Apr. 12, 2022 UPDATE
Mizu Matsuri (Water Festival) - 水まつり -
Traveler Friendly
Many foreign visitors join this festival! Although no English brochure is available, a water written oracle called “Mizuuramikuji” in multiple languages is popular among visitors.
Information
Japanese only
Languages spoken
Japanese only
PeriodJuly 7th 
VenueKifune Shrine
1417 8 --- 0 reviews
Apr. 12, 2022 UPDATE

Mizu Matsuri (Water Festival)

- 水まつり -
Traveler Friendly
Many foreign visitors join this festival! Although no English brochure is available, a water written oracle called “Mizuuramikuji” in multiple languages is popular among visitors.
Information
Japanese only
Languages spoken
Japanese only
1417 8 --- 0 reviews
PeriodJuly 7th 
VenueKifune Shrine
Story & Recommendation
One of the main events in Kifune Shrine regarding Star Festival
Water is a vital source of life. Mizu Matsuri (Water Festival) is held to give thanks to water deity that Kifune Shrine enshrines. It is also for offering prayers for fine weather and receiving water moderately this coming year. This festival is originated from a Shinto ritual to pray for rain practiced in ancient times. In this festival, tea offering called “Kencha-shiki” will be held. Then, Bugaku (court dance and music offering) will be offered by Gakushinkai and Shikibouchou-no-gi (Kitchen Knife Ceremony) which is a special cooking presented by a traditional manner to offer before the altar will be delivered accordingly. Please also enjoy the nighttime illumination of ornaments (known as "strip of paper") of the Star Festival (Tanabata Matsuri) from July 1st to August 15th.
1Highlight
Shikibouchou-no-gi (Kitchen Knife Ceremony)
Shikibouchou-no-gi (Kitchen Knife Ceremony)
It is astonishing to see how a special chef who wears noble’s headgear, informal clothes worn by nobility from the Heian Era and Hakama, a type of Kimono, cooks fish by knife and chopsticks without touching by hand. It is called “Yusoku Cuisine” which is a banquet cuisine in Heian Era. The chef will cook by following each theme, so please enjoy the skillful cooking by a specialized chef!
2Highlight
夜間點燈
Nighttime illumination
During the specific dates (July 1st to August 15th), there is a nighttime illumination in Kifune Shrine. There are several bamboo trees with strip of paper that writers’ wishes are on. You will surely enjoy the visionary atmosphere of lights with strip of paper!
3Let's join!
Tea ceremony
Tea ceremony
The tea ceremony is held to purify your mind and body, and integrate with the universe by listening to the sound of water. In this tea ceremony, holy water well up in the precinct of Kifune Shrine is used. Koi-cha (a strong infusion of powdered tea) and Usu-cha (a weak infusion of powdered tea) are made and offered before the altar.
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