It looks like the number of people allowed to draw lots for Nishinomiya Shrine’s gate-opening ritual, the “Fukuotoko Selection,” has returned to the pre-COVID figure of 1,500.
In 2023, the event was held for the first time in three years, and 1,200 people were allowed to draw lots. This time, it seems to be back to the usual 1,500 people.
The event will be held on Wednesday, January 10 at 6:00 a.m.
How to take on the Fukuotoko challenge↓
(1)Go line up at “Nishinomiya Naritasan Enmanji” at around 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. on January 9 at the latest.
(2)Registration starts at 10:00 p.m. If you are among the first 1,500 people, write your agreement on the participant guidelines sheet and sign it. You will receive a paper with your numbered ticket.
(4)Regroup at the designated time.
(5)At midnight, the lottery begins in front of the South Gate.
The lottery selects 108 people for Block A and 108 people for Block B. (For 2024, it looks like Block B will have 108 people. Last year it was 100, and three years ago it was 150.)
You draw a stick that looks like a disposable chopstick, and if the end is colored, you’ve won. Red is Block A, and blue is Block B.
Those selected regroup at the Red Gate around 3:00 or 4:00 a.m. and stand by until the gates open at 6:00 a.m. Block A is in front, and Block B is behind.
It looks something like this.
The line on Ebessan-suji is Block C. This is for people who didn’t win the lottery and general participants. The first 5,000 people will receive a “Gate-Opening Ritual Worship Certificate.”
At exactly 6:00 a.m., when the call of “Kaimon!” rings out, everyone dashes toward the main hall all at once.
Those in Block C follow afterward and head toward the main hall.
Miyakko locals taking on the Fukuotoko challenge will also receive this “barrel of Nishinomiya sake,” so do your best!
