Reiwa no Okihiki (the first sacred timber-hauling event) takes place in Ise City, Mie, ahead of the 63rd Jingu Shikinen Sengu (the rebuilding of Ise Jingu’s shrine buildings and the transfer of the deity to a newly built sanctuary). The 63rd Sengu is scheduled for 2033. This traditional event, in which sacred hinoki cypress timber for rebuilding the shrine buildings is hauled into place, has a history of more than 550 years and is designated as a cultural property by both the city and the national government.

Ise’s biggest celebration brings a once-in-20-years milestone and centuries-old tradition to life

Okihiki is one of the ceremonies and events connected with Shikinen Sengu, which takes place once every 20 years. The event in 2026 is the first phase of Okihiki, which is carried out over two years. A total of 72 hoei-dan (timber-hauling groups) from across Ise City are expected to take part. Before the event, the participants purify themselves through Hamasangu (a ritual visit to seaside shrines and related sacred sites), including Futami Okitama Shrine.

The event includes two main forms of timber hauling. One is “Okabiki” (land hauling) involves pulling decorated timber-hauling carts from the Miya River area to Toyouke Daijingu, also known as Geku (the Outer Shrine of Ise Jingu). The another one is “Kawabiki” (river hauling) involves carrying the timber on wooden sleds up the Isuzu River and dedicating it to Kotaijingu, also known as Naiku (the Inner Shrine of Ise Jingu).

Okabiki is divided into several schedules and routes.

Local hoei-dan groups
Local hoei-dan groups take part over 11 Saturdays and Sundays from May 9 to June 13. On each day, four to five groups haul the sacred timber in order from Nakajimacho to the North Gate of Geku.

Special Shinryomin hoei
Special Shinryomin hoei (timber hauling by special shrine community participants) takes place over 14 Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from May 10 to June 13, excluding June 12. Two carts haul the timber from Miyamachi to the North Gate of Geku.

Special hoei
Special hoei takes place on Sun, May 31. Under the name Isocho Keikoin-biki, timber is hauled from Nakajimacho to Naiku.

Among the events connected with Shikinen Sengu, Okihiki offers a rare opportunity for many local residents to take part, and the city becomes especially lively during this period. Visitors can experience the spirit of Tokowaka (the idea of renewal and keeping the deity’s dwelling ever fresh), while watching richly decorated timber-hauling carts move through the streets and feeling the energy of the river hauling on the Isuzu River up close.

Key Details

Dates:
Geku Okabiki land hauling: Sat, May 9, 2026 – Sat, June 13, 2026, on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays; 15 days in total
Naiku Kawabiki river hauling: Sat, July 25, 2026 – Sun, August 2, 2026, on Saturdays and Sundays; 4 days in total
Admission: free attendance
Notes:
Large-scale traffic restrictions will be in place, as the event uses public roads between the Miya River and Geku, as well as the Isuzu River.
Parking restrictions and heavy congestion are expected around Geku, so visitors should check details in advance.
Parking is prohibited along the entire timber-hauling route.

Access

Geku Okabiki venue
Nakajimacho and Miyamachi to the North Gate of Geku
JR / Kintetsu: walk from Ise City Station and nearby stations. Public transportation is recommended because traffic restrictions will be in place.
Naiku Kawabiki venue
around Urata Bridge on the Isuzu River to the Naiku shrine garden
Kintetsu: walk from Isuzugawa Station and nearby stations.

Inquiries

Ise Gosengu Committee Office
Tel: 0596-25-5215
Ise City Tourism Promotion Division, Department of Industry and Tourism
Tel: 0596-21-5565