Kitano Mantoue and the Foot-Cooling Rite 2026

Kitano Tenmangu

location
Kitano Tenmangu
period
August 1, 2026 (Sat) - August 16, 2026 (Sun)
Time
Mantoue from dusk to 20:00; the foot-cooling rite 9:30–20:00 (last entry 19:40)
cost
The foot-cooling rite is 500 yen including the candle. The National Treasure "stone room" walk-through is 1,000 yen. The grounds' illumination is free to view
access
About 5 min on foot from Kitano-Hakubaicho Station on the Randen line. From JR Enmachi take city bus 203 (about 10 min); from Kyoto Station, bus 50 (about 35 min). By car, about 30 min from the Kyoto-minami or Kyoto-higashi interchange; there is worshippers' parking.

Why You Should Visit

At Kitano Tenmangu, known for the deity of learning, the Obon period brings both an evening illumination of the grounds and a rite in which visitors wade into the Mitarashi stream. Holding a five-coloured candle, you step into the cool water to purify body and mind and pray for a healthy summer. Kitano calls its Tanabata rite the Mitarashi Festival, held on 7 August. From 7 to 11 August you can also walk through the normally closed "stone room" of the National Treasure main hall.

Essentials

location
Kitano Tenmangu
period
August 1, 2026 (Sat) - August 16, 2026 (Sun)
Time
Mantoue from dusk to 20:00; the foot-cooling rite 9:30–20:00 (last entry 19:40)
cost
The foot-cooling rite is 500 yen including the candle. The National Treasure "stone room" walk-through is 1,000 yen. The grounds' illumination is free to view
access
About 5 min on foot from Kitano-Hakubaicho Station on the Randen line. From JR Enmachi take city bus 203 (about 10 min); from Kyoto Station, bus 50 (about 35 min). By car, about 30 min from the Kyoto-minami or Kyoto-higashi interchange; there is worshippers' parking.
NOTE
[During the period]
- Mitarashi Festival rite: 7 August from 10:00
- Walk-through of the National Treasure main hall's stone room: 7–11 August, 10:00–20:00 (last entry 19:40, 1,000 yen)
- Kitano summer fair stalls: 7–11 and 14–16 August, 16:00–20:00
- Tanabata offerings: 7 August 17:30 and 19:00, 8 August 18:00
- Taiko offering: 11 August from 18:00 at the treasure hall

[Also on]
- Treasure hall special opening "Tenjin-sama and the Toyotomi", 10 July – 30 September, 10:00–16:30 (last entry 16:00)

*Reception for the foot rite closes at 19:40. You will be standing in water, so bring a towel.
*Reception times may change around the rituals.

出典: 北野天満宮 公式サイト

FAQ

What should I bring for the foot rite?
Pay the 500-yen offering and you receive a five-coloured candle. You will stand in the stream, so a towel and shoes that slip on and off make it easier. Reception closes at 19:40.
Is an evening visit enough?
The Mantoue illumination runs from dusk to 20:00, so evening is the main window. The foot rite also ends at 20:00 with reception closing at 19:40, so arriving around 18:00 lets you do both.

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