Izumo Taisha Sagami Bunshi (in Hadano City, Kanagawa Prefecture), affectionately known as "Izumo of Kanto," will hold its "Natsu-Mōde" (Summer Pilgrimage) from July 1 (Wed), 2026 to August 31 (Mon), 2026. "Natsu-Mōde" is a new seasonal tradition inspired by the custom of performing the "Ōharae" (Great Purification) ritual at year-end and visiting shrines for Hatsumōde (New Year's visit). In this practice, people visit shrines in summer—specifically after the mid-year purification ritual "Nagoshi no Harae" held at the end of June—to cleanse themselves of impurities accumulated over the first half of the year, express gratitude for safety, and pray for continued health in the coming half-year. Izumo Taisha Sagami Bunshi is a branch shrine of Izumo Taisha Kyō, dedicated to Ōkuninushi-no-Ōkami, the principal deity enshrined at Izumo Taisha in Shimane Prefecture. Established in Hadano City in 1888 (Meiji 21) to spread the deity's blessings throughout the Kanto region, it has become widely beloved as "Izumo of Kanto." The shrine enshrines Ōkuninushi-no-Ōkami (affectionately known as Daikoku-sama) and Kotoshironushi-no-Ōkami, allowing visitors in Kanto to receive the same divine blessings as those visiting the main Izumo Taisha in Shimane without making the long journey. Revered for benefits including matchmaking, business prosperity, household safety, academic success, and misfortune avoidance, the shrine is cherished as a guardian deity of the local community. This year's "Natsu-Mōde" will feature a variety of special events, including a limited-edition summer-themed goshuin (shrine stamp) designed with the Chinese lantern plant (hōzuki), traditionally offered as an offering during Obon; a "mizu omikuji" (water fortune slip) that reveals your fortune when placed in water; and dynamic performances by the energetic "Hadano Kankō Wadaiko" (Hadano Tourism Taiko Drum) group, among other seasonal attractions to welcome both pilgrims and local visitors. Additionally, the shrine