Autumn Festival at Hakusan Jinja

Event Overview

The Autumn Festival at Hakusan Jinja is a traditional ritual held annually to express gratitude for the harvest. This historic shrine was originally established in 790 to appease smallpox outbreaks and has been a cherished spiritual center for the local community for centuries. In 1146, its spiritual significance deepened following the invitation of the deity Hakusan-shin.

Highlights & What to Expect

The most significant highlight of this festival is the 'Hyakumi no Onjiki' ritual, which takes place in the early hours of October 18th. This ceremony involves offering a vast variety of foods harvested from the mountains, fields, and forests to the deities. You will see a beautiful arrangement of nature's gifts, including rice ears, beans, tubers, mushrooms, fruits, and vegetables.

A unique feature of this ritual is the inclusion of 'tea branches,' a symbol of Uji's identity as a premier tea-producing region. This creates a stunning visual and cultural fusion of natural abundance and the historical identity of the Uji area.

Schedule

The festival is held every year on October 18th. The sacred 'Hyakumi no Onjiki' offering takes place in the early morning hours of the 18th. It is a special time to witness the transition of seasons and celebrate the gifts of nature.

Venue & Access

The event is held at Hakusan Jinja, located in Shirakawasobayama, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture. The ritual unfolds within the serene and sacred atmosphere of this historic shrine.

Tips for Visitors

This festival is a profound opportunity to learn about Japanese agricultural culture and how the people of Uji have lived in harmony with nature. To fully appreciate the experience, it is helpful to understand the ritualistic background of gratitude toward the land.

What to Bring & Etiquette

As the ritual begins in the early morning, please be aware of the temperature. The air can be quite chilly during the night and early morning in autumn, so we recommend bringing warm clothing or a jacket. We also suggest checking for any specific ritual details or updates closer to the date.