Apr. 15, 2022 UPDATE
Mitarashi festival
- みたらし祭 -Traveler Friendly
Although it is easy to access and also there are many foreign visitors, not all of the shrine staff speak English.
Information
Japanese only (There is a simple English name to the official website)
Languages spoken
Japanese only
PeriodJuly 22- 31, 2022
VenueShimogamo Shrine
Story & Recommendation
Enjoy soaking legs on Mitarashi River! Cheerful summer festival in the World Heritage
Located in the north of Kyoto, Shimogamo Shrine is registered as a World Heritage and lots of Shinto rituals and festivals are often held.
Mitarashi Festival is held every year on the midsummer day of the ox (around the late July) which is regarded as a turn of a season in Japan. The main event is to soak your legs on the river called Mitarashi River in Shimogamo Shrine to pray for good health. This festival was first taken place by nobles in Heian Period (around 794-1185) to purify the sins and uncleanness by purification ceremony. Then this ceremony was passed down to the common folks and became what it is now in Shimogamo Shrine. You will surely enjoy this festival as cold water in Mitarashi River makes you feel refreshed! On this day, there are many vendors on the way to Shimogamo Shrine called “Tadasuno mori Forest”. Please enjoy the tasty food in the forest!
▼Click here for Writer's Blog(Part1)
http://sharing-kyoto.com/Blog/b_Mitarashi_Matsuri_Festival_Part1/
▼Click here for Writer's Blog (Part2)
http://sharing-kyoto.com/Blog/b_Mitarashi_Matsuri_Festival_Part2/
1Highlight
Purifying the note called Ofuda by holy water
You will write your name and age on the note called Ofuda in the form of feet and put it into the box which a holy water is flowing. This box is equipped in front of Inoue Shrine where is on a well which the headwater of Mitarashi River is flowing. You can write your names on the note and men and women of all ages have a nice moment there.
2Highlight
Mitarashi Festival in the evening
You may enjoy the visionary atmosphere with the candle lights on the surface of the river. It is expected to be crowded in the evening, but this scenery is so gorgeous. As there are many visitors with small children, all visitors can enjoy this festival!
3Let's join!
Put candle
You can put the candle by receiving the candle fire from the small shrine next to Mitarashi pond. Please try not to put out the fire while holding it till you reach to the altar next to Inoue Shrine. The deity of Inoue Shrine is the one who expels the sins and uncleanness. Mitarashi Festival is held all day but you may enjoy the visionary atmosphere of candle lights at night.
- Manner & Tips -
It is prohibited to swim in Mitarashi River.
Please put up your clothes above your knees due to the depth of the river.
Since you need to take off your shoes in this festival, it is better to wear something you can easily take off.
