A view of Kimiidera’s grounds
Kimiidera’s final Kannon observance of the year: amazake served with prayers on December 18
At Kimiidera in Wakayama City, an event called Yakuyoke Shofuku Amazake Service will be held on Friday, December 18, 2026, as part of the year-end observance known as Shimai Kannon. The service begins at 9:00 a.m. Members of the Kannō-kō group will serve amazake made with prayers for protection from misfortune, good fortune and good health in the coming year. It will end once the planned quantity has been served, so if you would like to receive some, consider planning your visit around the start time.
- Venue
- Kimiidera
- Admission & participation
- Please check official announcements for admission requirements.
HIGHLIGHTS
Event highlights
Amazake served with wishes for the new year
The amazake is made with prayers for protection from misfortune, good fortune and good health in the coming year, and is served by members of the Kannō-kō group. This year-end event is held as part of Shimai Kannon, bringing wishes for the new year into the close of the old one.
The service begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends once the planned quantity has been served. No specific end time is given, so if you would like to receive amazake, it may help to plan your visit around the start of the service.
If you also plan to visit the goshuin desk or observation corridor
The main hall reception desk accepts nōkyō (goshuin) requests from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., before the amazake service begins. The observation corridor on the third floor of the Buddhist Hall and the cable service both operate from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. These hours are separate from those for the amazake service. If you plan to visit several areas, use each location’s hours to decide on the order of your visit.
Kimiidera is about a 10-minute walk from JR Kimiidera Station. If you take a bus from JR Wakayama Station or Nankai Wakayamashi Station, get off at Kimiidera and walk about 10 minutes. Paid parking is available for visitors arriving by car. Consider your mode of transport and arrival time as you plan your visit, with the amazake service at the center of your time at the temple.
EVENT INFORMATION
Dates & participation
Official title紀三井寺 しまい観音
| Dates | 2026-12-18 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Kimiidera |
| Admission and participation | Check the official information |
| Address | |
| Hours | ◆ Nōkyō (goshuin) reception at the main hall desk: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ◆ Access to the observation corridor on the third floor of the Buddhist Hall: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. ◆ Cable service: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
Hours, admission rules, and ticket availability are subject to change. Please check the official website before heading out.
ACCESS
How to get there
Step-by-step guide
Things to decide before your visit
- 01
Check when the amazake service begins
The service begins at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, December 18, and ends once the planned quantity has been served. If you would like to receive some, plan your arrival time accordingly.
- 02
Plan your journey from the station or bus stop
About a 10-minute walk from JR Kimiidera Station. If you take a bus from JR Wakayama Station or Nankai Wakayamashi Station, get off at Kimiidera and walk about 10 minutes.
- 03
Choose where to stop on the temple grounds
Goshuin reception is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; the observation corridor and cable service operate from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- 04
Check parking if arriving by car
Paid parking is available at Kimiidera.
Detailed access info
About a 10-minute walk from JR Kimiidera Station.
Kimiidera
Google Maps search result for the venue name. Please also check official sources for the address, specific hall/room, and entrance location.