Written by Aarohi Narain
This is the biggest festival at Kyoto’s Seimei Shrine.
What happens?
The Seimei Festival celebrates Abe no Seimei, a Heian-era onmyōji, master of yin and yang, whose star charts and protective spells are believed to have kept the capital safe from fires, plagues, and bad luck.
A millennium later, Kyotoites still turn to him for protection, gathering at Seimei Shrine each autumn equinox.
A fun aside: Olympic figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu once channeled Abe no Seimei on the ice. The performance smashed world records and helped clinch his second Olympic gold. It also made him the first skater ever to land a “Super Slam” of titles.
Schedule
The festivities kick off on September 22 at 7 p.m. Around 100 children join a welcoming lantern procession, followed by the traditional Yutate Kagura ritual, where shrine maidens splash purifying hot water over the crowd.
On the morning of September 23, the shrine’s most important ritual of the year begins. At 10 a.m., worshippers begin offering tea and flowers to the deity while the grounds fill with lively market stalls.
From 1 to 6 p.m. the portable shrine departs Seimei Shrine and makes its way around town before returning to the shrine.
How to get there
From Kyoto Station, the easiest way to get to Seimei Shrine is to take the 9 City Bus. Get off after 15 stops (around 25 minutes) at Seimei Shrine bus stop.
By train, the nearest station is Imadegawa Station, less than 10 minutes from Kyoto Station via the Karasuma Line. From there, it’s a 15-minute walk.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
