Events? tag ?

The Hojoe ceremony is held at Honnoji Temple every year on September 15th. This ceremony follows the Buddhist teaching of non-killing and involves releasing eels, loaches, and other fish into the nearby Kamo River. No reservation is required, and anyone can participate for free.

The Boiling Water Ritual will take place on November 16th, starting at 2:00 PM. The Shinto priest dipped a bundle of sakaki branches into boiling water and vigorously scattered the water all around. The hot water splashed onto me and was very hot, but I felt that, in return, I received many blessings.

Founded in 1202, this shrine is dedicated to Ebisu, a deity associated with business prosperity. Every year, the Toka Ebisu (Ebisu Festival) is held from January 8th to 12th, centered around January 10th. At this festival, bamboo branch believed to bring good fortune were distributed.

The Mitarashi Festival is held for about ten days around late July each year at the Mitarashi Pond within the precincts of Shimogamo Shrine. This is a Shinto ritual based on the belief that dipping one's feet into the pond to purify oneself during the change of seasons ensures good health and freedom from illness.

I went to the Gishi-sai (Loyal Retainers' Festival) held every year on December 14th at Sengakuji Temple. The Gishi parade arrived at the temple shortly after 3:00 p.m. This depicts the scene where the retainers who slew Kira Kozuke-no-Suke carried his head to Sengakuji Temple.

Shiba Daijingu is a shrine that was founded in 1005. The Daradara matsuri Festival is held annually from September 11 to 21. When I arrived at the shrine, it was bustling with the sounds of flutes and drums. In the past, a great deal of ginger was grown in this area, so it was offered at the shrine during festivals.

Hyakumanben Chionji is one of the head temples of the Jodo sect. A craft market is held at Hyakumanben Chionji Temple on the 15th of every month. (Closed in August) So many stalls lined the grounds that the spacious precinct felt cramped. There were a lot of unusual things, and it was fun.

Kodaiji is a temple featuring a garden with two ponds that incorporates the Higashiyama mountains into its scenery. Nighttime illumination events are held for a limited time during spring, summer, and autumn. The bamboo forest within the temple grounds is a particularly popular spot.