Tokyo Ice Bathing Festival in January
# Tokyo Ice Bathing Festival in January
## Overview
John Daub brings viewers to Tempozu Inari Shrine (天富寺稲荷神社) in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, for an extraordinary January tradition: an ice bathing festival where participants plunge into a freezing pool as part of a *misogi* (禊) purification ritual. This is the 70th time the event has been held, with about 80 brave local residents—including firefighters, police officers, and neighborhood merchants—taking the icy plunge to ring in the new year. John and his son Leo attend to experience authentic Japanese community culture, with John noting he could potentially participate himself as a Chuo Ward resident.
The festival blends Shinto religious tradition with community bonding, featuring a marching band, ceremonial speeches, and the dramatic moment when participants, dressed in traditional *fundoshi* (loincloths) and *shouzoku* (ceremonial robes), run through the neighborhood before jumping into the frigid water. After the ritual, hot *amazake* (甘酒, sweet rice drink) is served to help everyone warm up. John reflects on how participating in these local festivals connects residents to their community and to centuries-old Japanese traditions that are disappearing in other parts of the country.
## Highlights
- [00:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgmaJXKZiYc&t=6s) Introduction to the ice bathing festival in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, with ice blocks visible in the pool
- [00:59](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgmaJXKZiYc&t=59s) Leo appears with John at the festival
- [02:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgmaJXKZiYc&t=155s) Introduction to Tempozu Inari Shrine, the venue for this annual ritual
- [04:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgmaJXKZiYc&t=254s) John explains the festival's purpose: warding off evil spirits and purifying the body
- [04:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgmaJXKZiYc&t=269s) Women participants shown with their own ceremonial robes (new addition to the tradition)
- [05:37](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgmaJXKZiYc&t=336s) John shares his experience with multiple *Hadaraki Matsuri* (Naked Men Festivals) and the energizing aftermath
- [08:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgmaJXKZiYc&t=516s) Announcement that this is the 70th time the festival has been held
- [09:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgmaJXKZiYc&t=556s) Speech by Miega Hiromatsu, President of the Kiyomachi Fire Department
- [13:58](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgmaJXKZiYc&t=837s) Mr. Shino Nagatsuku, who taught the misogi ritual and participated 35 years ago, is honored
- [17:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgmaJXKZiYc&t=1042s) Hot *amazake* served after the ritual to warm participants up
- [23:03](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgmaJXKZiYc&t=1382s) Participants warming up and dancing before the final plunge
- [28:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgmaJXKZiYc&t=1690s) John explains the running ritual through the neighborhood before entering the ice bath
- [47:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgmaJXKZiYc&t=2830s) John's reflection on 70 years of this tradition and community connection
- [48:58](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgmaJXKZiYc&t=2937s) John and Leo get rainbow cotton candy, closing out the visit
## Timeline / Chapters
| Time | Event |
|------|-------|
| **00:00–00:50** | Opening: John introduces the ice bathing festival in Chuo Ward, shows ice blocks in the pool |
| **00:50–02:35** | Scanning the crowd of participants; John notes both men and women participating |
| **02:35–04:00** | Introduction to Tempozu Inari Shrine location; John notes it's his neighborhood shrine |
| **04:00–05:30** | Explanation of the festival's purpose: purification, warding off evil spirits, gaining energy |
| **05:30–08:00** | Festival preparations; John mentions his experience with Naked Men festivals |
| **08:00–10:00** | Opening ceremony speeches; officials and dignitaries honored |
| **10:00–13:00** | More speeches; John reminds viewers about festival etiquette |
| **13:00–15:00** | Mr. Shino Nagatsuku introduced as the teacher of the misogi ritual (35 years of participation) |
| **15:00–17:00** | Participants warming up before the plunge; band playing |
| **17:00–18:30** | Group photo; John and Leo go to get *amazake* |
| **18:30–23:00** | Warm-up activities; participants running around the neighborhood |
| **23:00–28:00** | Dancing/warm-up exercises; John explains the ritual process |
| **28:00–35:00** | Participants run through the neighborhood before returning for the ice bath |
| **35:00–47:00** | Final preparations and the ice bathing ritual begins |
| **47:00–48:50** | John's reflection on community, cultural preservation, and the 70-year tradition |
| **48:50–50:00** | Closing; rainbow cotton candy; farewell to viewers |
## Japan Travel Tips
- **How to get there:** Take the JR to Hachobori Station (八丁堀駅) in Chuo Ward. Tempozu Inari Shrine is within walking distance.
