Report on the Brewing Safety Prayer Festival at Ōmiwa Shrine Experience

Introduction
Our journey began at the historic and sacred Ōmiwa Shrine, located at the base of Mount Miwa
in Nara Prefecture. Known as one of Japan’s oldest shrines, it is dedicated to Ōmononushi, the
deity of sake and brewing. Visiting this ancient site during the Brewing Safety Prayer Festival
(Jōzō Anzen Kigansai) was a profound experience that provided a window into the deep
connection between spirituality and craftsmanship in Japanese culture.

The Festival Experience
The festival is an annual ritual where sake brewers, community members, and visitors come
together to pray for a successful and safe brewing season. The atmosphere at the shrine was
imbued with a sense of reverence as the ceremony unfolded. Watching the brewers bow their
heads in prayer, dressed in traditional attire, underscored the respect and gratitude they hold
for the craft of sake brewing.
The ceremony featured Shinto priests performing solemn rituals, including offerings of rice,
water, and sake to the deity Ōmononushi. The rhythmic chanting and symbolic gestures created
an ambiance of sacredness and unity. It was deeply moving to see how this ancient ritual
continues to connect generations of brewers with their craft, their heritage, and the spiritual
world.

Conclusion
The Brewing Safety Prayer Festival at Ōmiwa Shrine was a remarkable experience that
celebrated the harmony of spirituality, tradition, and craftsmanship. It was a privilege to witness
a ritual that has been passed down for generations and remains a cornerstone of Japan’s sake-
brewing culture. This event not only enriched my understanding of Japanese traditions but also
left me with a deep sense of respect for the craft of sake brewing and its cultural heritage.

*This tour program was conducted as the second phase of the “Project for Building and
Promoting the International Brand of Nara Park, a Sacred Site Combining the Highest Tangible
and Intangible Cultural Heritage ,” a project commissioned by the FY 2024 Japan Cultural Expo
2.0 Project (by commission) .