🏮 Yoshida Jinja Setsubun Sai
吉田神社節分祭
Kyoto (Yoshida Shrine) · Every year on 2 February
141 days to go
Rooms around Kyoto fill up while the festival is on.
Yoshida Shrine Setsubun Festival is a traditional rite held at Yoshida Shrine in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, from February 2 to 4. It preserves an ancient ceremony that was performed in the imperial court from the Heian period, and many worshippers visit to pray for good health and freedom from illness. The festival originates in the imperial court's oni-yarai (demon-driving) rite. As the shrine's own method of warding off misfortune, a ritual is also held at the yakuzuka (mound of misfortune) during the Ekijinsai, praying for a year free of illness. The main event is the Oni-yarai Shinji on the 2nd, the eve of the festival. In a solemn ceremony, a hoshoshi (ritual officiant) holding a shield and spear corners and drives away three demons in blue, red, and yellow. On the 3rd, the day of the festival, the Karo Matsuri is held, and stalls open on the 2nd and 3rd.
Getting there
About 15 minutes on foot from Demachiyanagi Station on the Keihan Railway, or about 5 minutes on foot from the Kyoto University Main Gate bus stop on the municipal bus.
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