The traditional Shinkosai festival of Matsuo Taisha Shrine (Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City) was held on April 26, 2026, in Nishikyo Ward, Ukyo Ward, and other areas of Kyoto City. Six portable shrines (mikoshi) crossed the Katsura River by boat in a magnificent "boat procession" (funatogyo), with the shrine bearers shouting energetically, drawing large crowds of spectators.
The Shinkosai festival is said to have begun in the Heian period and is known locally as "Oide." Six portable shrines parade from Matsuo Taisha Shrine to the temporary shrine (Otabisho). The boat procession was discontinued in 1963 but was revived in 1983.
The portable shrines departed Matsuo Taisha Shrine that morning after a departure ceremony held at the main shrine, circling the worship hall three times. They arrived at the right bank of the Katsura River, upstream of Katsura Bridge, in the early afternoon. Starting with the first portable shrine, the procession, led by the boat carrying the child, was followed by the parishioners carrying the shrine, who entered the river chanting "Hoitto, Hoitto," and carried the shrine across to the opposite bank. Large crowds of spectators gathered on the riverbank and at Katsura Bridge, joining the bearers in the chants and snapping photos.
The portable shrine then proceeded to three temporary shrines, including the Nishishichijo Otabisho. The return procession to Matsunoo Taisha Shrine, known as "Okaeri," takes place on May 17th.
