One of the most famous festivals in all of Japan, July in Kyoto is completely dominated by the Gion Festival.

Throughout the two days of the festival various performances are held to entertain those who come to pray, including taiko drum concerts and dance exhibitions. A Motomiya-odori dance is also held in the evenings.

Eighteen days before the official start of autumn, Shimogamo Shrine holds the Mitarashi Festival on their grounds, where people wade through water to the Mitarai-sha subsidiary shrine to pray for their health.