A Shinto ritual to pray for a rich harvest and a rice planting performance by rice-planting maidens is held every year on the second Sunday of May in Kita Village of Miyama Town, also known as the Thatched Village (kayabuki-no-sato).
Following a prayer for abundant crops conducted by a Shinto priest at Hachimangu Shrine, rice-planting maidens dressed in traditional garments and sedge hats line up to begin the rice planting. Visitors can enjoy the scenic view of rural Japan, with the Thatched Village surrounded by the vibrant green foliage of spring.
There is no admission fee, but donations to help preserve this intangible cultural property are appreciated.
Schedule
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10:45–11:30: Shinto ritual praying for a rich harvest at Chii Hachiman Shrine
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11:30–12:00: Rice planting by rice-planting maidens
Getting there
A one-day direct bus tour from Kyoto Station is available on the day of the event.
Tom Roseveare @tom.roseveare
Creative Director at Japan Travel, based in Tokyo. Feel free to reach out about living, working or travelling in Japan – just book a time.
