Located in the north of Kyoto City, the Kifune Shrine enshrines the deity of water Taka　Okami-no-Kami.
As water is the source of life for human beings and Taka Okami-no-Kami is believed to provide rain, sun and clouds, they are also worshipped as the giver of life.
Kifune Shrine is the head shrine of around 450 Kifune shrines across Japan. Held every June 1, the Kifune Festival is the most important festival of the year for the shrines and is held to pray for rain fall and a good harvest.
The festival begins in the main hall of the shrine where an elegant performance of imperial court music and dances is carried out. A portable shrine is then carried from the main hall toward the Okumiya shrine located behind the main shrine.
In the Okumiya, children join the ceremony and go around a rock in the shape of a boat to pray for their health and growth.
Shinto music and dances based on one of the religion’s myths are then performed as an offering by a head priest and shrine parishioners from Shimane Prefecture.
In total, the festival continues for about 7 hours.