- **Best time to visit:** Early January, after the New Year (*Shogatsu*) period. The 70th festival took place on January 12, 2025.
- **Participation:** If you're a resident of Chuo Ward, you may be able to join. John mentions this is possible for local residents.
- **What to wear:** If participating, expect to wear a *fundoshi* (traditional loincloth) for men; women have ceremonial robes provided.
- **What to expect:** Expect cold temperatures, lots of community spirit, and hot *amazake* afterward.
- **Respectfulness:** Keep voices down during ceremonies; this is a religious *misogi* ritual at a Shinto shrine.
- **For non-swimmers:** Simply attending as a spectator is perfectly acceptable and still offers an incredible cultural experience.
- **Family-friendly:** John brought his son Leo, indicating this is suitable for families to watch together.
## Japanese Language & Culture Notes
### Key Terms
- **Misogi (禊):** A Shinto purification ritual involving plunging into cold water. This practice dates back centuries as a way to cleanse the body and spirit, ward off evil, and gain spiritual power for the year ahead.
- **Hadaraki Matsuri (裸祭):** Literally "Naked Men Festival." John references his experience with multiple such festivals (*Hadaraki* means "naked" or "fully unclothed"). These are common throughout Japan, particularly in areas with natural hot springs, but urban versions like this use ice or cold water.
- **Fundoshi (褌):** Traditional Japanese loincloth, the garment typically worn by men during misogi rituals and *Hadaraki Matsuri* events.
- **Shouzoku (装束):** Ceremonial robes or attire. John notes that women now have their own robes for this festival, whereas in the past they may not have participated as openly.
- **Amazake (甘酒):** A sweet, thick, non-alcoholic drink made from fermented rice. Traditionally served hot at festivals and temples, especially during the New Year period. It helps warm up after cold activities.
- **Shogatsu (正月):** The New Year period in Japan, typically January 1–3, though celebrations often extend into early January.
### Cultural Context
- **Declining traditions:** John notes that while many similar festivals across Japan are disappearing (particularly due to urbanization and aging populations), Chuo Ward's festival continues with about 80 participants.
- **Community bonds:** The festival brings together local firefighters, police officers, first responders, doctors, shopkeepers, and neighborhood residents—people John likely passes every day.
- **Religious significance:** The festival takes place at an Inari shrine (*Tempozu Inari Shrine*), and the ceremony includes traditional elements like a marching band, speeches by officials, and the participation of local religious leaders.
- **Modern adaptations:** The addition of ceremonial robes for women represents a modernization of the tradition, making participation more accessible.
## Food & Drink Guide
| Item | Description | Location | John's Reaction |
|------|-------------|----------|-----------------|
| **Amazake (甘酒)** | Hot sweet fermented rice drink; traditional winter and festival beverage | Served at the festival site after the ritual | John and Leo go to get some; clearly appreciated as a warming treat after the cold festival atmosphere |
| **Rainbow Cotton Candy** | Colorful cotton candy | Purchased at the end of the visit | John and Leo enjoy this as a fun treat while wrapping up the visit |
## People
- **John Daub:** Host and narrator. With 30+ years in Japan and experience at multiple *Hadaraki Matsuri* (Naked Men Festivals), John provides context and cultural explanation throughout. He reflects on how local festivals connect him to his community.
- **Leo:** John's son, who accompanies his father to experience Japanese culture. Leo is invited to participate ("Do you want to do it?") and seems hesitant.
- **Kanae Daub:** John's wife. Mentioned by name ("Kiki") at one point, though her voice is not prominently featured in this transcript.
- **Mr. Shino Nagatsuku:** The elder who originally taught the misogi ritual to the Chuo Ward community. He participated in the festival 35 years ago and has since retired.
- **Miega Hiromatsu:** President of the Kiyomachi Fire Department, who gives a speech honoring the festival and thanking participants.
- **Local Firefighters:** The Tokyo Fire Department has a strong presence; their president speaks, and they participate in the ritual.
- **Local Police Officers:** City police are present and honored during the ceremony.
