Can you imagine anything worse than a bucket of water chucked on you in the dead of winter — oh, and you’re half naked. Iwate’s Daito Ohara Water Festival is a shining example of Japan’s popular naked festivals.
What happens?
Participants, primarily men considered to be at traditionally unlucky ages, dress in minimal clothing and run through the town’s streets. Spectators line the route, throwing cold water on the runners as a ritual believed to purify and protect against misfortune.
Schedule
The Daito Ohara Water Festival is held annually on February 11. Festivities typically go from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the main water-throwing section of the event taking place from 3 p.m.
How to get there
The festival takes place in Ichinoseki City, Iwate. From Tokyo, you’ll need to take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Ichinoseki Station (approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes). From Ichinoseki Station, take a local bus or a taxi to Ohara Shopping Street in Daito-cho (approximately 40 minutes by car or taxi).
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.