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.
Around 10:30 AM, the sounds of gagaku (ancient Japanese court music) filled the air as the Saio-dai's splendid procession, accompanied by approximately 50 young girls and court ladies, arrived near the Mitarashi Pond. After receiving a purification ritual from the Shinto priests, Mao Shiomi, along with the girls, moved to the ceremonial area set up at the edge of the Mitarashi Pond and dipped the fingertips of both hands into the water.
The women participating in the procession performed a unique ritual of Shimogamo Shrine, transferring their impurities to sacred skewers made of split bamboo and purifying them by floating them down the Mitarai River. Princess Akiko of the Mikasa family was also present and observed the series of ceremonies.
After the ceremony, Mao Shiomi said, "I feel purified and ready. I was worried because of the unstable weather, but I'm happy that the weather turned out to be perfect for the purification ritual."
The Aoi Festival will be held on May 15th. The purification ritual began in 1956 when the Saio-dai (Imperial Princess's representative) was established, and is performed annually at both Kamigamo and Shimogamo Shrines, alternating between the two.
