Takura Ushigami Shrine Festival 2027 | New Year Wishes with Bizen-Ware Cows, in Hinase's Own Bizen City
At Takura Ushigami Shrine, visitors offer small Bizen-ware cows and return an extra one when their wish comes true. Its grand festival every January 5 draws many people with New Year wishes.
What is it?
Tucked into the hills of Yoshinaga in Bizen City, Takura Ushigami Shrine is an unusual shrine where people offer small cows made of Bizen ware, the region's famous unglazed pottery. There is no main hall; instead, behind the torii gate, countless clay cows are piled up, creating a striking scene. The shrine was originally for praying for the health of cattle and horses, and today people come to wish for family safety, good harvests and business success.
The custom works like this: when you make a wish, you offer one Bizen-ware cow and take home one that someone else left. If your wish comes true, you return with an extra cow as thanks. The number of cows offered over the years is said to be in the hundreds of thousands.
On January 5 each year, the shrine holds its grand festival, and many visitors come to make their New Year wishes.
Date & Venue
- Date: Tuesday, January 5, 2027 (the festival is held every January 5)
- Hours (approx.): 8:00–17:00, according to the Okayama tourism website
- Venue: Takura Ushigami Shrine, Yoshinaga, Bizen City, Okayama
The shrine has no permanent staff on ordinary days. Please check the official information for details and updates.
Getting there from our stay
The shrine is in Bizen City, the same city as our Hinase house. By car, it is about 10 minutes from the Bizen IC on the Sanyo Expressway, and there is parking. By train, you can walk from JR Yoshinaga Station on the Sanyo Line, though guides list the walk at roughly 20 to 30 minutes. From Hinase, driving is the most convenient option.
Tips for enjoying the event
- Bizen-ware cows for offering are sold beside the approach. The one you take home makes a charming good-luck charm for the year.
- Imbe, the historic pottery town lined with Bizen-ware kilns, is also in Bizen City and pairs well with a New Year visit if you are looking for tableware.
- Winter is oyster season in Hinase, so you can round off the day with oyster dishes near Hinase Port.
Official information
- Takura Ushigami Shrine Festival (Okayama Tourism, Japanese)
- Takura Ushigami Shrine (Bizen Tourism, Japanese)
Before or after your New Year wish, unwind at our Hinase house.