Matsumoto winter festival 2023Looking for [Daikan-gankake] participants
> Japanese
It has been four years since we last were able to have a full proper festival.We are hoping with all our hearts you will join us.
[Schedule]
Sunday, January 21st 2023, 9am meeting at Hikawa Shrine [MAP]
[Route]
Hikawa Shrine (purification) - Matsumoto Hakusan Shrine - Sakuratani Shrine - Daiganji Hakusan Shrine - Ikuhisa Hakusan Shrine - Kyouden Hakusan Shrine - Fukui Prefecture Gokoku Shrine (Misogi)
[Attendance fee]
Adults ¥2000 / High school and under ¥1000
[Dress code]
Look at the link below
Application form and explanation here 
Please bring the filled in application forms in person to the Matsumoto community center.
*There are also application forms available at the community center.
[Application Period] 12/01/2023 to 01/14/2024
Matsumoto Matsuri, Special Winter Event: Daikan-Gankake
The Matsumoto area is home to both the shrine that was built to protect Fukui Castle’s northeastern direction, Hikawa Shrine and the shrine said to protect the peace of northern Fukui, Fukui Prefecture’s only Gokoku Shrine. Over time, warm and caring communities have formed and the people in those communities have shown the god of their land great veneration. Gankake-Otoko (wish-carrying men) and Gankake-Onna (wish-carrying women) run to a total of 7 different shrines in the area while carrying Negai-nuno (lit. wish cloth, usually wrapped around the neck or arm) starting at Hikawa Shrine and ending with Gokoku Shrine. When they reach their destination, the Gankake-Otoko and Gankake-Onna, bearing the wishes of the people, perform Misogi* out in the cold and offer up everyone’s prayers. This event was made to bring everyone in the Matsumoto area together. Of course, this includes all of its participants as well!
*Misogi refers to a traditional Shinto act of purifying one’s body of sins and impurities by rinsing one’s bodies with water. Misogi is a type of Harae, a special act done with the ultimate goal of cleansing one’s body of impurities.
* Held on January 15th 2018 
Public information Fukui City "Fuku Channel"
Rough schedule for the day:
9:00 Gather at Hikawa Shrine, orientation
9:20 Spiritual purification and worship
9:45 Departure Ceremony
9:50 Arrival at Matsumoto Hakusan Shrine, worship
10:05 Arrival at Sakuratani Shrine, worship
10:15 Arrival at Daiganji Hakusan Shrine, worship
10:25 Arrival at Ikuhisa Hakusan Shrine, worship
10:35 Arrival at Kyouden Hakusan Shrine, worship
10:45 Arrival at Fukui Prefecture Gokoku Shrine, change of clothes, Misogi, worship
12:00 Naorai feast
13:30 Conclusion
[Information]
Matsumoto Community Center (0776) 22-0085
[Open hours]
Tue~Sat: 9:00~21;00,
Sun: 9:00~17:00
[Closed days]
Mondays,
Every third Sunday in a month,
Holidays (in case Monday is a holiday, Tuesday closed),
12/28/2023 ~ 01/28/2024
Organizer
Matsumoto Matsuri Daikan-Gankake Executive Committee
Co-sponsored
Matsumoto District Festival Promotion Association, Various organizations in the Matsumoto area, Matsumoto Community Center