Kifune Shrine, Kyoto

Summer Passing Purification, also known as June Purification, is carried out in many shrines across Japan. This summer ritual often features the use of a large ring made of thatch plants; people cleanse their sins by passing through the holy ring. Situated on a quiet hillside, Kifune-jinja carries out the ancient ritual according to the old protocol. Following the holy ring ceremony, they perform another old rite, which is to let paper dolls (believed to have received impurities from people) float down the stream running through tranquil valleys. Enjoy these ancient traditional events performed in this picturesque mountain area.