- **Festival Participants:** About 80 local residents of Chuo Ward, including various community members John would pass daily.
## Key Takeaways
1. **Urban festivals preserve tradition:** While many rural Japanese festivals are disappearing due to population decline, urban communities like Chuo Ward continue their traditions with robust participation.
2. **Community connection:** John emphasizes that these local festivals connect residents not just to Japanese culture generally, but specifically to their neighbors—firefighters, police, shopkeepers, and others they see daily.
3. **Physical and spiritual benefits:** The *misogi* ritual is believed to purify the body and spirit, ward off evil, and provide energy for the coming year. John confirms that after thawing out from such experiences, you "feel really good."
4. **Respect and participation:** The festival demonstrates how traditional Shinto practices can coexist with modern community events, complete with marching bands, speeches, and hot drinks afterward.
5. **Everyone is welcome to watch:** Even if you don't participate, attending such festivals offers an authentic glimpse into Japanese community life and New Year traditions.
## Notable Quotes
[00:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgmaJXKZiYc&t=6s) **John Daub:** "Welcome to a Japanese festival here in Tokyo. Chuo Ward."
[04:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgmaJXKZiYc&t=254s) **John Daub:** "It's a way to ward off evil spirits. It's right in front of the shrine. So it seems like a tradition that's been going on for centuries."
[04:23](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgmaJXKZiYc&t=262s) **John Daub:** "Being this cold, when you thaw out, you've got some power, man."
[04:26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgmaJXKZiYc&t=265s) **John Daub:** "Tokyo's population is increasing. In other parts of Japan, these kinds of festivals are going extinct. But not here in Tokyo."
[05:27](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgmaJXKZiYc&t=327s) **John Daub:** "This is part of my neighborhood, so maybe one day I'll participate."
[08:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgmaJXKZiYc&t=516s) **John Daub:** "It's a great way to start the 2025 year too. Happy New Year."
[09:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgmaJXKZiYc&t=548s) **John Daub:** "Wow, the 70th time they've been doing this."
[47:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgmaJXKZiYc&t=2830s) **John Daub:** "This is a ritual that we've been doing for 70 years now... they didn't do it over the pandemic."
[47:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgmaJXKZiYc&t=2862s) **John Daub:** "Participating in these kind of local festivals really connects you with not just Japan but your local community."
[47:52](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgmaJXKZiYc&t=2871s) **John Daub:** "These are the people that you probably pass by every day—people that are policemen, firefighters, first responders, doctors at the local hospital, storekeepers and clerks."
## Related Topics
- Japanese New Year (*Shogatsu*) traditions
- *Hadaraki Matsuri* (Naked Men Festivals) across Japan
- Shinto purification rituals and shrine customs
- Local community bonds in urban Japan
- Traditional Japanese clothing (*fundoshi*, *shouzoku*)
- Winter festivals and cold-water immersion practices
- Japanese festival food and drinks (*amazake*)
- Preserving disappearing traditions in modern Japan
- Inari shrines and their role in local communities
## Search Tags
`#only-in-japan-go #tokyo #chuo-ward #ice-bathing #winter-festival #misogi #naked-men-festival #hadaraki-matsuri #shinto-ritual #japanese-new-year #shogatsu #tempozu-inari-shrine #hachobori-station #amazake #fundoshi #community-festival #japan-tradition #january-2025 #local-culture #fire-department #police`
---
Full Transcript
00:00:06 John Daub: Welcome to a Japanese festival here in Tokyo. Chuo Ward. I'll show you on the map exactly where we are. But these brave gentlemen and ladies, I think there's some ladies over there. They're going to be jumping into this ice cold water. Those are blocks of ice right there. There's a lot of joking going on here. They're trying to stay warm and not catch a cold here.
00:00:59 John Daub: How you doing? Say hi, Leo. Hello, hi.
00:01:07 John Daub: This festival takes place every year in the beginning of January, usually after Shogatsu. And we have an increasing number of people. Tokyo's population is increasing. In other parts of Japan, these kinds of festivals are going extinct. But not here in Tokyo. We've got still enough brave gentlemen and ladies. That's right. I don't know what he said. All right, let's turn it around here.
00:01:41 John Daub: So they're going to be going in in about five minutes. But yeah, you can see the blocks of ice.
