Reference photo: Yatsu-shika Odori in the festival procession (city-designated cultural property)
Uwatsuhiko Shrine Autumn Festival: Two Days in Uwajima with Ushi-oni and Yatsu-shika Odori
The Uwatsuhiko Shrine Autumn Festival takes place on October 28 and 29, 2026, in Uwajima, Ehime Prefecture. Shrine rites and the eve-of-festival ceremony are scheduled for the 28th, followed by a mikoshi procession and a ceremony at the otabisho (temporary shrine) on the 29th. Each day offers a chance to follow the festival as it spreads from the shrine into the city, including the ushi-oni procession, which visits homes to the sound of bamboo horns, and Yatsu-shika Odori, a deer-mask dance performed with drums as an offering.
- Venue
- Uwatsuhiko Shrine and locations throughout Uwajima, Ehime Prefecture
- Admission & participation
- Please check official announcements for admission requirements.
HIGHLIGHTS
Event highlights
Look out for the ushi-oni procession and Yatsu-shika Odori
Uwatsuhiko Shrine, the festival’s focal point, has long been revered as the tutelary shrine of Uwajima Castle Town and the leading shrine of the Nanyo region. According to the shrine’s official information, Date Hidemune, the first lord of the Uwajima Domain, designated it as the domain’s ichinomiya (first-ranked shrine) when he laid out the castle town. The autumn festival gives thanks to the deity through events including a mikoshi procession.
One of the highlights of the festival procession is the ushi-oni parade. It winds through the streets to the sound of bamboo horns and visits homes while driving away evil spirits. The sight of the ushi-oni and mikoshi making their way through the town shows how the festival extends beyond the shrine grounds.
Another highlight is Yatsu-shika Odori. Dancers wearing deer masks beat drums and dance while singing as an offering. According to the Uwajima City Tourism Information Center, Yatsu-shika Odori in the festival procession is a city-designated cultural property. Look out for the performance’s combination of deer masks, drums, song and dance.
Offerings of Sarutahiko dance and lion dance are also performed. Together with the ushi-oni and Yatsu-shika Odori, these events make up the festival. If there is a particular performance you want to see, check its location and time in advance to help plan your visit.
From the eve-of-festival ceremony on the 28th to the mikoshi procession on the 29th
On the 28th, shrine rites are scheduled for 10:00 and the eve-of-festival ceremony for 19:00. These events can help guide your choice of day if you want to focus on ceremonies at the shrine.
On the 29th, the mikoshi is scheduled to depart at 12:00, with the otabisho ceremony at the Nanyo Bunka Kaikan intersection from 16:00 and the return to the shrine at 20:00. You can plan your visit around what you want to see—for example, choose the 29th to watch the mikoshi procession.
The festival takes place at Uwatsuhiko Shrine and throughout Uwajima. For details about where and when each event will take place, and the procession route and times, contact the Uwajima City Tourism Information Center at 0895-49-5700.
There is no parking near the shrine, according to the event information. If you are arriving by car, you will need to arrange your own parking. When planning your visit, check the dates and locations and decide whether to focus on the shrine events or the procession through the city.
EVENT INFORMATION
Dates & participation
Official title宇和津彦神社秋祭り
| Dates | 2026-10-28〜2026-10-29 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Uwatsuhiko Shrine and locations throughout Uwajima, Ehime Prefecture |
| Admission and participation | Check the official information |
| Address |
Hours, admission rules, and ticket availability are subject to change. Please check the official website before heading out.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE & TICKETS
Official website & tickets
Official event websitewww.uwajima.orgACCESS
How to get there
Step-by-step guide
What to plan before your visit
- 01
Choose a date
Shrine rites at 10:00 and the eve-of-festival ceremony at 19:00 are scheduled for the 28th. On the 29th, the mikoshi is scheduled to depart at 12:00, followed by the otabisho ceremony at 16:00. Choose your visit date based on the events you want to see.
- 02
Check the procession location
For the procession route and detailed times, contact the Uwajima City Tourism Information Center at 0895-49-5700.
- 03
If arriving by car, arrange parking
There is no parking near the shrine, so if you are arriving by car, you will need to arrange your own parking.
Detailed access info
Choose a venue from the official venue list, then check its address and directions. Confirm the event dates and times and travel information for each venue.
Uwatsuhiko Shrine and locations throughout Uwajima, Ehime Prefecture
Multiple locations are not grouped into a single pin.