Mitarashi Festival at Shimogamo Shrine
Mitarashi Festival at Shimogamo Shrine
July 18 – July 30
The Mitarashi Festival is held every year in midsummer at Shimogamo Shrine. The festival is believed to have originated in the Heian period, when aristocrats performed misogiharae purification rituals to cleanse themselves of sins and impurities at seasonal turning points.
During the festival, participants wade knee-deep into the sacred Mitarashi Pond in front of the Mitarashi Shrine, light candles, and offer prayers for good health and well-being. Even in the height of summer, the spring-fed water remains remarkably cool—staying below 20°C—providing a refreshing and memorable experience for visitors taking part in the ritual.
Shimogamo Shrine（下鴨神社）
Address : 〒606-0807 Kyoto, Sakyo Ward, Shimogamo Izumikawacho, ５９
Hours : 9:00 to 20:00
Admission : Free
Access : 10-minute walk from Demachiyanagi station on the Keihan line, Kyoto city bus No.4 from JR Kyoto station to Shimogamo-jinja-mae Stop.
