Ayabe Yakuyoke Grand Festival

This grand festival is held at a shrine known affectionately as Ayabe’s Yakujin-san, where visitors pass through the gates and pray for health and protection from illness.

About Ayabe Yakuyoke Grand Festival

The Ayabe Yakuyoke Grand Festival is a grand festival held at Yakuyoke Shrine in Ueno-cho, Ayabe, where visitors pray for protection from misfortune and continued health.

Affectionately known as “Ayabe’s Yakujin-san,” it is a place to pass through the gate for protection from misfortune and offer prayers.

After the visit, pass through the gate for good fortune and receive a new sacred arrow or amulet.

A winter event in Ayabe, visited by local people praying for a healthy year ahead.

Source: 綾部厄除大祭 | イベント一覧 | 京都府観光連盟公式サイト / 綾部厄除大祭（綾部厄除神社） | 綾部市観光ガイド

Festival highlights

A key highlight is the procession through the gates for protection from misfortune and for good fortune, in that order.

Return sacred arrows and other items received the previous year, offer thanks for continued health, and then receive a new sacred arrow or amulet.

Numerous food stalls line both sides of the stone steps leading to the shrine grounds, adding to the festive atmosphere as you visit.

A winter festival in Ayabe for protection from misfortune, where visitors pass through gates and make their wishes

What to expect

First, return sacred arrows and other items received the previous year, and offer thanks for continued health.

Then pass through the gate for protection from misfortune and pray before receiving a new sacred arrow or amulet.

The visit concludes by passing through the gate for good fortune; food stalls can also be enjoyed along the stone steps leading to the shrine grounds.

How to take part

Visitors can pass through the gates and pray for continued health.

The described form of worship includes returning sacred arrows and other items received the previous year, then receiving a new sacred arrow or amulet.

Location and access

Venue and address

Yakuyoke Shrine (within Wakamiya Shrine grounds) / 1-2 Fujiyama, Ueno-cho, Ayabe.

Train and bus

A 20-minute walk southeast from JR Ayabe Station.

If taking the Aya Bus (Shiga North-South Line), get off at “Ueno-cho Godo Shukusha-mae”; it is a 4-minute walk from there.

Parking

Parking is listed as available.

Address 1-2 Fujiyama, Ueno-cho, Ayabe, Kyoto Prefecture

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Dates and season

Season: Usually February 17 and 18
Frequency: Held annually

Accommodation and hotels PR

Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Kyoto Prefecture / Ayabe City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)

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Tips for your visit

As the visit involves passing through gates, it is best to proceed calmly and follow the guidance.

Food stalls line both sides of the stone steps leading to the shrine grounds, so comfortable walking clothes are recommended.

Nearby attractions

Nearby attractions include Shorakuji Temple, Konohan’an (the former Okahana family residence), and Ayabe Baishoen (Oomoto).

For tourist and transportation information in Ayabe, check with the Ayabe Tourist Information Center.

If you plan to visit alongside the festival, it is best to check in advance whether each site is open and its hours.

Source: あやべ観光案内所 | スポット一覧 | 京都府観光連盟公式サイト

Official information

The Ayabe Yakuyoke Shrine website is listed as a source of information about the Ayabe Yakuyoke Grand Festival.

For inquiries, contact the Ayabe Tourist Information Center at 0773-42-9550.