Matsudaira Toshogu Shrine is the famous birthplace of the Matsudaira Clan, the family that after Tokugawa Ieyasu had its name changed to Tokugawa Clan. There, the clan founder Matsudaira Chikauji is enshrined, which is one of the reasons for the shrine's great popularity. The shrine's premises hold an old well named "Ubuyu-no-ido" ("First Bath Well"), which is believed to be endowed with holy powers from the time of Chikauji. Even at that time, it was a clan's tradition to bath newborns in the well's blessed waters, and so with Tokugawa Ieyasu it was no different and he had his first dipping bath with water from this well, upon his birth in Okazaki Castle. All the water used in this festival comes from this well, including the amount used for purifying the "Mizutama."

All the ceremonies and rituals of this festival take two days to be carried out, and during that time, visitors may enjoy the countless "Yatai" stalls selling food and amusement for kids, and several other unique procedures, such as the one in which the participating men pour blessed water on themselves in a frenetic way. Watch out for the "Senjin Nabe", or "Battlefield Hotpot," Hanamochi Rice Cake Pounding, "Taiko" drum performances and demonstrations of martial "Bo-no-Te" art (lit. "Bar Hand" or "Hand on Stick").

2020 Tenkasai Festival Schedule

February 8th (Saturday), 2020
• 4:00 PM - Mizutama Ritual
• 5:30 PM - Safety Prayer Ritual
• 6:30 PM - Great Misogi Purification (Gathering at 5:00 PM)

February 9th (Sunday), 2020
• 9:30 AM - Participant Reception (Division of participants into Red and White teams)
• 10:00 AM - Opening
• 10:30 AM - Mochi Making for Purification
• 11:50 AM - Mochi Rice Cake Offering
• 12:30 PM - Waistcloth Preparation
• 2:00 PM - Brawling
• 2:30 PM - Ball Dispute
• 3:00 PM - Mochi Giveaway