Shimogamo Shrine Nagashi-bina

A traditional Shinto ceremony heralding spring in Kyoto, held at the UNESCO World Heritage Shimogamo Shrine on March 3 each year. The event begins with a prayer ceremony at the main hall and a demonstration of juni-hitoe (twelve-layered kimono) dressing at the Hashidono, followed by the nagashi-bina ritual at the Mitarashi Shrine. Paper hina dolls placed on straw bases are set afloat on the Mitarashi River flowing through the shrine grounds to purify people of impurities and misfortune. The juni-hitoe dressing demonstration is particularly spectacular, and visitors can purchase their own straw-based dolls to float with personal wishes.