If you’ve ever wanted to take on the Fukuotoko challenge, this could be your year!
The “Kaimon Shinji Fukuotoko Erabi” ceremony is held at Nishinomiya Shrine early every year on January 10. In recent years, the number of participants had been limited due to COVID, but apparently 1,500 people will be able to take part in the lottery again this year.
People line up from the night before like this and wait for the lottery.
January 9 Night: Registration Begins
① Around 7 to 8 p.m. on January 9, head to
Here it is on the map↓
It’s in the Enmanji parking lot.
② Registration starts around 10 p.m. If you’re among the first 1,500 people, you’ll sign the “Participant Guidelines” sheet and receive a numbered ticket. Be sure to prepare for the late-night cold! Don’t forget pocket warmers and warm clothing.
Midnight: Lottery
③ Once the date changes to January 10, everyone moves to the front of the South Gate at 12:00 a.m. for the lottery! If you draw a winning stick, either red or blue, you’ll be placed in A Block (front row) or B Block (back row)!
(Kokuren, a Nishitsu supporter, participated in 2024)
A Block: 108 people
B Block: 108 people
④ Those who don’t win the lottery, as well as general participants, can join on the day in C Block. Same-day participation is OK. The first 5,000 people will receive a “Kaimon Shinji Sanpai no Akashi” certificate of worship, so enjoy that too!
Around 3 to 4 a.m.: Standby
