I often have to remind myself: This is a different trip then the last one, so go see different things!
Today (since it was happening in the neighbourhood near my hotel) I went to check out the Sanja Matsuri, the largest matsuri in Tokyo. Over 2 million people come to Asakusa to attend the matsuri centered around Senso-Ji Temple. It looked really fun and I would have liked to have particpiated. But after watching everyone sweat and heave in 28+ degree heat and humidity, it was better just to watch. And have a beer.
Portable shrines called mikoshi each contain a kami and these kami are paraded around Asakusa, stopping at businesses to spread luck and good fortune. They can be large or really large.
There are little mikoshi for little people.
The mikoshi get carried to the Senso-ji Shrine in Asakusa. The kami inside expect a fun ride, so everyone on carrying duty rock and roll in rhythm, lest the kami inside gets bored. Entertained kami = more blessings and good luck. So the trip to the shrine has to be fun!
Once they get to the shrine, they pay homage and then they go around the back and park and the crew eats obento and drinks beer. It’s hard work!
Now the crews who shoulder the mikoshi are co-ed, but its amazing how the girls look great while the guys all look like me after a day in Singapore (sweaty and sweaty).
This was my first Matsuri, hopefully the first of many. Stayed in Asakusa for most of the afternoon, just taking in the scene. It was a great time. More pix to come later.