Usokae Shinji (Bullfinch exchange) うそかえ神事

Kameido Tenjin Shrine, 3-6-1 Kameido, Koto City, Tokyo

2026-1-24 - 2026-1-25

Your current location:

Eastern Tokyo

Skytree & Around｜Ryogoku

Famous for its wisterias, Kameido Tenjin Shrine is a long-standing center of the Kanto Tenjin faith among the common people of Edo, as Tokyo was once known. Since 1820, the shrine has hosted a unique Shinto ritual in which bullfinch figurines are exchanged. In Japan, bullfinches are said to erase bad events from the year ahead and invite good fortune.

During the ritual, participants bring their bullfinches from the previous year back to the shrine and pick up new ones. Doing so is believed to bring luck, success and happiness in the new year. Additionally, January 25th is the first "Tenjin-sama" day of the year. These days honor Sugawara-no-Michizane, the scholar to whom Tenjin shrines are dedicated. During these days, traditional Shinto music and dancing are performed as part of a festival called Shogoku. Join the throngs of worshippers and welcome the new year in a uniquely Japanese way.

Special Usokae Shinji goshuin (red ink stamp)

How to Get There

Kameido Station | About 10 min on foot
JR Line

Kinshicho Station | About 10 min on foot
JR Line
Oshiage Station | About 15 min on foot
Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line
Kameido Tenjin-mae | Toei Bus | Kusa 24, Ue 26

Keywords

January

Opening Hours	The event begins at 8:30 and ends when stock runs out. There is a limited number of carved bullfinches.
Price	500 - 7,000 yen

Please check the official event website for the latest updates on opening dates and times, prices, and other information.