Jichinsai is a Japanese Shinto ceremony held before construction to honor the land deity. Explore its flow, omens, regional variations, and symbolic meaning.
In Japan, before building a house or any structure, it’s common to hold traditional rituals. One of the most widely practiced is Jichinsai – a Shinto ceremony to ask the local land deity for permission to build, and to pray for the safety of the construction and the prosperity of the future home.
- Honoring the Land Deity｜Spiritual Roots of the Jichinsai Ceremony
- Step-by-Step Guide｜How the Jichinsai Ceremony Is Performed
- Rain and Jichinsai Ceremony｜Why Showers Bring Blessings
- Different Styles of the Jichinsai Ceremony｜Regional & Modern Variations
- Conclusion｜Jichinsai Ceremony as a Sacred Start for New Homes
Honoring the Land Deity｜Spiritual Roots of the Jichinsai Ceremony
In Japan, people have long believed that divine spirits dwell in nature. Mountains, rivers, and even the land itself carry sacred presence. Many shrines enshrine these natural features as goshintai (sacred objects of worship). For example, the famous Sengen Shrine honors Mount Fuji as its sacred body. (Read more in our guide to Shrine & Temple Etiquette in Japan).
In addition, local shrines often protect the surrounding community with their guardian deity, known as the ujigami-sama. During a Jichinsai ceremony, the priest offers prayers to this guardian deity on behalf of the homeowner. The ceremony date usually follows Japan’s traditional calendar systems, such as the rokuyō (six-day fortune cycle) or the junishi-choku (twelve-day directional cycle), to select an auspicious day.
The participants typically include the priest, the homeowner, and representatives from the construction company or builders. Altogether, the ritual usually lasts around 30 to 40 minutes, blending spiritual respect with a formal blessing for the new home.
Step-by-Step Guide｜How the Jichinsai Ceremony Is Performed
- The priest sets up a sacred altar, and participants take their seats.
- The priest recites norito (Shinto prayers) to greet the land’s deity.
- Offerings such as rice, salt, sake, vegetables, and fruit are presented to the deity.
- The Kuwa-ire no Gi (groundbreaking ritual) takes place, where the owner and builder symbolically break the ground with a hoe or spade while chanting “Ei, ei, ei!” – a highlight of the ceremony.
- Each participant offers a tamagushi (a sakaki branch with paper streamers) to the altar and bows in respect.
- The priest sends the deity back to their original dwelling, marking the end of the ceremony.
Afterwards, participants share omiki (sacred sake) in a ritual called naorai. It’s common to take a sip and then pour the rest onto the ground. In some cases, the owner receives a protective amulet to bury on the site before construction, and another to enshrine inside the completed home. Offerings such as fish, vegetables, and fruit are often shared among attendees.
Rain and Jichinsai Ceremony｜Why Showers Bring Blessings
Rain during Jichinsai is considered lucky because it is believed to be a blessing from the dragon deity (Ryujin), purifying the land. It also echoes the Japanese proverb “Ame futte ji katamaru” – “After rain, the ground becomes firm,” symbolizing good fortune after challenges.
Different Styles of the Jichinsai Ceremony｜Regional & Modern Variations
The details of Jichinsai can vary by region and shrine. Offerings might include local specialties, or the order of rituals may differ slightly. In modern times, shortened versions of the ceremony are sometimes held due to time or budget constraints. Some people may also choose Buddhist or Christian-style blessings instead.
Conclusion｜Jichinsai Ceremony as a Sacred Start for New Homes
Building a house is one of life’s biggest milestones. Jichinsai serves as the first step, offering respect to the land’s deity while uniting the homeowner and construction team in a shared spirit of safety and gratitude.
This tradition reflects Japan’s deep cultural values – respect for nature, harmony with the land, and gratitude for blessings. If your country or culture has a similar pre-construction ceremony, share your experience to us.
