New Year Event, ‘Gou-Sazuke’, of Kurayoshi, Tottori

I went to ‘Gou-Sazuke’ event that is among New Year Japan event.

Let’s enjoy it! :)

*Gou-Sazuke (長谷の牛玉授け)

 This is custom to ward off misfortune.

This event is held in Cheontae Order Hasesa temple (長谷寺) , Mt. Utaubuki at midnight.

They prepare some woods that is called Fukugi.

Fukugi is cut in Gou-hoin(牛玉宝印).

You can see worshippers scramble for get new good fortune of enjoying business prosperity, good harvest, safety for family and so on.

*Gou-hoin(牛玉宝印) : An amulet to avert evils from Shinto or temple.

I arrived at Hasesa temple at night.

There are some place for Omamori(charm) and some souvenir.

My friend bought good lucky charm. :)

Buddhist ceremony before Gou-Sazuke

Buddhist monks were saying Prajna-Paramita.

I am not a Buddhist so didn’t know well about ceremony.

I just saw silently.

Already midnight!

It is time for Gou-Sazuke.

Buddhist monks go up and will throw Gou in there!

People are rushing around in confusion already. :)

Buddhist monks started to thrown down Gou!

Wow!!

OMG!

Some people fell down.

An unusual scene was like that whenever Gou drops below.

Quite keen competition~

We smirked. :)

That is also Japan’s another culture, right? :)

People who got Gou look so happy!

They hurrahed.

Winner’s commemorative photograph

If you get Gou, you can not only ward off misfortune but also get premium.

I thought people are so happy because of just good luck.

But it was not. :)

So funny!

People who got ‘Oto’ Gou received the biggest present!

Present contains some alcohol, Sushi and 30kg rice!!

And the name of people who got ‘Oto’ Gou will hang on the walls of temple. :)

It is pretty honor!

The winner will be special year.

Lastly, Buddhist’s say.

He said nice things about life, thank you! :)

*Haseno-Kanoichi (長谷の観音市)

 Next morning, Kano market which signal the arrival of spring.

The next day of Gou-Sazuke is the day for the fair.

It is familiar market with local people.

It was originally sold farming tool of bamboo stuff in a tail in Akagawara for worshiper.

But it is becoming not only purchase stuff but also enjoy the atmosphere.

You can enjoy in Akagawara!!! :)

The scene of Akagawara, Haseno-Kanoichi.

Small flea market

You can surely see snack cart.

Early morning, there were some place where you can get adzuki-bean porridge or ginger tea for free!!

Ginger tea will keep you warm.

Yummy Niku-Man!!

Two for 300yen

Look at full of meat!

And try some foods~

Market is from 8 a.m.

But there were a lot of people!

It was very warm old market.

Friendly local people~ :)

New Year event of Kurayoshi, very good!!