On September 4, 2026, the "Kitano Goryoe"—a ritual embodying the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism—was held at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City) in collaboration with Enryakuji Temple (Otsu City), the head temple of the Tendai sect. A group of approximately 20 Shinto priests and Buddhist monks prayed for the warding off of epidemics and for peace in the world.
The Kitano Goryoe is said to have originated in the Heian period as part of the "Kitano Festival," a Shinto ritual at Kitano Tenmangu. Although the practice ceased following the Onin War during the Muromachi period, it was revived in 2020 after a hiatus of roughly 550 years.
The ceremony began around 10:00 a.m. as worshippers looked on. Shinto priests and Buddhist monks ascended to the main hall; after the chief priest of Kitano Tenmangu recited Shinto prayers (*norito*), a Buddhist memorial service was conducted by a group led by Senior Abbot Kakucho Take of Enryakuji, with the sound of chanting sutras echoing across the shrine grounds.
Kitano Tenmangu is currently working to revive the Kitano Festival. In his address to those involved, the shrine's chief priest stated, "In these chaotic times, we have prayed for world peace amidst great difficulty. I hope to bring the Kitano Festival and the Goryoe together while respecting the history of each era."
