Every 18 January, Engyō-ji on Mt Shosha holds its Oni-oi rite, in which red and blue oni are danced by the Umezu family, first inside the Maniden and then at the Hakusan Gongen haiden. Oni chopsticks are scattered as charms.
Why it's unique
By temple tradition the Umezu family descend from the boy attendant of Engyō-ji's founder Shōkū, and have performed the dance for over a thousand years since his death in 1007.
Oni rites at New Year are found at other temples, so the claim is not the rite itself but the single family that has kept it for a millennium, on the mountain where it began.
Before you go
The dance inside the Maniden happens in darkness with the doors shut (they were left open only in 2021 to 2023), so get a spot early at the Hakusan Gongen haiden as well, where it is performed again from 13:00.
Catch an oni chopstick (鬼の箸, made of karasuzanshō wood): split and whittled, they are said to keep you healthy and your teeth strong. The hidden six-armed Nyoirin Kannon is also shown that day. Check the ropeway in snow.
