Oji Inari Shrine Fox Parade
This annual event sees local residents dress up as foxes and parade from Shozoku Shrine to nearby Oji Inari Shrine for the first prayer of the year (hatsumode). Having also served as the theme for one of ukiyo-e master Utagawa Hiroshige’s pieces, the Fox Parade always gathers a respectable turnout of both participants and onlookers. Don’t miss this.
Here's a rundown of the proceedings on New Year's Eve, December 31 2024. The commemorative bonfire and prayers start at Shozoku Inari Shrine at 11pm. If you want to join in the fox procession, you must pre-register online (now closed), and once confirmed, you'll have to get in formation at 11.30pm at Shozoku Inari Shrine. Participants are required to dress in a kimono and wear a fox face mask or some form of fox makeup. Not to worry if you didn't secure a spot; you can still watch the events unfold, although certain areas will be off-limited to non-participants.
Right after the New Year's Eve midnight countdown, the fox procession starts, moving from the abovementioned Shozoku Inari Shrine to Oji Inari Shrine. The entourage is expected to arrive at the latter shrine at 1.30am.