Otaue-sai Sowing of Seeds at the Imperial Field (May 25) The first harvest to be offered to the gods after the enthronement of the Emperor is called Daijoh-sai. The Daijoh-sai is held in the Imperial Palace and in Ise Jingu. The rice paddy used in growing the rice for this festival is called Yuhkisaiden and is appointed by the Imperial Household. The rice field in the Mikami village of Yasu was chosen in 1928 to offer rice for the Daijoh-sai to celebrate the enthronement of the former Emperor Hirohito. Since then the people of Yasu have celebrated the harvest season with the Otaue-sai festival by dancing, singing, and plowing seeds.

Hiwatari (Fire Crossing) Festival (February 25) This festival has been held at the Sugawara Shrine since ancient times to honor Sugawara Michizane. People walk on the sacred simmering fire and collect the ashes that stick on the sole of their feet. By putting the ashes by your pillow, it is said that you will stay healthy and safe from any misfortune.

Jizo (Guardian God of Children) Festival (July 24) This festival is held to honor the old statue of the guardian god that stands by the Old Nakasendo (Central Mountain) Road, about 15 mintues on foot from Yasu Station. This statue is said to have been built in the Kamakura era. Children used to compare their height with the statue. About 20 groups compete in making various objects using farm tools, religious objects, metal objects, and electric appliances to see which is the most creative.

Zuiki Festival (October 14) This festival has been held for over 400 years at the Mikami Shrine to pray for good harvest. Zuiki means the stem of a taro plant. Every year five teams called miyaza compete in making zuiki mikoshi (portable shrines) to thank the taro plant. These five teams start from different parts of town bearing the shrines on their shoulders to the Mikami Shrine. These portable shrines are then donated to the Mikami Shrine.

Yasu Festival