Oeyama Shuten Doji Festival

Festival highlights

A highlight is the Onimusha Parade, featuring Shuten Doji, Minamoto no Yorimitsu, and an oni mikoshi.

Events in which participants join the parade wearing something associated with ogres, as well as an oni parade with ogres at its heart, bring the Oeyama legend to life at the festival.

The oni costume contest has general and children’s divisions, and visitors can also make coasters and other items using logs.

Source: 大江山酒呑童子祭り - Wikipedia

An autumn festival to enjoy the Oeyama ogre legend through parades and activities

What to expect

At the festival, you can enjoy the Onimusha Parade, an oni mikoshi, and recreational activities inspired by ogres.

Events are also described in which participants join the parade wearing something reminiscent of ogres, alongside Shuten Doji, Minamoto no Yorimitsu, and an oni mikoshi.

The program combines activities that let visitors take part, not just watch, including making coasters and other items by cutting logs, an oni costume contest, and quiz activities related to health.

How to take part

The oni costume contest has adult and children’s divisions, with places available for general participants.

The program also includes a procession in which participants wear items associated with oni.

Participation requirements and registration procedures on the day may vary by activity, so check the information for that festival edition if you wish to join the costume contest or procession.

Specific application procedures and registration locations for participation are provided in the information for each festival edition.

Featured activities include oni costume contests for adults and children, the Oni Warrior Procession, and log-cutting experiences.

Decide in advance which activities you would like to join, and check the latest event information for any required preparations and whether registration is needed.

Location and access

Venue and address

Shuten Doji no Sato (Busshoji, Oe-cho, Fukuchiyama City).

The address is Oe-cho, Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture.

Train and bus

From Oe Station on the Kyoto Tango Railway Miyafuku Line, take the municipal bus (Oeyama no Ie route) for about 18 minutes and get off at Oeyama no Ie.

Source: 第45回大江山酒呑童子祭り | イベント一覧 | 京都府観光連盟公式サイト

Event venue 京都府福知山市 酒呑童子の里

This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.

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Dates and season

Season

Mainly the 4th Sunday of October

Frequency

Every year

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

During the eve-of-festival event, the Hyakki Yagyo parade proceeds from Oe Post Office to Kotohira Shrine, so its venue and time differ from those of the main festival.

If using public transport, note that the municipal bus is listed as not operating on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and some other days, so it is a good idea to check its service status.

If you plan to join the parade or activities, check the requirements for each event, such as costumes and registration, in advance.

Nearby attractions

Near the venue are the Futasegawa Gorge, the Japan Oni Exchange Museum and Oni Culture Research Institute, Moto-Ise Amanoiwato Shrine, and Moto-Ise Naiku Kodaijinja Shrine.

Oeyama, Oeyama Onitake Inari Shrine, and the Washi Tradition Center are also listed as nearby attractions.

Places where visitors can experience ogre culture and the nature of Oeyama are introduced alongside the festival.

Museums and art museumsFukuchiyama City

日本の鬼の交流博物館

京都府福知山市の大江山麓にある博物館

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写真：汲平 / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Castles and historic sitesFukuchiyama City

福知山城

京都府福知山市にある城跡

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写真：投稿者が撮影 / Public domain

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Zoos and aquariumsFukuchiyama City

福知山市動物園

京都府福知山市の動物園・水族館のスポットです。

Visit the official page ↗ⓘ Photo and data sources

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写真：松岡明芳 / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Attractions in the same municipality. Check each attraction’s official website for travel distances from the venue and current opening information.

Origins and History of Oeyama Shuten Doji Festival

The 1st Oeyama Shuten Doji Festival was held on October 30, 1982.

The following year, 1983, the Shuten Doji Taiko began, with 5 drummers wearing ogre masks performing on taiko drums.

In 1990, a summit on ogre legends was held in conjunction with the festival, inviting participants from places associated with the legends, to mark 1000 years since the ogre-slaying.

Official information

The Fukuchiyama City official website page “The Oeyama Shuten Doji Festival Is On!” provides information about the festival’s purpose, venue, activities, eve-of-festival event, and contact details.

Dates and programs are updated for each edition, so check the latest official city information.

Oeyama Shuten Doji Festival at a Glance

The Oeyama Shuten Doji Festival, held in Oe-cho, Fukuchiyama City, centers on Oeyama and the legend of Shuten Doji. Visitors can enjoy the Onimusha Parade, an oni mikoshi, and an oni costume contest.

There are also participatory events, including costume contests for general and children’s divisions and a log-cutting activity.