Each year, Nonomiya Shrine hosts a reenactment of the departure of the Saigu, an unmarried imperial princess sent to serve as high priestess at the Grand Shrine of Ise (Ise Jingu). The tradition dates to the Heian era. Here, the Saigu has stepped down from her palanquin and is making her way to the river for purification rituals.
More about this historical reenactment...
野宮神社では毎年、平安時代に皇女（内親王）が斎宮として選ばれ、伊勢神宮へ旅立った様子を再現しています。この写真では、斎宮が輿から降り、川での禊の儀式に向かうところです。
