Skip to content
Hatsukinpirasai Festival

Guide

Hatsukinpirasai Festival

5 min read

Event Overview

Hatsukinpirasai is a significant New Year's festival held at Yasui Konpiragu in Higashiyama, Kyoto. Yasui Konpiragu is world-renowned as a sacred site for 'En-kiri' (breaking bad ties) and 'En-musubi' (forming good ties). During this festival, visitors may receive auspicious items like 'Inehorai' to pray for a prosperous year, health, and good fortune, making it a special opportunity for those seeking to reshape their destiny.

Highlights & Experiences

The main draw of this festival is the chance to experience the powerful energy of Yasui Konpiragu. The centerpiece is the 'En-kiri En-musubi Ishi' (the Stone of Breaking Ties and Connecting Bonds), a massive stone with a hole in the center that commands attention. The unique ritual of writing your wishes on a 'katashiro' (paper charm) and passing through the hole to break bad ties and invite good ones is a profound experience found only here.

As you walk through the shrine grounds, you will see the beautiful architecture of the main hall dedicated to Emperor Sutoku and deity Omononushi-no-kami. Performing rituals in the crisp, fresh air of the New Year provides a deep sense of spiritual renewal.

Schedule

Please check the official website for specific dates and the latest event schedule. The festival is traditionally held during the early part of the New Year season.

Venue & Access

Access to Yasui Konpiragu is as follows:

  • *By Bus**: From JR or Kintetsu 'Kyoto Station,' take City Bus 206 and get off at 'Higashiyama Yasui' (1-minute walk).
  • *By Foot**: 10-minute walk from Keihan Line 'Gion-Shijo Station' or 15-minute walk from Hankyu Line 'Kawaramachi Station.'
  • *By Car**: On-site parking is available.

Tips for Participation

To fully experience the ritual at the En-kiri En-musubi Ishi, follow these steps: First, offer a prayer at the main shrine. Next, write your wish on a katashiro. Then, pass through the hole from the front to the back to break bad ties, and from the back to the front to invite good ties. Finally, attach your written katashiro to a designated spot on the stone.

What to Bring & Etiquette

As this is a sacred shrine, we recommend wearing neat, respectful clothing. When making your offering, please have cash (Japanese Yen) ready for the smooth completion of your ritual. Please check the official website for further details.