Fushimi Inari Shrine Hatsu-uma Festival

Last Updated on January 28, 2025

Event Overview

The Hatsu-uma Festival is a grand festival commemorating the first enshrinement of the god Inari-Okami on Mt. Inari.

This is said to have occurred on the first day of the horse (uma), in February of the 4th year of the Wado era (711).

The festival is always held on the first day of the horse (午) in February, determined by using the zodiac calendar.

Prayer begins at 0:00 a.m. and visits on this day are known as “fuku-mairi” (lucky visits). The temple will be very lively with people praying for prosperity in business and safety in their families.

Worshippers often purchase “Shirushi no Sugi”, a talisman for business prosperity and safety in their families.

The “Shirushi no Sugi” is a lucky charm that originates from the Heian period, when people in Kyoto stopped by Fushimi Inari Taisha on their way back from a pilgrimage to Kumano, and received a cedar branch as a sign of their safe return.

Venue Information

Location: Fushimi Inari Shrine, 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan

Dates: 6th February

Opening Times: All day

Entry Cost

Free.

Getting There

Take the JR Nara Line to Inari Station