Sumiyoshi Taisha

In this ceremony unique to Sumiyoshi Shrine, a white horse adorned with celebratory gear is guided by priests while circuiting the four main areas of the shrine grounds then galloping around the shrine precinct. This ceremony is based on a ritual from the Heian period (794 to 1185) when the imperial court believed one would receive good fortune if they saw a white horse in the beginning of the year.