Step back in time with a procession of hairstyles from ancient Japan, all in the heart of Kyoto.
What happens?
At the Kushi Matsuri, held annually at Yasui Konpiragū Shrine, old combs and hairpins are given a proper send-off with rituals and a parade. The festival starts with a ceremony at the shrine’s comb grave mound, where donated combs are respectfully interred. Following this, enjoy a dance performance in front of the shrine’s main hall.
The highlight of the day is the procession through the Gion district, where women showcase traditional Japanese hairstyles, recreated by the Kyoto Beauty Culture Club. Each style reflects a different era, from the Kofun period to the present, offering a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s cultural history.
History
Over the centuries, Yasui Konpiragū Shrine has been a site of worship for various deities, including the poet-warrior Minamoto no Yorimasa and the serpentine water god Ōmononushi no Kami. Today, visitors come to pray for ending bad relationships and/or starting new healthy relationships.
In 1961, a burial mound for combs, called kushizuka, was established on the shrine’s grounds to honor the combs that once adorned women’s hair. The Kushi Matsuri, or Comb Festival, was created to express gratitude for these combs, celebrating their role in enhancing beauty and reflecting the craftsmanship of Kyoto’s past.
Schedule 2024
The event takes place annually on the fourth Monday of September. In 2024, that’s September 23.
- 13:00: Ceremony at the comb grave mound
- 14:00: Short lecture, followed by the procession of historical hairstyles around the Gion district
How to get there
To reach Yasui Konpiragū Shrine, take the No. 206 City Bus from Kyoto Station and get off at Higashiyama Yasui, just a 1-minute walk away.
Alternatively, it’s a 10-minute walk from Gion Shijo station or a 15-minute walk from Kawaramachi station.
The shrine is also within walking distance from several nearby temples, including Kenninji Temple (5 minutes) and Kiyomizu-dera (20 minutes).
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.- 0.6 km from Gion-Shijō Station Keihan Main Line (KH39)
- 0.7 km from Kawaramachi Station Hankyu Kyoto Main Line (HK86)
- 0.8 km from Kiyomizu-Gojō Station Keihan Main Line (KH38)
