Hirano Shrine to host traditional festivals in Kyoto

Hirano Shrine in Kyoto will host its annual Gochinza Kinen-sai and Hoto-sai festivals on September 14, 2026. These traditional events commemorate the shrine's history of being relocated from Heijo-kyo to its current location during the transition to the Heian capital.

The festivities include solemn morning rituals followed by performances of folk songs, dance, and gagaku music. In the evening, the Hoto-sai features approximately 600 lanterns illuminating the shrine grounds, accompanied by various performing arts such as Noh, poetry recitation, and traditional Japanese dance.