2025/5/4

On Sunday, April 20, the 2025 Matsunoo Saijin Kosai Festival for Matsunoo Taisha Shrine in Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto was held in grand fashion.

Together with local residents, Kyoto University of Foreign Studies (KUFS) students—many of them from the from the Munakata-sha Junior Chamber—took part in the portable shrine procession for Munakata Shrine, traveling from Matsunoo Taisha Shrine's Oide Matsuri Festival to the Nishi-Shichijo Tabisho Chakugyosai Festival while personally savoring the rich, traditional culture of the former ancient capital of Kyoto.

The precession included the rite known as Funatogyo, wherein the portable shrine is loaded onto a boat to cross the Katsura River, as well as the rite of offering rice dumplings at seven shrines along the east bank of the river.

The valuable exchanges with local community members provided through this event enabled students to deepen their understanding of local history and culture while cultivating a stronger spirit of local-community contribution.

KUFS students plan to participate in the upcoming Matsunoo Taisha Shrine Okaeri Matsuri procession as well on Sunday, May 11.

Related website: https://www.matsunoo.or.jp/en/

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