About this event
The Awata Festival is the most important annual rite of Awata Shrine, held every October at Awata Shrine in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture. Boasting a history of over 1,000 years, it features the procession of Kenhoko (sacred pole swords), said to be the prototype of the Gion Festival, as well as "Awata Daitoro," massive 4-meter-tall lantern floats. The festival consists of sacred rites and events including the Oide Matsuri (departure rite), Yowatari Shinji (night procession), Shinkosai, Kankosai, and Reitaisai. In particular, the Awata Daitoro floats depict motifs of the Chinese zodiac and deities associated with the parish area; they are displayed along the shrine approach on the first day and paraded through the parish area accompanied by Kenhoko and torches during the Yowatari Shinji on the second day, brightly illuminating the night streets. In addition, the "Reiken-sai," a syncretic ritual combining Shinto and Buddhist traditions, is conducted, keeping ancient faith and tradition alive. Food and game stalls are also set up throughout the festival period, drawing bustling crowds.
Source website (Japanese) ↗Venue
Awata Shrine
1 Awataguchi Kajicho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto 605-0051
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