Every February 10, Sugou Isobe Shrine in Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture, hosts the "Gongan Shinji," a powerful traditional ritual. Locally known as "Gongan-san" or "Bamboo Splitting Festival," this winter tradition carries a long and storied history into the present.
Event Details
Date: February 10, 2026 (Tuesday) Held on the same date every year
Time: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Sugou Isobe Shrine
Address: 81 Shikijiruotsu, Daishoji, Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Phone: 0761-72-0412 (Sugou Isobe Shrine)
Official Website: https://su5.jp/
A 1,300-Year-Old Ritual Preserving the Spirit of Martial Arts
According to shrine tradition, the Gongan Shinji dates back to the year 677 (Hakuho 5), when Emperor Tenmu initiated this ritual to pray for national peace and stability. The ceremony is said to be modeled after the legendary battle between the shrine's deities—Hohodemi-no-Mikoto (Mountain Luck) and his brother Suseri-no-Mikoto (Sea Luck). The ritual embodies the belief that even in times of peace, one should not forget the spirit of martial readiness. It is also considered to be the origin of kendo (Japanese swordsmanship).
A Dynamic Ritual: Splitting Bamboo to Dispel Evil
As the festival approaches, local parishioners create a massive rope fashioned to resemble a great serpent, and prepare approximately 300 to 400 green bamboo poles for the ritual. On the day of the ceremony, young men dressed in white ceremonial garments rush into the shrine grounds and violently strike the bamboo poles against the stone steps and pavement, shattering them one after another. The sharp sounds echoing throughout the grounds and the dynamic spectacle overwhelm all who witness it. After most of the bamboo is split, the great serpent rope is dragged out from the worship hall, paraded around the shrine grounds, and finally thrown from a bridge into the Daishoji River. This act symbolizes the expulsion of evil and the achievement of purification.
Lucky Charms: Take Home the Split Bamboo
The bamboo split during the ritual can be freely taken home by visitors.
Local lore says that "kites made from this bamboo fly exceptionally well," "chopsticks made from it are effective against illness," "placing it at the entrance wards off evil," and "keeping it in the attic protects against lightning." Each year, many people cherish these pieces as good luck charms. Additionally, a photography contest themed around this ritual is held annually.
For inquiries about tourism in Kaga Onsen Hot Springs:
Kaga City Tourism and Exchange Organization
Kaga City Tourism Information Center KAGA Travel & Town Network
TEL: 0761-72-6678 (8:45 AM to 5:30 PM) / Open year-round
Official Website: https://www.tabimati.net
