It looks like the number of people who can enter the lottery for Nishinomiya Shrine’s gate-opening ritual, the “Lucky Man Race,” 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 enter the lottery. 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 challenge for the title of Lucky Man↓
(1)Go line up at “Nishinomiya Naritasan Enmanji” at least by around 7:00–8:00 p.m. on January 9.
(2)Registration starts at 10:00 p.m. If you’re among the first 1,500 people, write your agreement on the participant guidelines sheet, sign it, and receive a slip with your queue number.
(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.(In 2024, it seems to be 108 people for Block B. 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 tip is colored, you’ve won. Red means Block A, and blue means Block B.
Those selected regroup at Akamon around 3:00 or 4:00 a.m. and stand by until the gates open at 6:00 a.m. Block A lines up in front, and Block B behind them.
It looks like this.
The line along 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.”
The moment it hits 6:00 a.m., the call of “Kaimon!” rings out, and everyone dashes straight toward the main hall.
Those in Block C follow afterward and head toward the main hall.
Miyakko taking on the Lucky Man challenge will also receive this “barrel of Nishinomiya sake,” so do your best!
