Mitarashi-sai｜御手洗祭

On the hottest day of the year, Shimogamo Shrine holds the Mitarashi Festival on their grounds, centered at the Mitarai-sha subsidiary shrine.  

Participants pay ¥500 to receive a small candle and wade into the water, passing under a small arched bridge and proceeding towards the sub-shrine.  Because it comes from an underground spring, the water is clear and cold despite the summer heat.  After placing the candle and saying prayers participants receive a cup of the spring water (bottled pre-wading, of course) to drink.  

Those interested can then purchase special omamori or foot-shaped ema.  It’s said that wading through these waters during the festival guarantees your health for the year, particularly for your legs!