On July 23, 2024, yamabushi priests from Shogoin Temple (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City) visited the yama in the center of Kyoto City that will be participating in the procession to pray for the safety of the Gion Festival Atomatsuri float procession (July 24th). A goma fire ceremony was held at En no Gyojayama (Muromachi-dori Sanjo-sagaru, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City), and worshippers prayed for good health.
A group of about 25 yamabushi left Rokkakudo (Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City) at 12:30 pm. To the sound of conch shells and shakujo (sacred staff), they toured Jomyo, Minamikannon, Kitakannon, and Hachiman in order, arriving at Ennogyoja-yama just before 2 pm.
A barrier was set up around Ennogyoja-yama with shimenawa (sacred rope), and a goma altar made of split cypress and Japanese cypress was set up. The shrine's priests mixed sacred water from Yasaka Shrine (Higashiyama Ward) with water taken from the meeting hall's well and sprinkled it on the goma altar.
After a "Yamabushi priests Question and Answer" session in which they answered questions such as "What is Shugendo?" and "What is the origin of goma offerings?", the yamabushi priests entered the barrier and lit the goma altar. Amidst loud noises and billowing white smoke, they chanted sutras and offered prayers. At one point the mixed sacred water was sprinkled on the flames.
