The Saioh system lasted for about 660 years fromthe Asuka period around 1300 years ago.
It is said that the first Saioh was Princess Ohku,
daughter of Emperor Tenmu, who was sent to Ise
Grand Shrine to serve there.
The Saioh Festival started as the remembranceof past Saiohs and people related to the land of Saiku,
and it has been growing yesr by year.
Now it has become a grand festivity that attracts a lotof visitors from in and out of Mie prefecture.
Currently all the activities of the Saioh Festival aremanaged by dedicated volunteers.

Highlights of the Saioh Festival
Saturday, the Festival Eve
You can enjoy a graceful world of performers
with fancy clothing on the lighted-up stage
in the dusk as if in the Heian-era picture scroll.

Sunday, the departure ceremony to the welcome ceremony
The departure ceremony takes place at the lawn field behind Saiku station
regarded as Nonomiya in Kyoto.
After the purification ritual, Saioh and her suites make the procession along
the ancient street, beautifully reenacting the six day and five night journey from Kyoto to Ise.

At the Saiku Historical Museum site, the welcome ceremony is held by mayor of Ise city and director of Saiku
bureau to greet Saioh and her suites.

Procession illustration presented by courtesy of Saiku Historical Museum

Sad and sorrowful stories of Saioh
Saioh was an unmarried female who served at
Ise Grand Shrine on behalf of the Japaneseemperor. She was chosen from among
daughters and sisters of the emperor.
After she was chosen by divination, the new
Saioh spent about three years at the capital (Kyoto)for preparation, and then set out to the landof Saiku.
Saiohs who served God as High Priestess werenot allowed to fall in love.
Among more than sixty Saiohs, there were many sad and sorrowful stories. Some committed suicide to provetheir innocence. Some had to see off their lovers at the port after unpermitted affairs.

Saioh Festival – Attractive events for people of all ages from children to adults
Part 1: Enjoy various fancy foods at the festival!
At the main site (Saiku Historical Museum), more than 100 booths of activities
and food stands offer class B gourmet and local gourmet you can only taste inMeiwa town. Early eating tour is recommended since foods at popular stores
may sell out quickly.
Part 2: Stamp rally for children (free of charge)
On Sunday, the main festival day, the stamp rally is held for children ofprimary school age and under. Find all
the stamps hidden in the Saioh Festival and get a free gift!
Part 3: Take your own pictures and apply for the photo contest
The photo contest is held at the Saioh Festival. Submit your most impressing shots of the festival to the contest.
Access: The Saioh Festival is held on the northside of Kintetsu Saiku station, around
Itsukinomiya Hall for Historical Experience,
and around Saiku Historical Museum.
The Saioh Festival falls on the first Saturday
and Sunday of June every year when iris
ensata is in full bloom. Have a great time on
the festival with beautiful flowers.
For more details please refer to the website ofthe Saioh Festival.

Issuer: Executive committee of the Saioh Festival
2811 Saiku Meiwa-cho, Taki-gun, Mie 515-0321 Japan TEL: 0596-52-0054 FAX: 0596-52-7274 http://saioh.jp