As required by the ritual traditions of Kamigamo and Shimogamo shrines as well as by the imperial court, each year a different woman plays the role of the imperial princess/priestess called the "saiyo." This is based on a similiar tradition at the Ise Grand shrines and was adopted by the court and shrines in the early 13th century.
Here we see the saiyo slowly making her way to the inner shrine to pay her respects to Wake Ikazuchi.
All photos and text © Copyright John K. Nelson, 1999