00:02:05 John Daub: It's interesting because they also have women can participate in this event. And they have these cloth coverings. Where the men are in. And the women have a kind of a robe that they can go in. So that's something that's kind of new. They didn't have this in the past.
00:02:36 John Daub: So this place is called Tempozu Inari Shrine. It's in Chuo Ward, which is probably the closest station is Hachobori. We're right down here in this shrine. It's pretty much a neighborhood shrine.
00:03:59 John Daub: They're doing their best to stay warm.
00:04:17 John Daub: Yeah, we got to cheer them on. Yeah, we got to cheer them on. Can you do that? Let's talk about the ladies now. The ladies got to go in as well on the other side.
00:04:43 John Daub: Everyone's got a smile on their face. They are very brave to be doing this. Rio, you want to do it? Yes. I don't want to do it. Brave souls. They do this every year. I guess it's a way to ward off the evil spirits. It's right in front of the shrine. So it seems like a tradition that's been going on for centuries.
00:05:27 John Daub: This is part of my neighborhood, so maybe one day I'll participate. I've been in a number of Naked Men festivals, Hadaraki Matsuri in the past. They're trying to stay warm. The plunge time is 1045. So Kiki, this is a festival that they do every year in Chuo Ward of Tokyo, where they take the plunge.
00:06:02 John Daub: It's a way to ward off evil spirits as well as, I guess for each individual person. I've done this many times, these Naked Men festivals. It's a way to cleanse the body and give you great energy for the rest of the year. And it really does. Being this cold, when you thaw out, you've got some power, man. But in Tokyo, they don't have all the natural springs and there's rules and stuff. So they've made this bed, or this kind of pool.
00:06:38 John Daub: And they're doing their best to stay warm. Which doesn't make a lot of sense because they're going to be jumping into this cold water soon. They should be running around. Like, ring around the Rosie. Here we go. You can be clapping out there too if you're watching. Sugoi.
00:07:17 John Daub: 80 people. The population of Chuo-ku is increasing. There's 80 people here. Ganbatte kudasai! No, dami na yo. Yoroshiku onegai jimasu. It's a great way to start the 2025 year too. Happy New Year.
00:09:00 John Daub: 70 times they've done this. Wow, the 70th time they've been doing this. It seems like a tradition that goes back a lot longer in other parts of Japan.
00:09:16 Miega Hiromatsu: I'm the president of the Kiyomachi Fire Department, Miega Hiromatsu. Thank you. Thank you for coming. The cooperation is completely solid. Please be at ease and hurry. I'm sure you'll be able to hurry with a lot of different thoughts. But you'll also be able to do a lot of things for the safety of the area. I'd be really happy if you could all come together and ask for help. Thank you for your support.
00:09:47 John Daub: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for coming. Thank you for coming. And now, the Chief of the Police and the Chief of the Police are here. He's here, he's here. Oh, yes.
00:09:58 John Daub: Well, then, could the members of the Yoyome Council, the Council of Councilors, and the chairmen stand up there? Oh! The Yoyome Council members will stand up there. Giving some applause and honors to some of the people from the past, and those that represent the local area.
00:10:22 John Daub: And now, the Chief of the Police and the Chief of the Police are here. The Chief of the Police and the Chief of the Police are here. Oh! The Chief of the Police, the police. And now, the Chief of the Police is here. Oh, the police are participating? Oh, no, they're over there. The guy's in orange back there. Local police officers that keep us safe, showing respect to the police. Thank you police officers of our neighborhood.
00:11:11 John Daub: Here's the band. Thank you guys. Thank you. Thank you for those people over there.
00:11:28 John Daub: I forgot to say something. I think you all have heard from Mr. Shino, but please remember that you should never close your eyes while you're in a mizugi or cheering around. Thank you. Don't close your eyes.
00:11:49 John Daub: I think that's what he said. Boy, these guys are cold. They're getting ready. See the way they shake and they keep warm. Here comes some of the priests. Again, this is a religious festival. A ritual. A ritual.
00:13:33 John Daub: A lot of thanks. These guys are getting cold. They're about to get colder. Should be starting any minute now. I'm going to go ahead and start. I'm sure you're all feeling the same.
