Saigu Procession (Nonomiya Shrine) 2026

Why You Should Visit

Held on the third Sunday of October, centred on Nonomiya Shrine in Sagano, Kyoto; 2026 is the 28th edition. The Saio was an unmarried imperial princess sent to serve at Ise Grand Shrine each time a new emperor took the throne, and she purified herself at Nonomiya before leaving the capital. This procession recreates her journey, the Saio Gunko: around 100 people, including court ladies and officials in Heian-period dress, mounted officials and the Saigu-dai playing the princess, parade through Arashiyama. There is a purification ceremony at Nonomiya Shrine and a misogi rite in which clay dishes are floated away to cleanse impurity. Watching from the roadside is free, so it fits easily into an autumn walk around Arashiyama.

Essentials

location

Nonomiya Shrine and around Arashiyama

period

October 18, 2026 (Sun)

cost

Free to watch

Links

Official Website

Kobe · Gluten-free

Basque cheesecakeBaked with rice flour, no wheat. Whole 12cm, serves 2-3¥4,700 incl. shipping (Japan only)

access

About a 5-minute walk from Randen Arashiyama Station to Nonomiya Shrine. By city bus, get off at Nonomiya.

There are 1 car parks within a 12-minute walk of Nonomiya Shrine and around Arashiyama, and 4 public restrooms within 8 minutes. The map shows each with its walking time.

Facility data comes from OpenStreetMap. It does not include opening hours, fees or availability.

NOTE

Highlights:

Purification ceremony at Nonomiya Shrine
The procession passing through the Nonomiya bamboo grove
The misogi rite: breathing impurity into clay dishes and floating them away

About the Saio Gunko

The journey the Saio made from the capital to Ise Grand Shrine each time a new emperor was enthroned
The custom lasted about 660 years from the Asuka period, with 64 princesses said to have been sent
The original procession numbered several hundred people and took six days

*Renamed from Saigu Yume Gyoretsu to Saigu Gyoretsu in 2005

FAQ

When is it held each year?

On the third Sunday of October. In 2026 that is Sunday, October 18.

Who can I contact for details?

The organiser, the Saigu Event Preservation Society, based at Nonomiya Shrine (075-871-1972).

Calendar

Add it to your calendar so you can check back on it later.

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