Sun
May 11th
Photo: Kyoto Miyama Tourism Association

Miyama Rice Planting Festival 2025

Tom Roseveare   - 2 min read
When : Sunday - May 11th 2025, 10:45am - 12:00pm
Notice: While this event is confirmed, outdoor events can be subject to sudden cancellation or postponement due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. Our listings are only updated periodically, so please check the official site closer to any event if you wish to attend.

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.

Photo: Kyoto Miyama Tourism Association

Schedule

  • 10:45–11:30: Shinto ritual praying for a rich harvest at Chii Hachiman Shrine

  • 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 @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.