Okadaya’s traditional archery ritual, entrusting arrows with prayers to ward off epidemics
Okadaya Momote Shinji
The 2026 edition of Okadaya Momote has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/03/22Ended
- Season / frequency
- Every 4th Sunday of March / Every year
- Location
- Okadaya Community Hall
- Area
- Yamaguchi Prefecture・Ube City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 35 min–1 h 55 min · flight time only)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Wishes behind the festival
- Participation fee
- Free
- Required number of participants
- 12 archers (planned)
- Last updated
- 2026/11/11
Okadaya Momote Shinji is a ritual in Ube City that carries on a tradition of warding off epidemics and uses target archery to pray for protection from misfortune and a bountiful harvest. The number of arrows that hit the target and the small targets prayed over also embody the hopes of the local community.
About Okadaya Momote Shinji
Okadaya Momote Shinji is an archery ritual passed down in Okadaya, Kōnan, Ube City.
According to tradition, the event began when an epidemic spread widely in 1468. The villagers prayed to the local deities to drive away evil spirits and shot arrows at a target representing a demon.
Since then, it has been dedicated on the 4th Sunday of March every year as an event to express gratitude and pray for protection from misfortune and a bountiful harvest.
In 1972, it was designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property by Ube City.
Festival highlights
The highlight is the traditional archery in which arrows are shot at a target representing a demon.
There is a custom of using the number of arrows that hit the target to predict whether the crops will be good or poor, connecting the ritual with the outlook for the harvest.
Small targets prayed over for protection from misfortune at the archery ground are taken home by each household as talismans against evil and for a bountiful harvest.
The current event information includes archery by 12 archers, a lottery, and mochi throwing.
Okadaya’s traditional archery ritual, entrusting arrows with prayers to ward off epidemics
What to expect
During the ritual, archers follow traditional procedures and shoot arrows one after another at a target representing an evil spirit.
The number of arrows that hit the target is considered a clue to whether the crops will be good or poor, and prayers are also offered for prosperity and peace.
Each household has a custom of taking home a small target prayed over for protection from misfortune at the archery ground, as a talisman against evil and for a bountiful harvest.
The event information also mentions a lottery and mochi throwing.
How to take part
参加費：無料
必要人数：射手12名（予定）
Location and access
- Venue
Okadaya Community Hall
Event venue 山口県宇部市 岡田屋公会堂
This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.
Dates and season
2026 Event Information (The listed event dates have passed)
The 2026 event information lists it as scheduled for March 22 (Sunday).
Accommodation and hotels PR
Showing nearby accommodation.
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 Yamaguchi Prefecture / Ube City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Nearby attractions
Tokiwa Zoo and Kiwa-la Beach are introduced as recommended nearby spots.
Tokiwa Zoo is listed as a zoo, and Kiwa-la Beach as a spot for swimming in the sea or lake and for clamming.
ときわ公園
山口県宇部市にある公園
写真：Original uploader was Historian at en.wikipedia / CC BY 2.5
Photo source ·
宇部市石炭記念館
山口県宇部市のときわ公園にある博物館
緑と花と彫刻の博物館
山口県宇部市の博物館
逍雲堂美術館
山口県の博物館・美術館のスポットです。
Origins and History of Okadaya Momote Shinji
According to tradition, it began when an epidemic spread widely in Okadaya in 1468 (the 2nd year of Ōnin), causing many deaths.
It is said that prayers were offered to Matsue Hachiman, Hachidai Ryūō, and Ōtoshi Daimyōjin to drive away evil spirits; arrows were shot at a target representing a demon, and the epidemic subsided.
Afterward, it continued to be dedicated annually as an archery ritual to express gratitude and pray for protection from misfortune and a bountiful harvest, and in 1972 it was designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property by Ube City.
Official information
Ube City Official Website, “Okadaya Momote Shinji”
Okadaya Momote Shinji at a Glance
Okadaya Momote Shinji is an Intangible Folk Cultural Property designated by Ube City, passed down in Okadaya, Kōnan, Ube City.
Against the backdrop of a tradition of warding off epidemics, arrows are shot at a target representing an evil spirit to pray for protection from misfortune and a bountiful harvest.
The number of arrows that hit the target is used to predict whether the crops will be good or poor, and the custom of taking home a small target that has been prayed over as a household talisman also continues.
According to the 2026 event information, it is scheduled to take place on March 22 (Sunday).
Sources and references
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/11/11
