Held at midnight on the third Saturday of December, this winter purification ritual takes place in the Kawatsuki River near Kumano Shrine, downstream from Shiraito Falls. A Shinto ceremony praying for good health and a bountiful harvest, it features local men in traditional loincloths (shimekomi) shouting “Oisa! Oisa!” as they plunge into water below 5°C and splash each other to purify body and spirit. Downstream, a “toshiotoko” (man born under the year’s zodiac sign) washes rice and cooks it for offering to the shrine. Same-day participation is allowed (except for those with tattoos). Shimekomi can be purchased onsite at Kumano Shrine’s office. The powerful voices cutting through the quiet night make this a uniquely Itoshima winter scene.
（一社）糸島市観光協会
• 12/20 (Sat.)
• 23:45~
• Free viewing
• Kawatsuki River, Kumano Shrine
• 684 Shiraito, Itoshima City, Fukuoka (Kumano Shrine)
• https://kanko-itoshima.jp/event/shiraitokanmisogi/
（一社）糸島市観光協会