00:13:57 John Daub: This is a misogi that started in the 30's. I've been telling you guys for a while now, this is not a competition for patience. So please don't push yourself too hard. Also, when you do the kudimune, please sing the waka together with everyone in this area. The ones who get the water are the ones who wear the shouzoku. So please sing along with them. I think everyone in the area is going to be singing the misogi. So please join us.
00:14:33 John Daub: So please join us. So we're going to start now. First of all, the Tokyo City, Shinsaibashi, Fukucho, and this time, the one who taught us the misogi, the Itabashi-Toshin-cho, Hikawa Shrine, Mr. Shino Nagatsuku. Please introduce him.
00:15:00 John Daub: Good morning. Good morning. He participated 35 years ago. Now retired.
00:15:32 John Daub: The festival has started. Wait a minute. I'll put you down then. Wait a minute.
00:16:24 John Daub: Wait a minute. Wait a minute. They're going to go in the water now. It's cold. It's a big land.
00:17:01 John Daub: Please remember the formation. Please remember the formation. Please come to the front. Okay, now they're warming up here. They're going to take a picture here. Are they going to take a picture here? Everyone, if you're going to go up, please go up. Here they go. I put you down, okay? Here they go. I put you down, okay?
00:17:22 John Daub: Do you want to drink amazake? Do you want to drink amazake? I'll drink a lot. You're taking a long time. Me, as shoot that lop, that's why I'm in a critical time here. You're taking a long time. Let's go get amazake, okay? Don't wait a long time. Okay, come on, let's go get amazake. Okay, come on, let's go get amazake. All right, I'll go. Okay, good. Isn't that a good picture? It's a picture of an amazake.
00:19:48 John Daub: Thank you very much. Let's go to the demonstration. The general public will be in the back. Half the people are in the back. The general public will be in the back.
00:20:17 John Daub: The microphone fell off. See the microphone? I hear the microphone.
00:21:46 John Daub: Do you want to go here? Don't drop the amazake. It's hot.
00:22:00 John Daub: They are going to run around to warm up.
00:23:03 John Daub: After they've warmed up, they are going to go dancing. It's kind of cool. This looks like a dance.
00:28:05 John Daub: The time they're going to be going into the water very shortly after running around this town here. We go. This is part of the ritual that they're going to be doing, uh, that they do every year.
00:35:03 John Daub: When they're proper and ready, they're going to go in for the bath, the ice bath. Okay, let's talk to [someone].
00:47:10 John Daub: So this is a ritual that we've been doing for 70 years now. This is the 70th time. They didn't do it over the pandemic, you know, during that time. Oh, I can't do that one, but I thought I'd bring Leo with us today to see some Japanese culture, and then bring you two to kind of experience it. But the water's freezing cold. They're gonna do it several times. I think you could participate if you're a resident of Chuo-ku, which means I probably could. I've done maybe five Naked Men festivals before in my life. It's cold, but afterwards you feel really good about it. And it's just kind of participating in these kind of local festivals, it really connects you with not just Japan but your local community, because these are the people that you probably pass by every day—people that are policemen, firefighters, first responders, doctors at the local hospital, storekeepers and clerks and staff and people who run the parks and everything. These are the people that are here today participating in this for what is not their first time, because you got to be pretty hardcore to be doing that. But definitely, this makes winter interesting. It really does.
00:48:19 John Daub: All right, guys, thanks for watching over the crest. Thank you so much for watching, and I'll see you next time. Bye bye. Much for that, and I think there are a couple other super chats that came in. You can't really talk during a festival because you want to be very respectful and not raise your voice. The last thing people want to hear is a foreign language, I'm sure, coming in here. But you know, I do my best to try to share with you this kind of experience, and if you do like it, leave a comment below and let me know what you thought here. I might edit this to make it a little bit shorter for everybody to watch, but it's a fun time. It's a part of Japanese culture, and I'm glad that we— you and I— had a chance to share it to you. Bye bye. Matane. Ready to get some cotton candy?
00:48:58 John Daub: Yeah. Ready? Rainbow cotton candy? All right, let's do it. See everybody.
00:49:05 John Daub: Leave you with the last couple of seconds of watching the festival. Here. You see the Tokyo Fire Department is here. Do you think they're crazy?
00:49:54 John Daub: Maybe. Maybe just a little bit. All right, everybody. See ya. Matane. Stay warm.