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.
