Motomiya-sai｜本宮祭

Going to Fushimi Inari Taisha is a good decision any day of the week, but for those who want to combine it with a more festive environment, you should drop by for the Motomiya Festival, when Inari Shrine parishioners from all over the country gather at Fushimi Inari to worship.  

This two day event, the Yomiya-sai and Motomiya-sai in mid-summer, is a lively, lantern-based celebration.  Starting from the evening of the first festival day, thousands of stone and wood lanterns scattered all over Mt. Inari will be lit, and laypeople who donate lanterns will also hang them on the paths throughout the shrine.  Traditional artists collaborate and donate beautifully painted square paper lanterns that are lit around the circumference of the main shrine area at the base of the mountain.  

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 traditional Motomiya-odori dance is also held in the evenings.