Choyo no Sechie at Kokuzo Horinji Temple

Held from 13:00 every September 9 at Kokuzo Horinji, on the hillside just south of Arashiyama's Togetsukyo Bridge. Choyo is known as the Chrysanthemum Sekku, after a Chinese tale in which dew dripping from chrysanthemum petals becomes an elixir of long life. The temple's main hall enshrines a statue of Kiku-jido, the boy of that legend and the subject of the noh play of the same name; after the service, chrysanthemums are offered to the statue with prayers for health and longevity. Noh chanting and dance are also performed. On this day only, the temple grants gumi pouches containing berries believed to ward off misfortune. Better known for its jusan-mairi coming-of-age visits, the temple on this day draws adults praying quietly for their own long life.