On May 4, 2026, the "Misogi Ceremony," in which the Saio-dai (the representative of the imperial princess) purifies her mind and body in preparation for the Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto's three major festivals, was held at Shimogamo Shrine, a World Heritage site in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City. Amidst the sparkling fresh greenery, the Saio-dai, Mao Shiomi (21 years old), dressed in a twelve-layered kimono, gently dipped her fingertips into the Mitarashi Pond within the shrine grounds.
Articles are excerpts from reports and news in the Kyoto Shimbun. Due to automatic translation, some expressions may not be accurate.
