Kyoto's Gion Festival Ends with Epidemic Shrine Summer‑Crossing Ritual on July 31, 2026

The month‑long Gion Festival in Kyoto concludes on July 31, 2026 with the Epidemic Shrine Summer‑Crossing Festival (疫神社夏越祭) held at Yasaka Shrine. The ceremony, which begins at 10:00 a.m., features the installation of a large thatch‑ring (茅の輪) at the shrine’s torii and draws many worshippers seeking protection from illness.

According to shrine legend, the deity Somin Shorai once sheltered the wandering god Susano‑no‑Mikoto, who promised that wearing a thatch‑ring would ward off epidemics. To commemorate this story, the shrine distributes a special pendant, the “Chinwa‑mamori,” and a sweet rice cake, “Awamochi,” exclusively on this day.

The event is part of the broader Gion Festival schedule, which includes the pre‑festival and post‑festival processions, night‑time mountain‑float parades, and other rituals throughout July.