A mysterious shrine ritual at Iwashimizu Hachiman-gu Shrine. And traditional fishing in the clear Yura River.
Iwashimizu Sai Festival
Located between Kyoto and Osaka, Yawata City developed as a prosperous town on the river transport system between Kyoto and Osaka. Today, it remains a traditional island in a growing sea of modern life. Every year on September 15th, the Iwashimizu Sai Festival is held at hilltop, forest-surrounded Iwashimizu Hachiman-gu Shrine, which dates back more than 1200 years, and was rebuilt by the 3rd Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu, in 1634. The shrine is dedicated to the God of Archery, and its Main Hall is exquisitely decorated with animal and plant carvings. The festival, which starts after midnight and finishes at dawn, features a large parade of elaborately 9th-century costumed figures and a dawn fish and bird release ritual. Other Area Attractions: Zenhoritsu-ji Temple: This famous maple viewing location dates back to 1257. Reservations required (Tel: 981-0157). Kouzuya Bridge: The longest wooden bridge in Japan (356.5 m). There are no modern buildings near the bridge and so it is often used in films. To get to Yawata City, take the Keihan line to Yawata (kyuko express; 20 minutes).Oni Museum
Located in northwestern Kyoto Prefecture, Ooe Town is set in an area of remote high mountains. It is particularly popular for outdoor activities. The town is also known for its interesting and unusual oni devil culture and history. This month , the Moto Ise Hassaku Sai Festival, featuring a dynamic spear trading ritual, will be held at the Moto Ise Shrine. The festival dates back to 1658, when the area was hit by an awful drought and the local authorities successfully prayed to the shrine gods for rain. Other Area Attractions: Ooe Mountain: this 833-m high mountain is especially popular in autumn with tourists who come to see and photo distant mountain ridges floating in a sea of clouds. Oni Communcation Museum: This museum is devoted to the town’s legendary oni or devil spirit cult (imaginary creatures, from ancient times, symbolizing ominous things). Crafts related to oni from all over Japan are on exhibition here. Closed on Mondays. Tel: (0773) 56-1996. To get to Ooe Town, take the JR Sanin line to Fukuchiyama (superexpress; 80 minutes) and then transfer to the KTR Miyafuku line for Ooe (30 minutes).Yana Ryo & Onsen
The old castle town of Ayabe City, about 70 minutes northwest of Kyoto City by train (or car), was once a production area for silk and continues to be a center for washi, Japanese traditional paper production. From September 1-30, the Kanko Yana Ryo (traditional ayu, sweet fish, fishing festival ) will be held on the beautiful Yura River. Festival participants will learn how to catch ayu with a traditional net method and enjoy a tasty variety of related cuisine. Ayabe Onsen: this onsen, hot spa, is said to be good for neuralgia, fatigue, burns and bruises, due largely to the water’s very high sulphur content; open 10:00-21:00 (last entry 20:30); closed on Wednesdays; Tel: (0773) 55-0888. To get to Ayabe City, take the JR Sanin line to Ayabe Stn.