eyes. Once your wish is fulfilled, you paint in the other eye. These little figures are believed to protect you from bad luck and help your wishes come true.

Every New Year, the shrine hosts a Daruma Festival, where hundreds of red Kaga Okiagari Daruma are displayed and sold. The vibrant sight of these dolls lined up in rows is one of Kanazawa’s most charming seasonal traditions.

🧘‍♀️ A Moment of Peace and Prayer

Visiting Yasue Hachimangu during the Chinowa Kuguri ritual gave me a deeper appreciation of Japan’s connection to nature, spirit, and tradition. Whether you're looking for peace of mind, protection, or simply a unique cultural experience, this quiet shrine in the heart of Kanazawa offers a moment of reflection and resilience.

If you’re in Kanazawa in early summer or around New Year’s, I highly recommend a visit to Yasue Hachimangu. Walk through the circle of grass, pick up a red Daruma, and carry a piece of Kanazawa’s enduring spirit with you.