Mitarashi Festival at Shimogamo Shrine

On the day of Doyoo-no-Ushi, a full 18 days before the traditional beginning of autumn in August, the shrine hosts Mitarashi, a ritual foot bathing.

Thousands of people flock to the pond in front of Mitarashi shrine, dedicated to the god protecting against plague and misfortune. Devotees believe that if they wash their feet in this pond on this day, they will be blessed by god.

In addition to these prayers, many people also receive mitarashi dango, sticky rice balls covered in sweet sauce, invented on the grounds near the eponymous shrine. The first mitarashi dango shop opened in a stall in the shrine forest, and today, many food vendors line the grounds during this festival.

Date: 23rd to 26th July

Hours: 10:00 to 21:00

Fee: 100 yen for purchasing a candle

Access from Kyoto Hana Hostel: Catch No.205 Kyoto city bus at Kyoto station bus terminal and get off [Shimogamo jinjya mae].