Nov. 16, 2023 UPDATE

Okayu-sai

- 御粥祭 -
Traveler Friendly
Most of the participants are locals, but this shrine is a famous spot for sightseeing. If you are planning to stay in Kyoto that day, please make a visit.
Information
Official site has English.
Languages spoken
Japanese only
PeriodJanuary 15th, every year
VenueShimogamo Shrine
676 3 --- 0 reviews
Nov. 16, 2023 UPDATE

Okayu-sai

- 御粥祭 -
Traveler Friendly
Most of the participants are locals, but this shrine is a famous spot for sightseeing. If you are planning to stay in Kyoto that day, please make a visit.
Information
Official site has English.
Languages spoken
Japanese only
676 3 --- 0 reviews
PeriodJanuary 15th, every year
VenueShimogamo Shrine
Story & Recommendation
Small New Year’s ritual serving red bean porridge to pray for perfect health
In Japan, January 15 is called “ko-shogatsu”, which means "small New Year" and the last day of New Year’s period continued from January 1. People hang rice cake flowers called mochi-bana, burn New Year’s decorations like pine branches, and eat red bean porridge on ko-shogatsu day. These are unique customs, and temples and shrines in Kyoto also have various festivities related to the small New Year. At Shimogamo shrine, a porridge festival called "Okayu-sai" takes place on January 15 annually to celebrate the day. Red bean porridge and soybean porridge are dedicated to gods to pray for the productiveness of grain and national peace. After the ritual, visitors can have red bean porridge. It is said the red of red beans has the power to expel evil and that you won't get any accident or illness that year. This shrine is also a World Heritage site and known as a place that has special power, which makes it sound like the porridge indeed has a strong effect. Why not visit Shimogamo Shrine to spend a healthy year?
  • Sharing Kyoto Staff
    Erika's Comment
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Details
Event time
10:00 - (porridge serving is from some 11:00)
Cancellations
No
Price range
a bowl of porridge is 300 yen
Credit cards
Not accepted
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