Yasurai Matsuri of Imamiya Shrine is a colorful Spring Festival to pray for good health and ward off sickness. Imamiya Shrine in the Murasakino district of Northern Kyoto was a small shrine pre-dating the founding of the city as the capital in 794. It was moved to its present location in 1001 in response to a plague in the area.

The Yasurai Matsuri is done to bring the God of Health back to the area since he becomes distracted by the Cherry Blossoms. The red umbrellas are designed to attract his attention and those who pass under them will have good health for a whole year. The festival is held on the second Sunday of April.

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