The Miyaza Ceremonies of Wakedonomiya

Festival highlights

Highlights include the Igomori Festival, which welcomes the deity; the Ota no Shiki, which depicts the process from sowing seeds to transplanting rice seedlings; and the Onna-za Festival, led by women.

In autumn, the Aeno Sumo, in which children’s sumo matches are dedicated before the deity, and Hyakumi no Onjiki, in which produce from the mountains and fields is offered, are also held.

Distinct practices associated with each event, including torches, a kanjo rope, fieldwork tools, and kagura, have been passed down.

Ancient rites of farming and prayer, preserved by 8 miyaza

What to expect

The miyaza divide responsibilities for the events according to the time of year.

During the Igomori Festival, they welcome the deity, prepare chopsticks, torches, and tools used for the field rites, and dedicate a kanjo rope.

The Ota no Shiki depicts the process from the start of farm work through rice planting; the Onna-za Festival features dedications and kagura; and offerings of produce are made at Hyakumi no Onjiki in autumn.

Location and access

Venue and address

Wakede-no-miya (Wakiimasu Amenofukime Shrine), 69-1 Satoyashiki, Hirao, Yamashiro-cho, Kizugawa City

Address 69-1 Satoyashiki, Hirao, Yamashiro-cho, Kizugawa City, Kyoto Prefecture

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Dates and season

Season

Every year, February15–17, March 21, September 30, and October16 and 17

Frequency

Multiple times throughout the year

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

Some rites of the Igomori Festival take place from late at night until early morning, so visits to some events involve going to the shrine at night.

At the site of the rites, please be considerate and avoid disturbing the quiet or the proceedings.

Dates and public access vary by event, so check information from Kizugawa City or other sources before visiting.

Source: 涌出宮の居籠祭（いごもりまつり） | 木津川市

Origins and History of The Miyaza Ceremonies of Wakedonomiya

Wakedonomiya is a long-established common name; its formal name is Wakizaniimasu Amanofukime Shrine. It is considered an ancient shrine listed in the Engishiki.

The miyaza rites preserve the traditional form of shrine parishioner organizations found in Omi, Yamashiro, and Yamato in the Kinki region.

There are theories that the Igomori Festival dates back to the beginnings of agriculture, as well as one that it began to pacify the spirits of those killed in battle.

Official information

Kizugawa City’s guide to traditional events introduces the Igomori Festival at Wakedonomiya.

For an overview of the cultural property and details of each event, see the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ Database of Nationally Designated Cultural Properties.

The Miyaza Ceremonies of Wakedonomiya at a Glance

The Miyaza Ceremonies of Wakedonomiya are events in which 8 miyaza (shrine parishioner groups) share responsibility for the annual rites and pass down rituals connected with farming and the harvest.

The program changes with the season and includes the Igomori Festival to welcome the deity, the Ota no Shiki to pray for a good harvest, the women-led Onna-za Festival, children’s sumo, and offerings of produce.

This Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property offers a chance to experience local beliefs and cultural traditions at Wakedonomiya in Yamashiro-cho, Kizugawa City.