Zodiac Traditions in Japan

Although it’s usually labeled the “Chinese Zodiac” in English, traditions involving this twelve-year animal cycle have taken root all over Asia, and in Japan the customs are still visible even in the modern era of the Gregorian calendar. When a new year of the cycle appears on the horizon, the designated animal starts to pop up everywhere, and the upcoming 2026 Year of the Horse is no different. Starting around the end of the previous year, shops are quickly plastered in horse-themed decoration, shrines prepare horsey “goshuin” (御朱印) stamps, kawaii “uma” (馬/horse) goods are for sale just about everywhere, and horse motifs gallop across the front of “nengajo” (年賀状) New Year’s cards, inviting good fortune in the months ahead. Although zodiac predictions and prophecies don’t have much official influence over Japan these days, the cycle offers a set of lighthearted, widely shared traditions that fit Japan’s love of seasonal symbolism. The horse will be a cheerful mascot for the year of 2026 – especially as a symbol traditionally associated with energy, straightforwardness, and momentum – and even beyond the New Year’s season, the Year of the Horse vibe will linger on in little ways, making it a fun way to theme your trip to Japan in 2026!

① Illumination Lights at the Horse Racetrack

Japan’s “illumination” events are breathtaking light displays that often eclipse the holiday lights found in other parts of the world – generally open from late fall to early spring so the lights can sparkle in the cold air. The events are held across the country, employing a wide variety of themes, but one of the most popular illuminations in all of Japan takes place at Tokyo’s very own Oi Racecourse! TOKYO MEGA ILLUMI, as it’s called, is open on cold-weather days when there are no horse races, and the event uses 8 million lights to take over 260,000 m2 (64 acres) of racetrack grounds every year. Along with the neon and flowery tunnels of light, there are horse-themed photo spots using life-size plastic horses (including a “horse-drawn” carriage), parades full of real horse participants, and even opportunities to pet and take photos with tiny mini-horses. Fun for all ages, it’s a great way to embrace the first few weeks of the Year of the Horse!

TOKYO MEGA ILLUMI: Oi Racecourse Illumination ( 東京メガイルミネーション)
　→ sometimes “Tokyo Mega Illumination”
2-1 Katsushima, Shinagawa City, Tokyo
Event Dates: November 1, 2025 – January 11, 2026 | closed 11/10~14, 12/1~5, 12/24 ~ 1/1
Hours: 16:30 PM – 21:00 (final entry 20:00)
Admission: adults 1,000~1,6000 yen | children 500~900 yen | prices vary by date
Official Website (en)

② Yabusame Horseback Archery

If you’re looking for something a little more traditional, the mounted archery ritual of yabusame (流鏑馬) reaches back to ancient Shinto customs, and although demonstrations have become rare, you can still catch these teams of archers and horses showing off their skills if you know where to look. Certain Shinto shrines around Japan conduct yearly yabusame rituals, having archers take aim at wooden targets from atop a galloping horse as a form of worship, praying for peace, health, and a bountiful harvest. Participants must have excellent riding and archery skills as well as strong bonds with their horses, so it’s no big surprise that the events are rare in this day and age, but some of the more famous annual yabusame events are held at Kyoto’s Shimogamo Shrine, Nagano’s Wakaichi Oji Shrine, and Kanagawa’s Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. In Tokyo, you can catch the Asakusa Yabusame event (shown above) every spring (generally late April, 2026 dates TBD) in Sumida Park, just steps away from the famous Sensoji Temple! If you want to see real horses pulling off incredible feats during the year of the horse, this is the event to aim for.

Asakusa Yabusame (浅草流鏑馬)
Sumida Park (between Kototoi Bridge & Sumida River Walk), 1 Hanakawado, Taito City, Tokyo
Event Dates: TBD (usually late April)
Admission: TBD (around 3,000 yen per person)
　→ check the official Taito Ward website for the latest details
Official Website (jp)

③ Horse-Themed Shrines

_{^{Image Source: Kumano Shrine Official Instagram}}

Japan’s traditional Shinto religion evolved from ancient animist beliefs, which means that everything from mountains to historic figures can and are worshipped as gods, and sometimes that includes animals. There are a number of Shinto shrines across Japan that offer prayers to sacred horses, both living and long deceased, enshrined for one reason or another. In Tokyo, you can visit the Gohozan Kumano Shrine (sometimes “Tateishi Kumano Shrine”) to meet three very special “sacred horses” (technically ponies). The shrine was originally dedicated to the famous Japanese astrologist and diviner Abe no Seimei in the mid-Heian period (794-1185), but the current chief priest was born into a family of horse riders and trainers, leading the shrine to take in Kirara, Choco, and Vanilla. Visitors can stop by the shrine any time to say hello to the sweet sacred ponies in their paddock, or aim for the early autumn Shichi-Go-San event, when the ponies pull carts of small children around the shrine. Whenever you’re visiting Tokyo, during the Year of the Horse and beyond, a visit to any of these unique shrines is a great way to commune with the horses!

Gohozan Kumano Shrine (五方山　熊野神社)
　→ sometimes “Tateishi Kumano Shrine” (立石熊野神社)
8-44-31 Tateishi, Katsushika City, Tokyo
Office Hours: 9:00 – 16:00
Admission: free
Official Website (jp)

Enjoy the Year of the Horse in Japan in 2026

From the glittering lights and prancing ponies of TOKYO MEGA ILLUMI, to the thrilling elegance of Asakusa Yabusame, and the local charm of sacred horse shrines, the Year of the Horse offers plenty of fun inspiration when it comes to planning your 2026 trip to Tokyo! Whether you’re obsessed with the zodiac, you’re chasing Japan’s most unique seasonal traditions, or you just love horses (and want to shop for some cute souvenirs), let the horse’s momentum guide your Tokyo adventure!

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