Welcomed by Shrine Dog Shiro: 'Tea Wheel' Ritual Using Yame Tea Branches Begins in Yame, Fukuoka

Fukushima Hachimangu Shrine in Yame City, Fukuoka, has installed a special 'Tea Wheel' made from Yame tea branches in conjunction with 'Nagoshi no Oharae,' a Shinto ritual held to cleanse the sins and impurities of the past six months and pray for good health for the remaining six months of the year.

While typical 'chinowa' (reeds rings) are made using thatch, Fukushima Hachimangu utilizes its unique status as a premier tea-producing region by implementing a 'Tea Wheel' ritual using Yame tea branches. It is a rare initiative nationwide that fuses local culture with Shinto rituals.

Summer Purification Ritual Unique to the Tea-Producing Region of Yame

The 'chinowa' at Fukushima Hachimangu actually uses branches from Yame tea trees. Visitors pass through the ring to cleanse themselves of impurities from the past six months and pray for health and protection from misfortune for the coming half-year.

Welcomed by Shrine Dog 'Shiro'

At Fukushima Hachimangu, the shrine's popular Mameshiba, 'Shiro,' welcomes visitors. Many visitors enjoy taking pictures of the 'Tea Wheel' and Shiro, making it a new local scenic tradition.

Pets are Family, Too

Fukushima Hachimangu provides katashiro (paper dolls) in the shapes of humans, dogs, cats, and rabbits. Responding to the recent increase in pet visitors, the shrine allows families to pray for the good health of their cherished animal companions.

Nagoshi no Oharae Event Overview

Dates: June 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026 Ritual Date: June 30, 2026, from 14:00 Location: Fukushima Hachimangu (Yame City, Fukuoka) Participation Fee: Free Event proceeds rain or shine.