1 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto

This ceremony is held to cleanse us of the sins of the first half of the year and usher in good fortune for the remaining half of the year.  As June 30 is believed to mark the year’s halfway point, similar ceremonies are held at many Kyoto's major shrines, such as Kitano Tenmangu, Kamigamo Shrine and Jonangu.  A large hoop made of dried grass is placed at the entrance to the shrine. It is believed that by walking through this, worshipers will be purified of evil and misfortune and blessed with happiness and good fortune.  On this day, having passed through the purifying hoop, visitors to Jishu-jinja Shrine can enjoy the Hitogata ceremony, as well as other events.