Usa Jingu Hojoe
A Historical Ceremony Honoring All Life and Giving Thanks for the Autumn Harvest
Hojoe is a traditional autumn ritual held at Usa Jingu for three days every October. The term Hojoe refers to a ceremony of releasing captured animals to honor and free them. Rooted in Buddhist teachings that emphasize respect for all life and discourage meaningless killing, this ritual began approximately 1,300 years ago to commemorate fallen warriors in southern Kyushu.
On the first day, a sacred mikoshi portable shrine carrying the enshrined deity is carried aloft on the shoulders of many participants and conveyed approximately 8 kilometers to Wama Shrine. The procession is led by children playing wadaiko drums and yokobue flutes, taking about four hours to traverse the path lined with swaying rice stalks.
On the second day, the procession proceeds to Yorimo River near Wama Shrine, where Buddhist monks chant sutras as Shinto priests release shells into the river, offering prayers for the spirits of fallen warriors. On the third day, the mikoshi is returned to Usa Jingu, stopping at Hyakutai Shrine along the way to offer prayers for the deceased.
The Hojoe ceremony allows participants to honor all life, reflect on the value of existence, and give thanks for the autumn harvest. Immerse yourself in this over 1,000-year-old tradition and experience a moment of profound history and reverence.
* Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
Category
Basic Information
- Event period
- October 11 (Saturday) to October 13 (Monday, public holiday), 2025
- Event venue
- [Day 1]
From Usa Jingu to Wama Shrine
[Day 2]
Around the Yorimogawa River Mouth
[Day 3]
From Wama Shrine to Hyakutai Shrine to Usa Jingu - Event time
- [Day 1 & Day 3]
Afternoon
[Day 2]
Morning - Address (Japanese)
- 872-0102 大分県宇佐市南宇佐2859 宇佐神宮
- Address
- 2859 Minami Usa, Usa Shrine, Usa City, Oita, 872-0102
- Telephone Number
- 0978-37-0001（Usa Jingu Shrine）
- Prices
- Free
- Car Park
- [Usa Jingu]
-Omotesando Parking Lot
Approximately 200 parking spots / 12 hours: 400 yen
-Gaien Parking Lot
Approximately 150 parking spots / 12 hours: 300 yen
-Hachiman Parking Lot:
Approximately 400 parking spots / 400 yen
Approximately 20 bus parking spots / 1,500 yen - Access
- [Usa Jingu Shrine]
-Approximately 10 minutes from JR Usa Station
-Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes via limousine bus from Oita Airport, get off at "Usa Hachiman" bus stop
[Wama Shrine (793 Matsuzaki, Usa City)]
-Approximately 10 minutes from JR Buzen-Nagasu Station
[Hyakutai Shrine (Minamiusa, Usa City)]
-Approximately 10 minutes from JR Usa Station - Website
＊Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.
