November 23 in Japan
What is Niinamesai?
Japan's harvest festival, Labor Thanksgiving Day, and a morning at Izusan Shrine.
Niinamesai (新嘗祭, pronounced "nee-nah-meh-sigh") is a Shinto harvest festival. Rice from that year's harvest is offered to the deities in thanks for the crops. At the Imperial Palace, the Emperor offers the new rice to the deities and then partakes of it himself. Shrines across Japan, including Ise Jingu and Izumo Taisha, also hold Niinamesai.
- Reading: Niinamesai (also read "Shinjosai")
- Date: November 23 every year (in 2026, a Monday and a national holiday)
- Meaning: giving thanks for the year's harvest by offering the new rice to the deities
- Labor Thanksgiving Day: November 23 was the Niinamesai holiday until 1947. In 1948, the national holidays law renamed it Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinro Kansha no Hi)
At Izusan Shrine in Atami, November 23 is also the day of Niinamesai. Please check the shrine's announcements for ceremony times.
What the name means
The name is written with three characters: 新 (new), 嘗 (to taste) and 祭 (festival). The new harvest is first offered to the deities, then shared and tasted. The name itself describes what the festival is.
Niinamesai at the Imperial Palace
At the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, the Emperor offers food centered on the year's new rice to Amaterasu, the sun goddess, and to the other deities, and then partakes of it himself. The rite is held in a hall called the Shinkaden, twice in the same night: once in the evening and once before dawn. It is a private Imperial rite, not an event for visitors.
Why November 23?
In the old lunar calendar, Niinamesai was held on the second "Day of the Rabbit" in the eleventh month. Japan switched to the Western (Gregorian) calendar in 1873. In that year, the second Day of the Rabbit in November fell on the 23rd, and Niinamesai has been held on November 23 ever since.
Niinamesai and Labor Thanksgiving Day
From 1873 to 1947, November 23 was a national holiday called Niinamesai. In 1948, Japan passed a new law on national holidays, and November 23 became Labor Thanksgiving Day. The law describes it as a day "to honor labor, celebrate production, and give one another thanks." The name changed, but the heart of the day, giving thanks for the harvest and for people's work, carries on from Niinamesai.
Niinamesai and Daijosai: what's the difference?
- Niinamesai: held every year on November 23
- Daijosai: the first Niinamesai after a new Emperor takes the throne, held only once in each reign. The current Emperor's Daijosai was held in 2019
November 23 in Izusan
Izusan Shrine stands on the hillside above the sea in the Izusan area of Atami. It is known for its ties to Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first shogun of the Kamakura period, and his wife Hojo Masako. A long approach of stone steps climbs from near the shore up to the shrine.
We do not describe the ceremony or its times here. Please check the shrine's own announcements. If you visit on this day, go early in the morning. Holidays get busier toward midday. In the early morning, you can stop on the steps, turn around and look out over Sagami Bay in the quiet. In 2026, November 21 (Saturday) to 23 (Monday, national holiday) is a three-day weekend.
Tips for walking the approach
- Go in the morning: on clear days, you can see Hatsushima Island
- Wear comfortable shoes: the approach has slopes and stone steps. Avoid heels and slippery soles
- Bring a light jacket: the wind from the sea makes it feel colder than in town
- Look back: the higher you climb, the wider the sea view. Take breaks as often as you like
- Be respectful: please avoid taking photos and talking loudly during ceremonies
Stay on the shrine approach
The easiest way to walk the approach early in the morning is to stay in Izusan the night before. 123 MUSIC & RESORTS is a five-room music inn on the approach to Izusan Shrine. All rooms have a view of the sea. There are two grand pianos, which you can play until around 8:00 p.m.
- We are a room-only inn. The shared lounge has a fridge, a microwave and a kettle. Please buy food around Atami Station before you come up
- Tokyo Station to Atami Station: 45 minutes by Shinkansen. Atami Station to the inn: 5 minutes by taxi
- The area has slopes and stone steps. If you have heavy luggage, message us before your stay
- Check-out is by 10:00 a.m.
The three-day weekend fills up early. We also take bookings for December weekends and for New Year.
Check availability on our official booking site
The booking site is in Japanese. Your browser's translate function helps, and we are happy to help on LINE.
Message us on LINE (English OK)
For more about the inn and the shrine, see our guide: Where to stay near Izusan Shrine, Atami. You can also see the rooms.
FAQ
- Q. What is Niinamesai?
A. Niinamesai is a Shinto harvest festival in which rice from that year's harvest is offered to the deities in thanks for the crops. At the Imperial Palace, the Emperor offers the new rice to the deities and partakes of it himself. Shrines across Japan also hold it.
- Q. When is Niinamesai?
A. Every year on November 23. In 2026, November 23 is a Monday and a national holiday.
- Q. Why is Niinamesai on November 23?
A. Japan switched to the Western calendar in 1873. In that year, the second Day of the Rabbit in November fell on the 23rd, and the festival has been held on November 23 ever since.
- Q. How is Niinamesai related to Labor Thanksgiving Day?
A. November 23 was the Niinamesai holiday until 1947. In 1948, the national holidays law renamed it Labor Thanksgiving Day.
- Q. What is the difference between Niinamesai and Daijosai?
A. Niinamesai is held every year. Daijosai is the first Niinamesai after a new Emperor takes the throne, held only once in each reign.
- Q. Is there Niinamesai at Izusan Shrine?
A. Yes. Niinamesai at Izusan Shrine is on November 23. Please check the shrine's announcements for ceremony times.
- Q. Where can I stay near Izusan Shrine?
A. 123 MUSIC & RESORTS is a five-room music inn on the approach to Izusan Shrine. All rooms have a view of the sea, and English support is available.
123 MUSIC & RESORTS is not affiliated with Izusan Shrine. For ceremonies, prayers or amulets, please contact the shrine directly. The explanation of Niinamesai is based on Japanese dictionaries and encyclopedias and on commentary by a university researcher (checked October 18, 2026).
Japanese: 新嘗祭（にいなめさい）とは（伊豆山ラヴ）