Background
夏越の祓 Nagoshi no Harae
DateWed, Jun 30in 257 days
CrowdsQuiet
CostFree to watch
If it rainsHeld in the rain
A purification ritual on June 30 marking the halfway point of the year. In Kyoto people eat the triangular sweet minazuki at this time.
- Where
- 上賀茂神社・北野天満宮ほか各神社
- How to enjoy it
- Try minazuki at a wagashi shop; many sell it only in June.
Background
Nagoshi no Harae, held every June 30, purifies the impurities of the first half of the year and prays for health in the second. Shrines set up a large chinowa ring of woven kaya grass; worshippers pass through it in a figure-eight to ward off misfortune. Kamigamo Shrine, Kitano Tenmangu and others all hold it.
What to see
- Passing through the chinowa ring in a figure-eight
- Hitogata purification: write your name on a paper doll to transfer misfortune
- Held around June 30 at shrines, in a solemn atmosphere
Timeline
- June 30
- Nagoshi no Harae rite (times vary by shrine)
- Mid-June - June 30
- Chinowa ring generally installed (varies by shrine)
How to watch
- Free to join
- The ring is usually up for a period around the rite, not only on June 30
- Paper dolls available at the shrine office (often free or a small offering)
Getting there
Kamigamo Shrine: city bus to Kamigamo-jinja-mae. Kitano Tenmangu: get off at Kitano Tenmangu-mae bus stop.
Good to know
Can foreigners take part?
Yes, passing through the ring is open to all worshippers.
Do I need a reservation?
No.
How do I pass through the ring?
Three times in a figure-eight: left, right, left. Shrines post diagrams.
Is it held in the rain?
Yes, rain or shine.