The Kitano Goryoe, a Shinto-Buddhist syncretistic ceremony held by Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City) and Enryakuji Temple (Otsu City), the head temple of the Tendai sect, was held at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine on September 4, 2024. A total of 34 priests and monks prayed for the end of epidemics and peace.
The Kitano Goryoe began in the Heian period and was held as part of the Kitano Festival, the most important Shinto ritual at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, but it was discontinued during the Onin War. In 2020, it was revived for the first time in about 550 years.
During the ceremony, the priests and monks entered the main hall together. Following the recitation of a prayer by the chief priest, the monks of Enryakuji Temple performed the Hokke Sammai memorial service. The head priest of Manshuin Temple (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City), a Tendai sect temple with deep ties to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, also attended and offered a sacred branch.
This year marks the fifth year since the festival's revival, and the chief priest reiterated his hope that "it will become a festival to pray for the peace of the people," and said he would like to continue holding the Enryakuji festival in the future.
