The name Okabuto Shrine is thought to have originated from an area called Okada. Although the shrine is named Okabuto today, it is said that it was called Okada in the past. The architectural style of the main shrine building is Shinmei-zukuri. Okabuto Shrine is in charge of annual events in the Yuge and Okada Districts in turns.
Held on the second Sunday of October.
At this annual autumn festival, people pray for the well-being of their families, health and safety, and bountiful harvests.
Until 2007, the Yunohana rite was performed at the annual autumn and spring festivals. Today, the festival has been scaled down to a rite in which water is boiled in an iron pot and offered to the shrine’s god. Also, in the past, parishioners who couldn’t worship during the day used to worship in the evening. Therefore lanterns were placed to light up the shrine grounds. People in charge stayed to watch over the lanterns until the candles went out. Presently, after the shrine is cleaned, parties are held in the Yuge and Okada Districts.
Held on Labor Thanksgiving Day.
A portion of the rice and vegetables harvested in the year is offered to the god in appreciation for the harvest of rice, and as a prayer for the following year’s bountiful harvest.
Held on January 1st.
Saitan-sai is held on January 1 to celebrate the beginning of the year.
People pray for a bountiful harvest, the well-being of their families, and health and safety.
Held on the first Sunday of February.
Festival of prayer held before starting work in farm fields.
People pray for a bountiful harvest, the well-being of their families, and health and safety.
Held on the first Sunday of March.
Originally, the festival was a shrine ceremony held on the first Day of the Horse of the month.
Presently, it is held on the first Sunday of the month.
Parishioners who are in their unlucky years (ages 19, 33, and 37 for women; ages 25, 42, and 61 for men according to kazoedoshi (traditional Japanese system of calculating age)) lay a 1-sho quantity (approx. 1.5 kg) of rice on a tray, place a 2-sho quantity (approx. 3 kg) of round rice cakes on top of the rice, and then dedicate the items to the shrine together with a prayer fee.
After the prayer, worshippers receive a prayer talisman and the lower parts of the round rice cakes. They then divide the rice cakes into pieces and distribute them among their neighbors and relatives.
3-22 Okada 1-chome, Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture 513-0027 Japan
