Editorial photo #13946263 Human Interest

Oshioitori Ritual At The 2026 Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival

Participants from the seven Nagare (district teams) of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival march to Hakozakihama Beach during the annual Oshioitori ritual in Fukuoka City, Japan, on July 9, 2026. They collect oshioi, or purifying sand, and after visiting Hakozaki Shrine, return to Kushida Shrine to receive blessings for the safety and success of the festival. The purifying sand collected during the ritual is later used in ceremonial rites before the Kakiyama float processions, making Oshioitori one of the festival's most important purification rituals. (Photo by Ryo Chi/NurPhoto)