Zuiki Festival

Join the procession of ornate shrines decorated with autumn’s harvest at Kyoto’s Zuiki Festival, a festival brimming with centuries of tradition.

What happens?

During the Zuiki Matsuri, beautifully decorated portable shrines (mikoshi) adorned with crops like rice, taro, and beans are paraded through the streets of Kyoto. The festival stretches over several days, with processions leading to and from an Otabisho, where shrines are temporarily kept. Alongside the mikoshi processions, various traditional ceremonies and offerings take place at Kitano Tenman-gū Shrine, celebrating the rich autumn harvest and the shrine’s deities.

Schedule 2024

October 1

• 09:30: A ceremonial departure of the festival’s mikoshi (portable shrine) from Kitano Tenman-gū Shrine, marking the start of the festivities.
• 13:00: The sacred mikoshi is carried in a lively procession through the streets, celebrating the deity’s journey to the Otabisho (a temporary resting place).
• 16:00: Upon reaching the Otabisho, shrine maidens perform the traditional Yaotome dance, welcoming the deity.

October 2

• 10:00: A formal tea ceremony is held at the Otabisho, honoring the deity and continuing blessings for the community.

October 3

• 15:00: A ritual offering of helmets to the deity, symbolizing the warriors’ prayers for protection.

October 4

• 10:00: The mikoshi prepares for its return to Kitano Tenman-gū, marked by a departure ritual.
• 13:00: The return procession, with the mikoshi carried back to Kitano Tenman-gū Shrine.
• 16:00: The mikoshi arrives back at the shrine, completing its journey.
• 17:00: A closing ceremony marks the re-entry of the mikoshi into the shrine, with prayers for protection and a fruitful harvest.

October 5

• 15:30: A final celebration featuring the Goen-sai ritual, which strengthens the connection between the deity and the community, followed by a performance of the Yaotome dance.

How to get there

The event takes place at Kitano Tenman-gũ Shrine.

From Kyoto Station, take the No. 50 bus from Platform B2 and get off at Kitano Tenman-gū Mae bus stop. You could also use the Karasuma Line subway to Imadegawa Station and take the No. 203 bus to Kitano Tenman-gū Mae. Alternatively, take the JR Sagano Line to Enmachi Station and get several buses to the shrine.